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Check the outside -

Small dents here and there might not be the end of the world, but pay particular attention to how the panels and bodywork align.

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Check the outside - There should be no gaps, or wavy panels. These could be signs the car has been in a crash and that the bodywork was poorly repaired.

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Bodywork - Look out for any signs of rust. Under the wheel arches is a common spot.

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Bodywork - And so is the exhaust system, so take a good look at it.

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Engine bay - It looks nice, but be wary of a very clean engine bay. It's usually a sign that it was cleaned for a reason.

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Engine bay - Again, look at the panel joints and check for any signs of flaked paint and rust.

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Engine - Look at everything, and check that there are no loose, broken parts, or leaks. You should also listen to it. The engine should sound smooth and even.

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Engine - Check the oil level, as well as its color and consistency. How's the engine coolant level? Is there anything other than oil on the inside of the oil filler cap?

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Timing belt - Check whether or not the timing belt has been changed in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines.

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Exhaust - Check for blue smoke when you press the gas. It's usually a sign that the car engine is burning oil.

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Exhaust - Black fume clouds may indicate a problem with the injectors, among other things. Be suspicious of any unreasonable amount of fume clouds coming out of the exhaust pipe.

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Tires - Check out the tires for signs of use and sidewall damage. Tires should present even wear.

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Tires - There's a minimum tread depth that is required by law for tires to circulate on the road. You can use a specific tool to test this or use a coin (there are plenty of tutorials online).

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Mileage - The odometer is the first thing to look for. Do the math. Does the mileage make sense for how old the car is?

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Mileage - Does the mileage match the wear and tear of the seats and the steering wheel ?

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Mileage - How about the pedals? Is the mileage too low for how worn the pedals are? 

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Electrical components - Check if every interior electric component is working, including the stereo or infotainment system.

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Electrical components - Do not overlook the basics like windows, lights, and electrically adjustable seats.

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Air conditioning - Climate control is very important in a vehicle. Make sure that both the air conditioning and heating are working. 

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Brakes -

The car should break evenly and sharply. The break pedal should be responsive to the amount of pressure you apply to it.

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Brakes - If you feel that the car becomes unstable when you break hard, then it's possible that the discs are warped.

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Transmission - When operating a manual transmission, gears should change smoothly and the clutch shouldn't offer excessive resistance.

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Transmission - For automatic gearboxes, look out for warning lights and any fluid leakages. 

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Steering wheel - Does it feel smooth? Can you hear any noises as you steer the wheel from side to side?

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Steering wheel - Is there any vibration? If so, it might be an indicator of suspension or steering rack problems.

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Trunk - Check the car trunk. Does it have a spare tire and all the tools you need to change it? 

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Documents - Check out if the owner has all the documents, including the user manual.

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Documents - Ask to see the vehicle's service history. A car with a thorough service history is always a safer bet.

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Keys -

You should always have two sets of keys. If the original owner only has one, take into account how much you'll have to spend to make a new set of keys.

See also: Things you should never buy at the grocery store

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