Ask the seller if the car is from the east coast or if they were the only owner. Look underneath the car, engine compartment, and wheel wells for what looks like metal rusting, holes, or splotches of white and black color. Vehicles from the east coast get salt corrosion during the winter months. The snow plows come around and plow the snow away and then leave a salt deposit after them to melt the rest. Well the salt gets all over the underbody of the car and eats away at the metal. Stay away from any vehicle that looks like swiss cheese.

Check under the hood for an engine that has just been washed or not. A washed engine could mean that they are trying to hide oil leaks. If the engine has not been washed check the hoses and belts for cracks or wear. Look for oil pooling or oil spraying on the sides of the engine compartment. Check that the engine mounts are not damaged or broken. You are generally looking for an engine compartment that is clean all around without being washed.

Ask the owner if this is where the car is usually parked. If not ask if the car is kept on the street or in the garage. Then ask to go and look in that spot. You then want to look under the engine, transmission, front and rear differential, and next to each tire looking for signs of dripping oil or grease spots. A car kept in the garage is far more valuable than one kept on the street. Sun will eventually fade the color of all paints and fabrics and cause plastics to crack and become brittle.

Open and close each door softly. It should open without rubbing on the frame and it should close with a light push. If it doesn’t I could mean the vehicle body has been damaged and is out of alignment, someone hit the door on a solid object, or the vehicle was not manufactured correctly. If the doors don’t work right something is out of alignment and you want to skip that vehicle.

Sit down in the driver’s seat and look around the interior of the vehicle. Is it clean or do you see left over french fries, and coffee stains on the carpet. Food in the car usually means that person didn’t take very good care of the vehicle and I will usually walk away.

A clean car with have that new car smell even when it is 3 years old. It will even look brand new. You won’t have broken knobs on the dash, seats that don’t go up and down, or glove compartments that are falling apart. I love the cars where the original owner’s manual is still in the correct package. It also says that the prior owner really took care of it and that is the car you want.