Examine the vehicle’s body for dents, cracks and rust. Check the windshield and windows for nicks and cracks.
Check the tires for remaining tread life and signs of uneven wear.
Turn signals and brake lights.
START THE CAR AND LET IT IDLE FOR A FEW MINUTES
Make sure the engine runs strong and listen for any troubling noises, such as rattling, clicking or whining.
Turn on the radio, heater and air conditioner to be sure they work properly.
Check the dashboard for warning lights and verify that the gauges work. Once the car warms up, the temperature gauge should be at the midpoint. Closer to “hot” can be a sign of overheating.
DRIVE THE CAR ON A STREET WITH STOP-AND-GO TRAFFIC
Notice how the brakes feel when you come to a complete stop. Do they feel jumpy, sticky or loose?
Listen for any grinding or squeaking noises, which can indicate worn brake pads and rotors.
How does the car handle potholes and rough roads? Drive slowly and listen for rattles or knocks, which can indicate steering issues.
What about 90-degree turns? The car should navigate them smoothly and effortlessly.
Resistance or pulling can be a sign of power steering or suspension problems.
DRIVE ON A HIGHWAY WHERE YOU CAN REACH SPEEDS OF 55 M.P.H. OR MORE
Does the car accelerate quickly and move smoothly from gear to gear? Engine hesitation is a bad sign.
Ensure that the car shifts smoothly from drive to reverse – if the car jolts or makes a grinding noise when shifting gears, it can be a sign of a bad transmission.
Pay attention to how responsive the car is – do the gas and brake pedals feel different in reverse
