Look at the car in daylight and dry weather. Rain and dusk hide scratches, rust and repainted panels. If the seller insists on the evening, make another appointment.
Outside
- Panel gaps: they must be even. Uneven ones mean an accident.
- Paint in raking light — different shades show a respray.
- Rust on door edges, under the carpet and around the rear screen.
- Tyres: same brand per axle, made no more than six years ago (four digits on the sidewall).
- Tyre wear: uneven means alignment or suspension.
Inside and under the bonnet
- Steering wheel, pedals and driver’s seat: wear must match the odometer.
- All warning lights come on with the ignition and go out after starting. If one never lights, it may have been removed on purpose.
- Oil: black is normal, milky means water in the oil — walk away.
- Coolant: no oil film on top.
- After the test drive look under the car: oil or coolant on the ground.
- Start it cold. A pre-warmed engine hides hard starting and smoke.
- Test every window, the air conditioning and the heater — small repairs add up fast.
If something does not add up and the seller pushes, that is your answer. Another car will come; lost money will not.
