Before starting the engine:

• Turn the ignition one or two clicks until all the lights in the gauge board come on (ABS <automatic braking system> , SRS <air bag>, TRAC<traction control)>, etc.);
  Start the engine and again review the gauges on the dash board:
• See that all the gauges are working properly (levels- oil pressure, charge gauge, rpm gauge);
• Check engine light, temperature light, alternator light, oil light;

Your inspection process:

• When you first start the car, let it run or do the test drive and then turn it off;
• Restart it to see how well it works when it's been running for a while;
• If the car has difficulty restarting-ask questions about alternator problems ,battery, etc;
  

Take note of the following:

• Does the engine run smooth and quiet? - may need some adjustments;
• Is the car loud or do you smell exhaust fumes? - If so, the exhaust system may need some work;
  • Blue-ish smoke indicates the engine is losing oil;
  • Grayish-black smoke usually means it is burning fuel;
  • White-ish smoke usually indicates the engine is losing water;
• Does the steering pull more to either side? - It may need an alignment;
• At high speeds, does the steering wheel shake? - The wheels may need high-speed balancing;
• Check that the brakes work smoothly and don't make any grinding or squeaking noises;
• Check that the transmission shifts smoothly through all the gears;
• While in drive, check that all gauges work and are at normal levels (speedometer, odometer, rpm gauge, etc.);
• Check that the air conditioner blows cold air;
• Check the heating system to see that it blows hot air;
• Check all electrical features - all power windows, locks, seats, radio, sun roof, etc;
  

It is strongly recommended that you take a car you are seriously considering buying to a professional mechanic for an inspection. Only a mechanic will be able to evaluate the car's current condition and potential future mechanical problems. You won't be put in the position of having to put money, unexpectedly, into the car right away.

• Your next choice is to have the car professionally evaluated by the nearest dealership service center for that make of car .The third choice is to take the car to a local mechanic in the car's vicinity. Before starting the engine, turn the ignition one or two clicks until all the lights in the gauge board come on. Look for all the options the car has - ABS (automatic braking system), ABG (air bag), TRAC (traction control), etc.

Start the engine and again review the gauges on the dash board:

• To see that all the gauges are working properly and are at normal levels- oil pressure, charge gauge, rpm gauge;
• To see which, if any, warning lights come on such as the check engine light, temperature light, alternator light, oil light, etc;
• As you are going through your inspection process, try and create different situations. If the car is cold when you first start it, let it run or do the test drive and then turn it off. Then restart it to see how well it works when it's been running for a while. For example, if the car has difficulty restarting then you know to ask questions about starter or alternator problems, how old is the battery, have they had trouble with the car in the past, etc.
  

When you drive the car, take note of the following:

• Does the engine run smooth and quiet? If not, it may need a tune-up or other adjustments;
• Is the car loud or do you smell exhaust fumes? Is there excessive smoke coming from the tailpipe? If so, the exhaust system may need some work. Blue-ish smoke indicates the engine is losing oil, grayish-black smoke usually means it is burning fuel. After the car has been running for a while, white-ish smoke usually indicates the engine is losing water. (If the car is cold, white-ish smoke is generally just steam and nothing to be concerned about.);
• Does the steering pull more to either side? It may need an alignment;
• At high speeds, does the steering wheel shake? The wheels may need high-speed balancing. Also check that nothing feels loose in the steering and no strange noises are coming from under the front of the car. If there are the axles, tie rods rack and pinion may need further investigation;
• Check that the brakes work smoothly and don't make any grinding or squeaking noises. Does the car pull to either side if you brake hard?;
• Check that the transmission shifts smoothly through all the gears. When at a stop, try shifting to reverse. Rough shifting can indicate low transmission fluid or possibly more serious repairs are needed;
• While in drive, check that all gauges work and are at normal levels - the speedometer, odometer, rpm gauge, oil pressure gauge, temperature gauge, etc.;
• Check that the air conditioner blows cold air. If not it could simply need recharging (or refilling with the freon gas), or more seriously , could have control panel or compressor problems, etc.;
• Check the heating system to see that it blows hot air. If not, the problems can range from simpler climate control problems to a bad heater core, among others.
• Check all electrical features - all power windows, locks, seats, radio, sun roof, etc.;
  It is strongly recommended that you take a car you are seriously considering buying to a professional mechanic for an inspection. This is done after you've made an offer that the seller has agreed to. The offer is, of course, contingent upon the outcome of the mechanics inspection. Only a mechanic will be able to evaluate the car's current condition and potential future mechanical problems. Investing 50 to 75 dollars may save you thousands of dollars and a lot of headaches. You'll know the mechanical condition of the car and you won't be surprised by problems after you've already bought the car. You won't be put in the position of having to put money, unexpectedly, into the car right away. Your first choice for a mechanic inspection is to take the car to your mechanic - someone who's qualifications and skill you trust. Your next choice is to have the car professionally evaluated by the nearest dealership service center for that make of car. Mechanics at the dealerships deal exclusively with those particular makes of cars and are specifically trained to service them. The third choice is to take the car to a local mechanic in the car's vicinity. Make sure that your car is in the wholesale price range. Also be sure that you don't have any doubts and concerns before the mechanical evaluation and inspection that should take you less than an hour.