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I would say that I would look for engine problems and any cosmetic problems. Any missing bolts, leaks, chipped paint, usually means the engine has been modified in some way improperly (dumb ricers trying to put on CAI or other mods. -.-'). Also, it is nice to look at the interior of the car. A mesh/cloth seat on a used car will probably have some loose seams or tears, so you could probably save yourself a few bucks by telling the owner/dealer. Another helpful thing to look for is tire tread. This can indicate how many miles the tires usually have and the last time they've been changed. Any dents or serious scratches to the car is also a must to look for.
Other than that, price would be the only other factor.Don't pay up more than $13K for a piece of crap. My dad paid $14K for a 2001 Infiniti I30 with 40K miles, and that was a best buy. Something like a 80K mile 2002-04 Chevy Impala isn't worth the $15K price tag. In fact, it should be worth less. If you find that maybe you're about to pay a little too much for the car, mention any problems you noticed (that the person hasn't mentioned yet) and do some research on other used prices of that same car model. That's a good way to save yourself a few. My dad saved himself from paying $2K for a feature that wasn't even there (nav system).
I look at a lot of things, but the first thing I look at are the lines. Stand in front of the car and look at the hood. The distance separating the hood from the fender on the left, should be the same distance that separates the hood from the fender on the right, and the hood lines and the fender lines should be exactly parallel. That means, the fenders are on square and the hood is on square, and that is the way the car left the factory. Now look at the trunk lid and examine the lines there the same way, and the same with the doors. When the car came off the assembly line all its body parts were centered, squared up, aligned, and properly fit. Those alignments are the first things to get thrown out of whack when a car gets in an accident, and they’re easy to spot. If this doesn’t make sense to you go to a body shop and ask one of the mechanics there to show you what I’m talking about. You can also check cars out in a parking lot. Look at the older ones and you’ll pretty easily find an example of one with a history of an accident. Once you see an example of a misaligned body panel you’ll have no trouble spotting them from there on.
I look at a lot of things, but the first thing I look at are the lines. Stand in front of the car and look at the hood. The distance separating the hood from the fender on the left, should be the same distance that separates the hood from the fender on the right, and the hood lines and the fender lines should be exactly parallel. That means, the fenders are on square and the hood is on square, and that is the way the car left the factory. Now look at the trunk lid and examine the lines there the same way, and the same with the doors. When the car came off the assembly line all its body parts were centered, squared up, aligned, and properly fit. Those alignments are the first things to get thrown out of whack when a car gets in an accident, and they’re easy to spot. If this doesn’t make sense to you go to a body shop and ask one of the mechanics there to show you what I’m talking about. You can also check cars out in a parking lot. Look at the older ones and you’ll pretty easily find an example of one with a history of an accident. Once you see an example of a misaligned body panel you’ll have no trouble spotting them from there on.
I look at a lot of things, but the first thing I look at are the lines. Stand in front of the car and look at the hood. The distance separating the hood from the fender on the left, should be the same distance that separates the hood from the fender on the right, and the hood lines and the fender lines should be exactly parallel. That means, the fenders are on square and the hood is on square, and that is the way the car left the factory. Now look at the trunk lid and examine the lines there the same way, and the same with the doors. When the car came off the assembly line all its body parts were centered, squared up, aligned, and properly fit. Those alignments are the first things to get thrown out of whack when a car gets in an accident, and they’re easy to spot. If this doesn’t make sense to you go to a body shop and ask one of the mechanics there to show you what I’m talking about. You can also check cars out in a parking lot. Look at the older ones and you’ll pretty easily find an example of one with a history of an accident. Once you see an example of a misaligned body panel you’ll have no trouble spotting them from there on.
Its not just one thing, I check everything, but I have always ran used vehicles. I'm not really all the keen on the idea of a new vehicle any way.
But I check the miles, make sure all the lights and switches work correctly. Check all the fluids I easily can. Visually inspect everything under the hood. Check to see if i look like anything has been jury rigged. Check the body for damage or any tweaking. If I can reach around to the back of the ties and check the rotors, make sure there are not groves. Grab a hold of the tires, see if they will wiggled excessively vertical or horizontally. Make sure the tires are in good shape. Always test drive, and really put it through its paces. Rap it up, accelerate quickly, then slam on the brakes. The whole time watch for rattles, or odd noises, any pulling to the left or right or really anything that seems out of the ordinary. How well it accelerate, how well it stops. Crank the well to the left and do a few circles, do the same to the right. If I have time I like to look up any recalls on the vehicle too.
The design, reliability (fiancée is a heavy diesel mechanic, but would hate to take up his time fixing a lemon). Price would also be another major factor. Off the track a bit, got my eyes on a new Jeep Patriot but properly end up getting a Toyota Corolla hatch as it's more affordable. :-(
look at the bolts in the trunk...if theyve been painted a different color or the old color is coming off, its been in a wreck. and check the inside of the windsheild, it could be put on wrong
my husband checks out the miles, engine, and transmission. He also checks to see how its running. Looks at all the fluids and ect.
If the front of it looks like a happy face. angry face = no. sad face = no.
Proximity to cup holders from the driver's seat.
Look out the Engine chase.
