FAQ: BUYER CHECKLIST

A guide to help you make a confident, informed purchase.

At CURATED OVR LND, we want you to have a great buying experience. Every vehicle on our platform has a story, but each one is different, and only you can determine whether a specific vehicle is right for you.

This checklist is here to help you ask the right questions, request the right materials, and understand the true condition of the vehicle before moving forward. If you’re ever unsure or uncomfortable about a purchase, the best advice we can offer is simple:

Don’t buy it. There will always be another great one.

Use this as a guide to help you speak with sellers, request documentation, and complete your due diligence.

1. Core Due Diligence (All Vehicles)

Documentation

  • Verify VIN matches title, registration, and any documentation.
  • Ask for copies of:
    • Title and registration
    • Service records (full history preferred)
    • Receipts for modifications or upgrades
  • Confirm whether the vehicle comes with:
    • Owner’s manuals
    • Two keys
    • Original window sticker / build sheet
    • Spare parts or accessories

Key Questions for the Seller

  • How long have you owned the vehicle?
  • Why are you selling it?
  • Any accidents, paintwork, or insurance claims?
  • Any mechanical issues — including intermittent ones?
  • Any leaks or recent warning lights?
  • Does it burn oil, consume coolant, or run unusually?
  • What maintenance has been done recently? What is coming up?
  • Any quirks, known issues, or “classic car realities” the next owner should expect?

Recommended Visual Evidence

(Ask for these even if the listing already includes some.)

  • Cold start video
  • Warm idle video
  • Full walk-around
  • Driving video (acceleration, cruising, braking)
  • Undercarriage photos
  • Interior functions demo (windows, AC, top, 4x4 selector, etc.)
  • OBD-II code scan (if applicable)
  • Photos of any rust, flaws, wear, cracks, or dents

2. Mechanical & Condition Checklist

Engine & Drivetrain

  • Starts cleanly when cold
  • No smoke on startup (blue, white, black)
  • Smooth idle and acceleration
  • No knocking, ticking, or metallic noises
  • Transmission shifts smoothly
  • 4WD/AWD engages correctly (if equipped)

Fluids

(Ask for photos or view on a video call.)

  • Oil level and condition
  • Coolant condition
  • Brake fluid clarity
  • Power steering fluid
  • Evidence of leaks underneath

Suspension & Steering

  • No clunks or knocks over bumps
  • Tracks straight at speed
  • Even tire wear
  • For air suspension: no sagging after sitting, no warning messages

Brakes

  • Smooth braking without vibration
  • No ABS or brake warning lights
  • Parking brake holds properly

Electrical & Interior Systems

  • All lights functioning
  • Windows, locks, mirrors, HVAC operating properly
  • Radio, infotainment, and gauges working as expected

3. Specialty Sections

A. Classic & Vintage Cars

  • Clean cold start for era
  • Ask about:
    • Recent plugs, wires, ignition components
    • Carburetor rebuild/tuning
    • Timing chain/belt age
  • Inspect for rust:
    • Floors, rockers, wheel wells, jacking points
  • Examine bushings, mounts, hoses for cracking or age fatigue

B. Modified Cars & Off-Road Builds

  • Request complete list of modifications
  • Ask who performed the work (shop vs. DIY)
  • Confirm:
    • Lift geometry corrected
    • Steering components upgraded
    • Aftermarket lighting wired safely
    • Winch, lockers, and 4x4 systems functional
    • No rubbing under full lock
    • Skid plates intact

C. Overland Builds

  • Inspect:
    • Roof rack mounting and integrity
    • Roof tent condition (fabric, zippers, mold)
    • Auxiliary power systems (solar, battery, inverter)
    • Fridge operation
    • Water system functionality
    • Suspension rated for added weight
  • Ask how frequently equipment was used

D. Convertibles, Soft Tops & Targas

Be sure to check for:

  • Fabric condition
  • Window clarity
  • Operation of hydraulic/manual mechanisms
  • Evidence of leaks (request hose-test)
  • Frame alignment and condition

4. Inspection Recommendations

Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) — Strongly Encouraged

We recommend a third-party PPI for every purchase.
Ask the shop to review:

  • Compression/leak-down (if relevant)
  • Rust/structural integrity
  • Undercarriage
  • Bushings and suspension
  • Stored computer codes
  • Any signs of prior accident repair

In-Person Visit

If possible, fly out and see the vehicle yourself.
Test:

  • Cold start
  • Highway speeds
  • Hard braking
  • Tight turns
  • All accessories & functions

Remote Purchase Guidance

If buying sight unseen:

  • Do a live video call
  • Request close-ups of VIN plates
  • Ask seller to show:
    • Cold start
    • Undercarriage
    • Paint imperfections
    • Top operation (if convertible)
    • Driveability at various speeds
  • We recommend a pre-purchase inspection (PPI)

5. Final Decision Checklist

Before moving forward, confirm you’re comfortable with:

  • Mechanical condition
  • Cosmetic condition
  • Frame and underbody
  • Modifications and quality of work
  • Upcoming maintenance needs
  • Service history
  • Total ownership cost (transport, tax, insurance)
  • Your comfort level — if anything feels off, pause and revisit

6. Partners

We recommend a few partners to help our buyers and sellers have a great transaction.

KeySavvy is a service that facilitates secure private-party vehicle sales by acting as a licensed dealer to handle the payment and title transfer process. It simplifies transactions for both buyers and sellers by verifying ownership, processing payments online, providing temporary permits, and handling title and loan payoffs, reducing the risks of fraud and logistical complications common in private sales. KeySavvy provides benefits like secure payment for sellers and the ability for buyers to use their own financing or receive a temporary permit for immediate driving.

Lemon Squad is a company that provides nationwide pre-purchase used car inspections performed by mobile, third-party technicians. They offer a thorough, multi-point inspection that includes checking mechanical components, looking for accident or flood damage, and performing a road test. Buyers receive a detailed report with photos to help them make a more informed purchase decision.

7. Responsibility & Legal Notice

CURATED OVR LND is not a dealership and does not inspect vehicles, verify condition, or provide any warranties, guarantees, or representations regarding any vehicle listed on the platform.

All vehicles are sold as-is, where-is, and the buyer is solely responsible for evaluating the vehicle’s condition, authenticity, and suitability prior to purchase.

You acknowledge that:

  • You understand that CURATED OVR LND does not verify vehicle condition,
  • You assume all responsibility for your purchase decision, and
  • You agree to our full Terms & Conditions.