Buying a Second Hand Car

inspect it in daylight, in dry weather if possible. Use a torch to look underneath for rust, tyre bulges, oil leaks etc.

check engine oil, it will be reasonably clean if recently serviced.

look from 20 feet away and check the car is level. If not, the suspension may need attention.

press hard on each corner in turn. When released, the car should not bounce more than twice. If it does, the shock absorbers need renewing.

check inside for damp areas indicating water entry and/or rusted floor panels.

check slack in steering action. More than 2 inches of play indicates a badly worn mechanism.

check the doors open and close easily. Misalignment could have been caused by accident damage.

on the test drive, check for a clean exhaust and smooth clutch and gear operation. Check braking pulls the car up smoothly in a straight line.