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Some cars are
vampires. Look at the car in daylight. Even big
bright ballpark lights can hide damage.
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Kneel by each fender
and look down the length of the car. If you see ripples, pass on the car.
It has been in a serious accident.
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Look for rust, particularly
at the bottoms of fenders, around lights and bumpers, on splash panels,
under doors, in the wheel wells, and under trunk carpeting. Small "blisters"
may indicate future rust sites. If rust is starting to show, that means
trouble. (Look at the paint on the underside of the hood and the inside
of the doors to see if it is different from the body paint. If it is a
different color that means it has been repainted. Also look for over spray
on the chrome to indicate a recent paint job.)
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Check for bodywork.
Look for cracks, dents, and loose bumpers--warning signs of a past accident.
If you feel that the surface is uneven, slide a magnet along the area.
Most bodywork is done with plastic, which won't attract the magnet.
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Look under the hood
for excessive dirtiness (indicates an oil leak). Check the belts and hoses
to see if they're in good shape (indicates the owner took good care of
the car).
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Check the tires.
(That doesn't mean kicking them you bozo.) Look for uneven wear patterns.
This indicates the wheels are out of alignment or the frame is bent. (Which
wheels need to be aligned? If the steering wheel vibrates during the test
drive, it's the front wheels. If the overall ride is bumpy, it's the back
wheels.)
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Check the condition
of the spare tire and make sure that all the tire-changing gear is there.
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Look under the car
for stains, they could be a sign of bad things. When you open the hood,
check the hoses and valve covers for leaks.
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Test the shock absorbers.
Push down on the trunk or hood. If the car bounces more than twice, the
shocks are shot.
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Examine the tailpipe.
If you find black, gummy soot that may mean worn rings or bad valves. Repairing
these things can be expensive. Avoid the car.
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Examine the interior.
Check under the floor mat for rust. If the pedals, seats and armrests are
worn and the odometer says 20 miles on it, don't believe it. Open the doorjamb
to see whether the mileage was recorded after a repair.
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Smell the interior
of the car. If it has a musty odor, that means there's been a leak in the
roof or the car has been in a flood. Pass on the car.
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Check the steering
wheel; unlocked, with the engine off, it should have no more than two inches
of "play."
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Check all the doors,
windows and trunk lid for a close fit and ease of opening and closing.
If something is out of alignment, that may mean the car has been in an
accident.
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Inspect the window
glass and lights for cracks or tiny holes.
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Check the following
fluids:
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Oil should not be
a whitish color, or have white bubbles.
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Radiator fluid should
not look rusty.
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With the engine idling,
check the transmission fluid; it should not smell rancid, or look dark
brown.
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Check every light
and mechanical part:
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Headlights (regular
and brights)
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Taillights
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Brake lights
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Backup lights
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Turn indicators
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Radio (tape or CD
player if appropriate)
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Heater
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Air conditioner
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Windshield wiper
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Windshield washer
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