If the paperwork is okay, start the car to see if it is in good running condition. Check the exhaust of the vehicle to see if there is smoke – smoke is an indication of possible engine problems. Enlist the services of a mechanic to determine whether the engine idle quality while hot and while cold are normal. If there are any noises after you have started the engine, this might be an indication of engine problems. Take the car for a road test and check such things as acceleration, braking, engine noises, engine performance, automatic transmission shifting and noises, manual clutch engagement or slippage, responsiveness and smoothness of the steering, gauge operations, suspension on rough terrain, and gear noise.

Next, inspect the exterior of the vehicle. Check for rust, especially under the mats, inspect for any physical damage such as dents, dings, mismatched paint, bad paint job, and misalignment. Use a magnet to detect whether filler has been used to hide dents. Inspect the condition of the side and rear windows, check the hinge operation, and check the working of various parts such as wipers. Check whether the interior and exterior lights are working. Inspect the tires to make sure they are the correct size and to make sure they have the right tread depth and the right pressure. Check whether all the tires match and whether the spare matches. Make sure all the tire-changing tools are available.

Inspect the interior of the vehicle. Check whether the seat belts are working, whether the audio system is working, whether the horn is working, and whether door handles are working. Other parts and systems that should be inspected are the rear view mirror, the heating, the AC, the ventilation, and the defroster systems, the clock, the power outlets, the release to the filler door, and the manual or automatic door locks. Inspect the condition of the seat upholstery for such things as stains and rips and check the convertible top boot and the top itself for a convertible.

Check under the hood of the car. Among the things to check are oil leaks, oil in the air filter, the oil level and water or sludge in the oil. Others are fluid levels for the breaks and other components, the belts for tear and wear, the condition of the wiring and the hoses, leaks in the water pump and the fuel pump, and the condition of the fuel filter. Insist on having a mechanic with you when doing the inspection. Make a checklist so that you do not forget anything.