Intro:
Before you begin
Step 1:
Note your first impression
Step 2:
Check the undersides and tires
Step 3:
Check under the hood
Step 4:
Perform gauge and listening tests
Step 5:
Check the oil and brake fluid
Step 6:
Check the shock absorbers and lights
Step 7:
Check for play
Step 8:
Take it for a drive

2torial #0523: Learn2 Check Out a Used Car (Continued) Note your first impression   Ask yourself: what's the initial feeling you get from your first look at the car ? A closer look will reveal if the owner took care of the car. Does the car appear to be well-cared for, perhaps bearing signs of the owner's affection? Examine for rust, an epidemic that can destroy a car's integrity.   Beware of newly painted cars. That's a possible cover-up for more serious damage to the body.   Has the car been parked outside or in a heated garage?   Are there considerable dents, mismatched paint areas, or poorly fitting parts? Wavy-looking panel surfaces or flaking paint can mean a cover-up for an accident.   Look inside the car for wear and tear on the seats and pedals. This is another indication of the quality of the owner's car care. Step 2