Be wary of an engine bay that looks 'too clean' or like it has just been steamed cleaned. It is often a way to cover up oil leaks.
Check the condition of the rubber on the driver pedals. With a bit of practice you can guage whether or not the odo has been tinkered with by checking the wear on the pedals - especially if the odo reading is surprisingly low considering the age of the car.
Ask the seller why they are selling the car. I always am cautious of people who say "i am moving overseas" and always ask quickly in response "so what else do you have for sale?".
any signs of rust should be treated seriously - even a minor rust spot can become serious.
Don't test drive the car for around the block or just 2 minutes. A seller will let you take it out for a good 15kms without complaint.
And my number one tip people don't always think of - always take someone with you when looking at cars (preferably someone who knows about cars). Most importantly - that person is a witness as to what is said by the seller and what is agreed. Much heartache and 'he said', 'she said' can be avoided if you have a witness.
Originally Posted by sassy_fit_vtit
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