For Buyers
15 things to check before buying a $60K-and-up car
Buying a high-value car, especially from far away, means checking a lot more than the photos. Here are the 15 things we'd want to know before sending a deposit. Many of them are built right into every DDD Report.
Written by Deep Due Diligence
- 01
The VIN matches the car, the title, the listing and the records.
In a DDD Report: Vehicle identity, specifications and supporting documents
- 02
The seller owns the car or has the right to sell it.
In a DDD Report: Ownership and authority to sell
- 03
You understand the title status, any loan on the car and how it will be paid off.
In a DDD Report: Ownership and authority to sell; Public Record Checks
- 04
The odometer reading lines up with the mileage history.
In a DDD Report: Mileage timeline and Red-flag checks
- 05
Service records are gathered and dated.
In a DDD Report: Service History
- 06
Any gaps in the service history are pointed out, not buried.
In a DDD Report: Service History
- 07
Paint and body work are documented, ideally with paint thickness readings.
In a DDD Report: Damage map and Paint readings
- 08
A shop has looked at the underside for leaks, rust and damage.
In a DDD Report: Inspection findings and video
- 09
A cold start, a scan for warning codes, tires, brakes and fluids have been checked.
In a DDD Report: Inspection section and video chapters
- 10
Modifications, tuning and any track use are disclosed.
In a DDD Report: How this car was used and kept
- 11
The options and build match the car being sold.
In a DDD Report: Equipment and Factory Papers
- 12
Keys, manuals, the spare and accessories are accounted for.
In a DDD Report: What comes with the car
- 13
Open recalls have been checked.
In a DDD Report: Public Record Checks and Red-flag checks
- 14
You know what the inspection covered and what it didn't.
In a DDD Report: What this inspection did not cover
- 15
You have a safe plan for payment, title transfer, transport and handoff.
In a DDD Report: Before you send money
Editorial note (pending approval): Item 15 uses the word “safe,” which is on the list of words not to use as a claim about DDD or the vehicle. The supplied wording is shown above unchanged and is flagged for Chris's approval before it is treated as final.
It's your money. Ask for a DDD Report before you buy.