| Sitting in the driver's seat, start and stop the | | | | your rag. With the engine running, kneel behind the |
| engine several times with the ignition key. Do you | | | | car and block the opening of the exhaust pipe |
| notice any difficulty starting, rough idling, vibration, | | | | with the rag folded over several times. Hold it |
| unusual noises, or run-on after you switch the | | | | tightly against the opening, blocking the exhaust |
| engine off? Take notes of anything that seems | | | | gas, for about 5-6 seconds. Listen for hissing, |
| out of the ordinary. As with the other inspection | | | | burbling or leaking from the exhaust pipe and |
| steps, you're not trying to diagnose the problem. | | | | mufflers. If you hear something, that might |
| You're simply accumulating a list of symptoms | | | | indicate all or part of the exhaust system needs |
| that you will share with your mechanic when he | | | | replacement. More than anything else, this will |
| inspects the car. | | | | convince the seller that you are an expert. That |
| While sitting in the driver's seat with the engine | | | | could be helpful when it comes time to negotiate. |
| running, take five or 10 minutes and check as | | | | This is another standard shade-tree mechanic |
| many of the controls and accessories as you can. | | | | technique. With the engine off, stand in front of |
| Run the heater and air conditioning. Turn on the | | | | one corner of the car, and using all your weight, |
| wipers and use the windshield washer. Is there a | | | | bounce up and down. Try to get the car bouncing |
| rear wiper? Check that, too. Check the radio. On | | | | up and down. Then stop. Notice if the car quickly |
| newer cars, try the satellite navigation system. | | | | comes to a halt or if it bounces more than once. |
| Open and close the sunroof. If anything fails to | | | | Movement after you stop bouncing could indicate |
| operate normally, ask the owner about it, and | | | | worn shocks. You should also listen for creaking, |
| take notes for your mechanic. | | | | crunching, graunching and other unhappy noises. |
| Walk around the car and take a close look for | | | | Try this on all four corners of the car. You may |
| any body damage. Look for dings, dents, | | | | need a burly friend to help you! |
| scratches, rust, uneven shut lines that might | | | | Open the trunk. In most cars, the spare wheel is |
| indicate accident damage, or wavy areas that | | | | located under the floor. Lift the floor panel and |
| might indicate sloppy body work. In this photo, | | | | check out the spare. Is it flat? That could indicate |
| your guide has found a paint chip that is starting | | | | less-than-adequate preventive maintenance. Also, |
| to rust on an otherwise very clean car. As | | | | notice if there is rust in the spare wheel well -- a |
| before, take notes of anything you find. | | | | spot that is notorious for attracting water. Ask |
| Inspect the tires. Turning the front wheels all the | | | | the owner if the tools such as the jack and lug |
| way to the right or left will give you an | | | | nut wrench are all there. If you see any body |
| unobstructed view. Look carefully at the tread. | | | | parts, do not proceed with the purchase of the |
| How much is left? A handy trick shown here is to | | | | car, but doalert the authorities. |
| measure how much tread is left by placing a | | | | Lift up the floor mats in the driver or passenger |
| penny in one of the grooves. There should be | | | | footwells. Is it really dirty under there? Pound a |
| enough rubber to touch Lincoln's hair. Also look for | | | | little on the floor with your fist. Are there any |
| uneven wear (for example, a tire that has a lot | | | | wet spots? Leaks from the windshield seal can |
| of tread on the inside, but looks "bald" towards | | | | lead to rainwater collecting in the footwells and, in |
| the outside) and any nicks. | | | | severe cases, rusty floorboards. |
| Here's a nifty trick: Put on your gloves and grab | | | | |