Used Car Buying Checklist: AI-Powered Inspection Guide (SKANYX)

Buying a used car? Don't buy blind. This 15-point AI-powered checklist uses SKANYX to inspect every critical system before you commit. Follow this guide to avoid buying a lemon.

The Complete 15-Point Checklist

Before You Arrive

1. Bring SKANYX

• [ ] SKANYX adapter (OBD2)
• [ ] Phone/tablet with SKANYX app installed
• [ ] Charged device
• [ ] Know where OBD2 port is (usually under dashboard, driver's side)

2. Research the Vehicle

• [ ] Check vehicle history report
• [ ] Research common problems for this make/model/year
• [ ] Know fair market value
• [ ] Set your maximum price

Step 1: Initial Visual Inspection (5 minutes)

3. Exterior Check

• [ ] Body damage (dents, scratches, rust)
• [ ] Paint condition (mismatched panels = accident)
• [ ] Tire condition (wear, age, brand match)
• [ ] Glass (cracks, chips)
• [ ] Lights (all working)

4. Interior Check

• [ ] Seat wear (should match mileage)
• [ ] Dashboard condition
• [ ] Controls (all buttons work)
• [ ] Odor (mold, smoke, flood damage)
• [ ] Overall cleanliness

Step 2: SKANYX Diagnostic Scan (10 minutes)

5. Connect and Scan

• [ ] Locate OBD2 port
• [ ] Connect SKANYX adapter
• [ ] Run full diagnostic scan
• [ ] Wait for complete analysis (2-3 minutes)

6. Check Health Score

• [ ] Review overall health score (0-100)
• [ ] Target: 70+ (good condition)
• [ ] Yellow flag: 40-70 (investigate)
• [ ] Red flag: <40 (walk away)

7. Review Active Codes

• [ ] Check for active diagnostic codes
• [ ] Target: 0 codes (ideal)
• [ ] Yellow flag: 1-2 minor codes
• [ ] Red flag: 3+ codes or critical codes

8. Check Stored Codes

• [ ] Review historical codes
• [ ] Look for recurring problems
• [ ] Check for codes cleared recently (possible tampering)
• [ ] Red flag: Many codes cleared right before sale

9. Review System Status

• [ ] Engine system status
• [ ] Transmission system status
• [ ] ABS/Brake system status
• [ ] Electrical system status
• [ ] All other systems

Step 3: AI Analysis (5 minutes)

10. Review AI Predictions

• [ ] Check failure predictions
• [ ] Review maintenance needs
• [ ] Identify future problems
• [ ] Red flag: Critical predictions (expensive repairs)

11. Get Cost Estimates

• [ ] Review repair cost estimates
• [ ] Factor into purchase price
• [ ] Budget for future repairs
• [ ] Use for negotiation

12. Use AI Chat for Questions

• [ ] Ask about any codes you don't understand
• [ ] Get explanations in plain English
• [ ] Understand severity of problems
• [ ] Get repair recommendations

Step 4: Test Drive with Live Data (15 minutes)

13. Monitor Live Data During Drive

• [ ] Start live data monitoring
• [ ] Monitor engine RPM (should be steady)
• [ ] Check coolant temperature (should stabilize)
• [ ] Monitor battery voltage (should be stable)
• [ ] Watch fuel trim values
• [ ] Test transmission shifting

14. Test Different Conditions

• [ ] City driving (stop and go)
• [ ] Highway driving (steady speed)
• [ ] Acceleration (full throttle)
• [ ] Braking (hard stops)
• [ ] Watch for red flags in live data

15. Post-Drive Analysis

• [ ] Run post-drive scan
• [ ] Compare to pre-drive scan
• [ ] Check for new codes
• [ ] Review health score change
• [ ] Make final decision

Detailed Checklist Explanations

Health Score Guide

70-100 (Green - Good):

• Car is in good condition
• All systems operating normally
• No immediate concerns
• Action: Proceed with purchase

40-70 (Yellow - Fair):

• Some systems showing wear
• Issues detected but not critical
• Maintenance needed soon
• Action: Investigate further, negotiate price

0-40 (Red - Critical):

• Serious problems detected
• Immediate attention required
• Risk of breakdown
• Action: Walk away or negotiate heavily

Active Codes Guide

0 Codes (Ideal):

• No active problems
• Systems operating normally
• Action: Good sign, proceed

1-2 Minor Codes:

• Minor issues detected
• May be fixable
• Action: Investigate, factor into price

