An engine is very expensive to replace. When your car’s engine goes it can sometimes be more expensive than buying another car. You wouldn’t want this to happen after just buying a car. Be sure to look for the following:
Check to be sure all oil changes have been done on a regular basis.
Is the car’s engine very dirty or covered with old oil? This could indicate a bad head gasket.
Does the engine smell of burnt oil?
Are the terminals on the battery corroded?
Remove the oil cap and look inside the motor opening and then look inside the oil cap. Are they corroded with sludge? This is a definite sign of lack of engine maintenance.
Use the oil stick to check the oil. It should be at the proper level. Be sure the engine is cool and the vehicle is sitting flat when you check the oil to alleviate false readings. Remove the dipstick, wipe it on a clean cloth of paper towel and re-insert it into the slot. Pull it out and check the oil level.
Check the dipstick. If the metal piece that inserts into the engine is dirty or has heavy oil deposits or sludge on it, this tells you that the car has not been properly maintained.
Start the car and check for dark emissions that resemble smoke. If the car is a smoker, this indicates the car is burning oil and that it burns excessive fuel. Walk, don’t run to your current vehicle and drive away.
Test Driving a Used Vehicle
There are numerous advantages to test driving a used vehicle and there are numerous things to check for. Let’s take a look.
Even on the coldest winter days, the car should turn over and start easily.
When started, the car should not shudder, smoke or make noise.
Bluish colored smoke on start-up indicates engine trouble.
Check for hisses, squeals, squeaks and other noises while on the test drive.
Drive the car on busy city streets, on roads that are under construction and on the highway to check its performance under all of these conditions.
Does the steering respond well?
Does the car vibrate at higher speeds?
Does it jerk, shudder, sputter?
Does the transmission shift properly?
Does the car creak or does the engine knock?
Does the car pull to the left or right?
Is the steering out of center?
Does the car corner with no squealing or grinding? Does it hug the corners?