Check the title to make sure it isnt salvage. Check the body for panels that look sanded or painted (usually different shade or shinier). Mechanically have the owner start it up and see if it puffs blue smoke (burning oil, shot piston rings or valve seals). Smell under the hood for coolant (sweet smell), also let it idle for a bit too see if coolant is coming out of the tail pipe, both would be indications of a blown head gasket. Listen for any metal on metal sounds at idle. Also make sure its not leaking a decent amount of oil, more than a few drops idling for 30 mins is a bit much. When test driving it, make sure it drives relatively straight, it should pull a tad to the right, hit the brakes hard, if it shakes it has bad rotors. Listen for suspension rattles, look for leaky shocks. Make sure the heater works, and doesnt put a greasy coating on the windsheild (bad heater core). Check the tires, brakes ect. Or just get an inspection, but I also check these things myself in the event the mechanic missed something.
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