3+ Codes or Critical Codes:

• Multiple problems
• Serious issues
• Action: Red flag, walk away or negotiate heavily

Stored Codes Guide

Few Stored Codes (Normal):

• Some past issues (normal)
• Codes cleared after repair
• Action: Acceptable

Many Stored Codes:

• Past problems
• Recurring issues
• Action: Investigate, red flag

Codes Cleared Recently:

• Possible tampering
• Seller hiding problems
• Action: Major red flag, walk away

AI Predictions Guide

No Critical Predictions:

• No major failures predicted
• Car should be reliable
• Action: Good sign, proceed

Some Predictions:

• Future maintenance needed
• Non-critical issues
• Action: Factor into price

Critical Predictions:

• Major failures predicted
• Expensive repairs needed
• Action: Red flag, walk away or negotiate heavily

Red Flags: When to Walk Away

Immediate Walk-Away Signs

1. Health Score <40

• Critical condition
• Multiple failures
• Expensive repairs needed

2. Multiple Active Codes

• 3+ active codes
• Critical codes (P0300, P0420, etc.)
• System failures

3. Evidence of Tampering

• Codes cleared recently
• Health score doesn't match condition
• Suspicious patterns

4. Critical Predictions

• Major failures predicted
• Expensive repairs needed
• Unsafe to drive

5. Seller Refuses Inspection

• Won't let you scan
• Hides problems
• Rushes you

Yellow Flags: Investigate Further

1. Health Score 40-70

• Fair condition
• Some issues
• Needs investigation

2. Some Active Codes

• 1-2 codes
• Minor issues
• May be fixable

3. Some Predictions

• Non-critical predictions
• Future maintenance
• Factor into price

Using the Checklist: Real Example

The Car

2018 Honda Civic

• Price: €12,000
• Mileage: 60,000 km
• Looks: Clean

Checklist Results

Step 1: Visual Inspection

• ✅ Exterior: Good condition
• ✅ Interior: Clean, wear matches mileage
• Verdict: Pass

Step 2: SKANYX Scan

• ✅ Health score: 78 (good)
• ✅ Active codes: 0
• ✅ Stored codes: 1 (minor, cleared)
• ✅ Systems: All normal
• Verdict: Pass

Step 3: AI Analysis

• ✅ Predictions: None critical
• ✅ Cost estimates: €0 (no repairs needed)
• Verdict: Pass

Step 4: Test Drive

• ✅ Live data: All normal
• ✅ Post-drive scan: No new codes
• ✅ Health score: 77 (maintained)
• Verdict: Pass

Final Decision:

• ✅ All checks passed
• ✅ Car in good condition
• ✅ Proceed with purchase
• ✅ Negotiated: €11,800 (used minor stored code)

Tips for Success

Before Inspection

1. Be Prepared

• Bring SKANYX
• Charge device
• Know what to check
• Research vehicle

2. Plan Time

• Allow 45-60 minutes
• Don't rush
• Be thorough

During Inspection

1. Follow Checklist

• Don't skip steps
• Check everything
• Take notes

2. Use AI Chat

• Ask questions
• Get explanations
• Understand problems

After Inspection

1. Review Everything

• Check all data
• Review predictions
• Get cost estimates

2. Make Decision

• Use all information
• Factor in costs
• Negotiate if needed

The Bottom Line

15-Point Checklist:

1. Bring SKANYX
2. Research vehicle
3. Exterior check
4. Interior check
5. Connect and scan
6. Check health score
7. Review active codes
8. Check stored codes
9. Review system status
10. Review AI predictions
11. Get cost estimates
12. Use AI Chat
13. Monitor live data
14. Test different conditions
15. Post-drive analysis

Key Benefits:

• Comprehensive inspection
• AI-powered analysis
• Data-driven decision
• Avoid buying lemons

Best Practice:

• Follow all 15 points
• Don't skip steps
• Use all data to decide
• Negotiate based on findings

Try SKANYX Checklist Today

Don't buy a used car blind. Use SKANYX's AI-powered checklist to inspect before you buy.

Why SKANYX Checklist:

• 15-point comprehensive guide
• AI-powered analysis
• Health score assessment
• Cost estimates
• Avoid buying lemons

Try SKANYX - Use the AI-powered checklist | See SKANYX pricing | Learn about SKANYX features | Complete Used Car Buying Guide Don't buy blind. Use SKANYX to inspect before you commit.