- Examine the car's exterior thoroughly. Look for rust, dents and evidence that portions of the car have rusted out and been repaired with body putty.

- Look under car for breaks in the frame and signs that frame has been welded.

 

- Check for excessive rusting of frame.

 

- Examine condition of muffler, tailpipe and exhaust pipe.

 

- Look for signs of oil or transmission fluid leakage under the car.

 

- Check for signs of fluid leakage from shock absorbers.

 

- Examine condition of tires, including inside surfaces.

 

- Look for signs of brake fluid leaking on the inside of tires.

 

- Walk around the car and check the condition of window glass.

 

- Examine the condition of lenses of all lights - front, back and sides.

 

- Test all lights to make certain they are functioning - headlights, taillights, flashers, backup lights, brake lights, turn signals, etc.

 

- Push down on the corners of the car, front and back, to check the shock absorbers. If the car bounces up & down several times, the shocks are worn.

 

- Stand back and see if the car is level. If not, the springs may be weak.

 

- From a distance, look for evidence of an accident, dents, paint that doesn't match, ripples in the fenders, etc.

 

- Check the spare tire. If it is cupped or worn unevenly, something may be wrong with the front end and a front tire is being used as a spare.

 

- Make sure the car has a jack and that it is in good working condition.

 

- Lift the hood of the car and examine the condition of the belts and hoses.

 

- Check the battery to see if it is cracked.

 

- Pull out the oil dipstick to see how dirty the oil is.

 

- Check stickers ( on doorposts or under hood ) to see when the car had its last oil change and lubrication, and whether it was serviced regularly.

 

- Examine the upholstery, safety belts and carpeting.

 

- If the car has seat covers, look under them for wear, tears, dirt.

 

- Badly worn carpeting or upholstery may be a sign of heavy vehicle usage.

 

- Check the break pedal for free play.

 

- Turn on all the lights one at a time and check to see they are working.

 

- Take the car for a test drive over various types of roads.

 

- While on the road, test the brakes for pulling.

 

- Be alert for vibrations during the drive, for signs of front-end trouble.

 

- If the car has manual transmission, be alert for excessive play, grabbing or rattling of the clutch.

 

- Look for vibrations or unusual noises from the engine, transmission, rear end or wheels, that may be a signal of trouble.

 

- Push the gearshift through its various positions and see how the car reacts.

 

- Let the engine idle and be alert to noises or vibrations that could indicate a badly tuned engine or one with bad valves.

 

- Be alert for any unusual odors. These could tell you that all is not well.

 

- If the automatic transmission doesn't shift smoothly or is there is hesitation when it shifts, the transmission may be in need of repair work.

 

- When test driving, step on the gas and look into the mirror for smoke from the exhaust. White or bluish smoke may mean an overhaul is needed.

 

- Check to see how much power the car has on a hill.

 

- Turn on the heater to see if it works.

 

- Check out the air conditioning to see if it is working.

 

- Turn on the radio.

 

- Try the windshield wipers.

 

- If possible, run the car through a car wash to see if it leaks.

 

- If possible, before you sign on the bottom line, have your own mechanic check out the car or take it to a diagnostic center.

 

- Never buy a used car at night, in the rain or when you are in a hurry.

 

- Have the person in charge put in writing and sign all promises BEFORE YOU BUY!