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Take the oil filler cap off and check there's no biege creamy business under it. That can indicate a head gasket issue. Check oil level on the dipstick. If it's been serviced the oil should be translucent not black and shouldn't smell "burnt". Heater must work, tyres must have decent tread depth and exhaust should blow. The windscreen must be chip and crack free and every switch has to work, including wipers/washers. Check wear on clutch and brake pedal rubbers and see how shiny the gear knob and steering wheel are. When you drive it do it a bit jerky, like a learner, and listen for knocks. With the handbrake on try and pull away if it doesn't sit down evenly and stall then it's not good. Accelerate and brake hard, if it's safe, then just drive it through all the gears. You should go and try another one out and compare the two. Don't buy it just because....
This is awesome - thanks! Mate's actually got one up the road so was going to go take a (socially distant) look at it this afternoon, so should have something to compare it to.
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It's always good to have an acceptable example for comparison. Good luck.
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Good advice from the Constable. I'd add to it check everything electronic works - all the windows, air con, cruise if it has it, radio, all the lights (good to have an assistant for this but something that reflects like a garage door or wall can work well too) etc. etc.
Start it from cold and get someone to check what comes out the exhaust. If you're on your own get the owner to start it. Once started just let it idle and listen to the engine note/revs and the exhaust. Generally listen when you test drive it, any noises/squeaks can be warning signs you can google later.
Go around each corner and press down your weight above each wheel - if it doesn't spring back up as you'd expect the suspension probably needs attention.
Much more subjective and difficult to measure but if it feels 'tight' when you drive it that's good, if it feels 'sloppy', not good...
Constable_Savage
Fox
Take the oil filler cap off and check there's no biege creamy business under it. That can indicate a head gasket issue. Check oil level on the dipstick. If it's been serviced the oil should be translucent not black and shouldn't smell "burnt". Heater must work, tyres must have decent tread depth and exhaust shouldn't blow. The windscreen must be chip and crack free and every switch has to work, including wipers/washers. Check wear on clutch and brake pedal rubbers and see how shiny the gear knob and steering wheel are. When you drive it do it a bit jerky, like a learner, and listen for knocks. With the handbrake on try and pull away if it doesn't sit down evenly and stall then it's not good. Accelerate and brake hard, if it's safe, then just drive it through all the gears. You should go and try another one out and compare the two. Don't buy it just because....