Initially:
Any "bad" records in a VIN history report?
Any maintenance records, mileage proof?
How many previous owners?
Why do they sell a car - tired of fixing it?
Any accidents, engine, transmission repair?
Has the car passed last Emission Test?
Start with exterior.
Indications of possible problem:
Are the exterior lines not straight? Ripples? Misaligned
panels?
Driver's door has free play in the hinges? Troubles to
close?
Are the gaps between panels too narrow (too wide) on one
side of the car?
Lots of rusty spots?
Mismatched colors? Painting over spray?
Any panel of the car seems to be repainted?
Why? Accident? Corrosion?
Trailer hinge? The car was using for towing?
Indications of possible engine problem:
Any oil or coolant leaks from the engine?
Is the engine dirty or oily?
Is the oil level low? Is the oil on the dipstick too
dark?
Any indication of poor quality repair work / lack of
maintenance? (e.g. badly corroded battery terminals,
very low oil level, etc.)
Start the engine:
Does it work unevenly?
Any knocking, pinging, whistling?
Any smoke? (slight water steam is OK)
Any warning lights come on while the engine is running?
"Check engine" light?
Is the engine oil pressure too low at idle?
Any hesitation on acceleration?
Is the engine enough powerful?
Does it look very dirty under the oil cap?
Smell of the burnt oil under the hood?
Possible automatic transmission problems:
Any previous transmission repair? Was it rebuilt?
Does the transmission fluid smell burnt?
Is the tranny fluid on the dipstick too dark/dirty?
Start the engine and try to switch from P to D and
from P to R holding the brakes -
Is the time between shifting and the moment the
transmission kicks in too long?
Any strong noises or jerks?
During a test drive:
Any delays or troubles shifting?
Any shudder? Does the transmission slip or jerk harshly?
The shifting seems to be delayed?
Does the kick-down function work?
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The manual transmission:
Any leaks?
Any noises while driving?
Any troubles changing gears?
Is the clutch slipping?
Any trouble to shift into reverse?
The suspension problems:
Is any of shock absorbers leaking?
Is any of the shock absorber boots broken?
The steering has notable free play?
Does the car bounces too much when you push one of the
corners down?
Tires have irregular wear? (alignment problem)
Does the car sit level?
During a driving test:
Any knocking or creaking noises when driving over
bumps?
Does the car pull aside? Is the steering wheel out of
center?
Does the vehicle feel unstable on a freeway?
Any humming or growling noise?
The brakes. Possible problem:
Is the brake fluid container leaky?
Is the brake fluid level too low?
Brake pedal goes down to the floor? Break pedal is too
soft (spongy)? Too hard? Any brake fluid leaks under the
car?
Badly corroded brake lines? Brake rotors appear
corroded? During the test drive.
Any brake pedal or steering pulsation while
braking?
Does the vehicle pull aside while braking?
Any grinding noise?
Does the brake warning light or ABS light come on while
driving?
Tires:
Any cracks, bruises?
Tread appears low?
Mismatched tires?
Damaged rims?
Vibration at high speed?
Humming noise? (uneven tire wear?)
The interior:
Is the driver seat / steering wheel worn excessively?
Dampness under the carpet or in the trunk?
Does the Radio / CD / Tape work?
Has the odometer any evidences of being tampered?
Does the air conditioner provide really cold air?
Are the power locks, windows, mirrors, sunroof, etc.
working?
Are the heater, rear window defogger working?
Wind noise while driving?
Any of warning lights come on while driving?
Do you feel comfortable in driver's place?
Seats, seat belts, mirrors, controls, steering,
visibility?
Spare tire, jack, wheel wrench?
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