There are a number of things you can do to inspect a used vehicle that will help you to determine the condition it’s in. This does not require you to be a car expert or a trained mechanic but instead is largely based on common sense and a few simple instructions.

If you are going to be looking at numerous vehicles you might be interested in, it can be helpful to print this list to take with you. Taking a camera with you to snap a few photos of each vehicle can help with recalling each one.

Engine Power: Listen to the vehicles engine running. Do you notice anything that does not sound as a normal running engine?

Smoothness: When accelerating and during deceleration, do you have a secure feeling that the car is operating properly as you press down on the accelerator pedal?

Idle: Listen to this when you start the car as well as before you turn the engine off. The idle of the car should be smooth and not have any vibration.

How easy does the vehicle start up? A vehicle should start after one or two cranks.

Easy to check & fill fluids under the hood: Check under the vehicles hood and find all the dipsticks and filler covers. Find where the battery is located at and the spark plugs. Check if the fluid reservoirs are at the indicated fill lines.

Automatic Transmission: Is the engagement smooth? Does the vehicle have any jerking when you shift the car from neutral to the drive position? Are the up-shifts & down-shifts sure & smooth? Is there any feeling of slippage? Are there any whining or grinding sounds?

Manual Transmission: Does the clutch feel smooth when engaging it? Is there any grabbing when you engage the clutch? Do you notice any slippage with the clutch? Is it easy and have a smooth feel when you shift into other gears? Check all the gear positions for any whining or grinding sounds.

Front Wheel Drive: Make sure when you are driving in tight turns there is no clicking or clunking or other unusual noises.

Rear Wheel Drive: Make sure there are not any whining or deep rumbling sounds in all speeds. It could mean possible wear or damage to the rear axle if you notice these sounds.

Steering: Does the car pull to one side? You want the vehicle to easily steer a straight line. Does the car seem to wander all over the lane or road no matter how well you are steering?

Ride and Handling: How does the ride feel when driving the vehicle? Make sure its acceptable to you. Make sure you can control the vehicle on bumps and turns without the vehicle rolling or leaning excessively into curves.

Brakes: Take the vehicle to an open road area with the least amount of traffic possible. Drive the car straight ahead and get it up to 35 mph. Take your hands off the steering wheel and step very hard on the brake. The vehicle should come to a quick and rolling stop. The vehicle should not pull to one side or the other. The car should also not fishtail. (This is for vehicles with Anti-Locking Brake Systems)

When braking does the pedal feel firm? The brake should not feel spongy in the pedal and should have a smooth feel to it. Check the emergency parking brake to make sure it can be applied and released easily.

Accessories: Adjust the drivers and passengers seats. Make sure they are comfortable for you, especially the drivers seat. Adjust the rear view mirrors to make sure they work properly. Adjust the steering wheel to make sure it works and that you are comfortable with it.

Check the stereo system. Try out all the functions to make sure they all work properly. Bring along a CD so you can try the CD player. Turn on the reading lights inside the vehicle. Check the glove box and the visors. Make sure you check out all the seat belts in the car to make certain they work and are in tact. Turn on and off the windshield wipers. Open and close all of the vehicles doors and windows. Be sure to open and close the trunk and the hatchback.  Check the headlights, turn signals and brake lights. Check out the cruise control to make sure its working. If there is a navigation system in the vehicle check this out also.

Safety Features: How easy it is to install and remove a child restraint seat? Notice how many air bags are in the vehicle and where they are located at. Is there an airbag disabling switch? Adjust the headrest restraints. Is the jack and spare tire in the car? Is it easy to get to and easy to use and mount?

Exterior: Check to make sure the body panels, trim, doors, and the windows are correctly aligned. Look at the body of the vehicle. Look for any signs of repainting or major repairs such as Bondo.  Check the tires to see how much tread they have and look for signs of uneven wear.Check for possible rust especially under and around the wheel wells.

Interior: Check the condition of the upholstery or leather. Check for signs of moisture by lifting up the floor mats. Look at the floorboards for possible rust.

TIP: Take a dollar bill with you and fold it over the top of the window on the vehicle. Shut the door and try pulling the dollar bill out. If the bill comes out easily then it could be the car has had repairs. This could likely be due to damage. This can also be due to the vehicle being in a past accident and having body alignment issues.

TIP: Take a small magnet and a small piece of soft cloth with you. Place the cloth over an area of the vehicles main side, rear and front panels. Place the magnet on the cloth. If the magnet connects with the vehicle, this is fine. If the magnet does not connect to the vehicle this could mean there has been repairs with Bondo.

TIP: If you are not an experienced mechanic, consider having the engine and the transmission checked out by a reputable mechanic before making your final decision.