Hi Rebecca, you have proberly got your used car already, but in case you are shopping for a new one, heres what to do.
Bring a qualified auto technician with you, so he or she can inspect the vehicle top to bottom.
Check the battery out with a load tester.
Check the handling of the car, does it pull to the left or right, is the steering wheel straight, It could have been in a crash, check brakes for pulling or uneven braking pulsations on the brake pedal.
Check the powertrain thoughly, starting with the engine, working your way back to transmission and the differential.
Hows the engine performance?, how many mile's dose it have, has the timing belt or chain been replaced along with the waterpump?
how do belts and hose's look? have them change the fuel filter and plugs if needed, Inspect plugs for engine wear.
Dose's the car have blue or white smoke coming out of the tailpipe?
This could indicate engine problems you dont want...
Check the check engine light, Is it on? Is the bulb removed from the dash?
Check the smell of the Transmission fluid. Dose it smell burnth? How dose it shift, smooth or late?
Feel the brake petal when braking does it pulsate? Dose it pull to right or left side. It might have seen a accident in it's day?
Check A/C, P/S fluids, Water and Antifreeze strenght?
check the differential fluid level,
Do the rear bearings sound loud? Right or left side?
This will enable you to haggle a lower price to the seller to do the work or sell it cheaper to you.
I hope this has helped you make a wise decision. Good Luck!!!
Vfarina808@msn.com