Exterior

• Rust: Look on the body surface for rust bubbles and chips. Check around the window frame and all chrome molding and bumpers. Probe with your fingers or a screwdriver in wheel wells and under doors -- is all metal sound and rust free?

• Paint: Is the paint faded? Have all parts faded evenly? Has the car ever been repainted? Look for scratches, pit marks and peeling. Does it need a paint job?

• Body: Sight along the side of the car from all corners. Look for subtle differences in body panels. Do the body panels have ripples, waves or dents? Are the body panels mated evenly? Check doors for sagging. Do all doors and windows fit snugly when closed? Are there signs the car has been in an accident? Are the weather proof rubber gaskets in good shape? Using the key, when necessary, check all latches and handles.

• Glass: Is the glass in good shape? Any cracks or pit marks? Check that all windows go up and down properly. Do the windows fit snug or rattle in place? Do the mirrors hold in place when adjusted?

• Tires: Check tire tread for uneven wear. Uneven wear may indicate poor care or permanent structural damage from an accident. Grab the top of each tire and with all your weight shake it hard, any clunking? Do the wheel bearings need repacking?

The Works

• Brakes: Press down on the pedal with most of your weight. Do this four times for about ten seconds each. Does the pedal go down to the same point and hold or does it go to the floor? Does the hand brake hold the car and feel right?

• Suspension: On a level street, stand back about 10 or 20 feet and walk around the car slowly. Does the car look level and even? Stand at each corner of the car and push down heavily on the fender or bumper several times in quick succession. Hear any odd noises? How are your shocks and springs?

• Engine Compartment: Check all fluid levels. Is the engine oil dirty? Is the oil filter new or old? Are the fan belts adjusted properly? There should not be more than a 1/2 inch of play. Check the condition of all rubber under the hood. Are the hoses frayed or badly worn? Are wires and cables in good shape? There should be no bare wires hanging free or uninsulated. Is the battery in good shape with clean electrodes? Is the engine compartment orderly?

The Test Drive

• It's best to take the test drive starting with a cold engine. Cars react differently when cold; a warm engine may mask suspicious problems. Start the engine. Listen for uneven and suspicious noises: pinging, clanging, hissing, etc. Engines are meant to run in a harmonious fashion. Is there blue and black smoke coming from the exhaust?

• While driving on a straight level street does the wheel pull to one side? Make a couple of right and left turns. The steering should not feel loose or sloppy. Nor should it feel tight or sticky.

• When you're not on a hill and no cars are close behind you, step on the brake pedal, but not hard enough to lock the wheels. Repeat this test three or four times in quick succession. How do the brakes feel? Do the brakes pull the car to one side? Do they stop the car?

• Be sure to drive over some rough roads; train tracks are great. Drive in a brisk manner to check body rigidity and suspension Are there any loud rattles or squeaks? Do you have trouble steering? Does the car bound unpleasantly?

• During your test drive be sure to test the car on the highway. Go up to at least 60 miles per hour, with the windows up and down, just to hear the difference. A manual transmission clutch should not grab or chatter; with an automatic transmission, shifts should be smooth, without slams or jerks, and the engine shouldn't race between shifts. Neither type of transmission should howl or groan.

• With a manual or automatic transmission in second gear while driving at a constant speed of 25 miles per hour; alternately depress and release the gas pedal to jerk the car in motion. Any clicking? Thumping? Clunking? Can you hear where the noise is coming from? This is a good check of the drive train.

• Now that the engine is warm, park the car over clean pavement and let it run a few minutes. With the engine running do an under the hood check again. Watch your fingers. Notice any difference? Do all the instruments work properly? Now shut off the engine for ten minutes or so and do an interior check; go over the body again. When you are done, look under the car...a puddle?...a drip? Where are they from? Now start the car using the key only, do not press or play with the gas pedal unless you must. Move the car up and again look for leaks.

Check All Of The Listed items To Make Sure They Are
Not Dirty, Frayed Or Missing

Take this list along on your shopping excursions.