Most common questions used to investigate
Is the car a reliable make and model?
Are there mismatched body panels?
When you float a magnet over the body panels, does it not stick?
Check the interior, are the seatbelts frayed?
Is there a distinct smell of mildew, discolored carpeting, or there's silt or sand under the carpeting?
Check the engine bay; are there melted wires or tubes, or is there soot on the firewall?
the oil, is it gritty or gelatinous in texture?
Take the car out for a test drive, do you hear any weird sounds coming from under the car, from the engine, and is there a clunking noise when you hit a small bump or dip in the road?
Common conclusions
The car might have figured in a serious accident that did more damage than just a couple of dents. If there are more than two body panels that seems to have come from another car then the accident might be more than just simple fender bender, there might be additional damage in the chassis. This car is likely a lemon.
If magnets does not stick on the panels, that means that it must be covered in plastic filler, which means that it has been heavily repaired. If several panels cannot be magnetized then it must have been a serious accident. This car is a lemon.
Frayed seatbelt are indicative of the car being in a front collision that was more than 15mph, there must be serious damage on the engine bay. There's a huge chance that the car is a lemon.
These are telltale signs of flood damage. Avoid this car.
These are signs of a past engine fire. Do not buy this car, the engine has been damaged severely already.
This means that the engine has not been changed for a good while. This might have caused all sorts of problems in the engine, or maybe not. Just to be on the safe side, bring a trusted mechanic with you to inspect the condition of the car.
Strange noises from under the car can mean many things, and none of them are good. It is best that you have a mechanic with you to help you translate the different noises. On the other hand, if the noises are too annoying then it is in your best interest to pass on this car.
This car is in pristine condition. Haggle down the price as much as you can and then pull the trigger on the deal. Congratulations! You just bought a used car that is in relatively good condition.
If the car model and make has a history of recalls and problems then it is not worth the headache. Just pass on this car and look at another.
References
Related Problems
