1. Look

The overall look of a car tells you a lot about how it has been used. It is difficult to keep a car from minor scratches and dings given the state of traffic in cities and these do not cost much to fix.

So examine the interiors, the engine bay and the spare tyre compartment. If they are clean and well maintained, the owner is likely to have taken reasonably good care of the car.

But if a car looks battered and shabby, it has probably not been sufficiently cared for. Check for rust spots around the windshields and under the wheel arches.

Check the underbody too, ideally on a ramp. If there are rust spots, these could grow over time. If there are blisters in the paint or the coat is uneven, they are likely because of a shoddy repaint job, maybe after an accident.

Look carefully at the tyres. If there is little tread left, they will have to be replaced soon.

A full set will cost upwards of Rs 5,000. If the tread wear is uneven, then there is a problem with the suspension, which may be expensive to fix. It could also be due to body problems that you may not be able to fix at all.

2. Feel

Never buy a used car without driving it first. Start and rev the engine. If there is too much smoke coming out of the tailpipe, the engine could need an overhaul. That would set you back Rs 10,000-20,000 for a small car. Vary the speeds as you would under normal driving conditions.

If the seller fixes the first two and the problem continues, there is probably an issue with the body that you may not be able to fix. Try an emergency brake.

If the earlier problems exist, the car is likely to pull to one side under the mano-euvre.

If acceleration and, especially, deceleration lags well behind your accelerator inputs, then the engine or the clutch is packing up. The latter can set you back by Rs 3,000-4,000.

Let go of the steering at moderate speeds. If the car is pulling to any side, it may be because the wheels are not aligned and/or balanced, bent wheel rims, or an accident fixed badly. If this problem exists, the steering is likely to wobble at higher speeds of, say, 80 kph plus.

If there is too much of it, repairs could be costly. A car should feel right when you drive it. If it doesn’t, it is probably not for you.

If the tyres are bald, braking dista-nce could be long. A drive will also show the car’s squeaks and rattles.

3. Electricals and meters

Operate all the switches, lights and check the meters. Also, switch on the air-conditioner/heater if there is one. If it does not cool/heat, then it may need to be overhauled. Check the mileage on the odometer.

Small cars usually become due for an engine overhaul around 100,000 km. Stay away from cars that are close to or over that. Low milers are best, sometimes the odometer is tinkered with, especially at a used car dealership. Compare with the service papers to see whether they are in agreement.

Also check the driver’s seat. On high-milers it will show signs of wear and sag. If it does and the odo reads low, stay away.

4. Papers

You could bring this right up to the first stage. Unless these are in order, never touch a car. These include registration, insurance and pollution compliance certificate.

Next check service history. Ideally, do not buy a car without full service history. In fact, if you can get a full service history and the car drives right, it is worth considering a buy. Also, check insurance papers.

If there has been no-claim bonuses every year the car has probably not been in an accident. Finally, try to avoid cars that are more than five years old.

Every car goes through normal wear and many of the parts become due for routine replacement. Niggles also increase this time.

Happy hunting!