How to perform a vehicle inspection

In this article, you’ll learn how to perform a full vehicle inspection before listing a car for auction on DealerClub. A thorough inspection helps ensure your Condition Report (CR) is accurate, transparent, and trustworthy — giving buyers confidence and helping you achieve stronger auction results.

The process includes a visual walk-around, a test drive, and documenting the vehicle’s mechanical and cosmetic condition through photos and notes. Follow the steps below to complete a full inspection and prep your vehicle for auction.

1 Scan the VIN

To begin, upload the vehicle to DealerClub using the mobile app:

1. Open the DealerClub app on your mobile device
2. Tap New Auction
3. Scan the VIN barcode using your camera, or enter it manually
4. When prompted, take a photo of the VIN label and click Upload Photo

Once the VIN is uploaded, you’re ready to begin the inspection process.

2 Conduct a walk-around inspection

Complete a full walk-around of the vehicle and document cosmetic condition.

• Capture clear images of:
  
  • Exterior (all angles)
  • Interior (seats, dash, console)
  • Tires and tread depth
  • Paint scratches or dents
  • Undercarriage
  • Dashboard (including odometer and warning lights)
    
• Mark any visible damage in the app for full disclosure

Note: Providing detailed images improves buyer trust and reduces arbitration risk.

Once the cosmetic details are disclosed and images are added, you’ll want to take the vehicle for a test drive.

3 Perform a test drive

The next step is to evaluate vehicle performance. This is key for an accurate CR.

• Check for:
  
  • Fluid leaks (oil, transmission, coolant)
  • Air conditioning
  • Electronic systems (radio, lights, windows)
    
• Take a 10-minute test drive, reaching at least 60 mph to:
  
  • Assess engine and transmission performance
  • Note unusual sounds, vibrations, or handling issues

Use this experience to inform condition details and “Guarantees” in the CR.

4 Fill out the condition details

You can continue the inspection flow in the app or log in on desktop.

On desktop:

1. Go to your Command Center
2. Click My Vehicles
3. Select the vehicle to open the listing

Vehicle description

• Write a clear, honest overview of the vehicle’s condition
• Include any standout features or seller insights

Guarantees

• Indicate whether features are guaranteed to be working
• If guaranteed, add brief supporting detail (e.g., “AC runs ice cold”)

• If not guaranteed, you must add a comment explaining why

• This is also where you’ll record the results of the fluid check and test drive

Grade

• Select the condition grade based on your honest assessment
• Think about what you’d want to know if you were the buyer

Options

• Add any vehicle features that may increase buyer interest (e.g., sunroof, leather seats)

Badges

• Choose up to six badges that highlight selling points (e.g., “One Owner,” “Well Maintained”)

5 Schedule the vehicle for auction

Once your Condition Report is fully completed:

1. Review all condition details and attached images
   
2. Select Schedule Auction to list the vehicle

Your inspection is now complete, and the vehicle is ready to go live in DealerClub.