Dealer visit checklist

2025 Toyota Corolla checklist

Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.

Inspect the car

Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)

Oil consumption can be slightly elevated on the 2.0L Dynamic Force engine if owner skips oil changes beyond 5,000-mile intervals
Infotainment touchscreen (8-inch on base trims) occasionally requires a reboot to restore Bluetooth connectivity
Road and wind noise intrusion at highway speeds is a recurring complaint, especially on base LE and XLE trims without acoustic glass
Adaptive cruise control can be overly sensitive in stop-and-go traffic, applying brakes more abruptly than expected
CVT transmission can feel rubbery or sluggish during hard acceleration from a stop, which some owners find frustrating

Know the typical price: about $22,000 for this model year
Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away