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Choosing the right used car requires patience and perseverance. Always have a comparison vehicle in mind and available to drive after driving a used car. If the your old car seems about the same or better, keep looking unless that is what you want, the same type vehicle. As far as quick tests, several are available to you on the spot. First, open the hood, even if you are not a mechanic. Remove (or ask owner to) the oil fill cap and start the car. If you see smoke, any smoke coming out the fill tube or valve cover, DO NOT purchase this vehicle. Walk or run away from any car that emits smoke from the fill tube, no matter the price. If the first test is ok, then go to the second test. Start the vehicle and push the brakes all the way down and put the car in drive and then reverse and then drive again( automatic transmission test). If it shifts correctly, you should feel a small surge from the transmission but nothing loud or squealing. Also, a delay in engagement followed by a thunk into gear is most certainly a sign of either wear or a rebuilt transmission. Neither will last long and repairs are very high. For manual transmissions, a clutch test is necessary. If the clutch is noisy, beware. The clutch should never slip while moving and it should disengage before the halfway point upon release( like when you pull out from low gear). If the clutch disengages near the end of the pedals release, it is likely worn. In many cases, it is a simple matter of adjustment. See a mechanic for this. The third and final test is for stearing. Go to a large parking lot without poles (if possible) and go forward from a stop while turning the wheels to each stop (all the way left and right). Do not push against the stops, just feel for looseness and listen for strange metallic noises. If you feel looseness in the steering and hear a sort of crunching while attempting this test, the front end is likely shot. See a mechanic. Do same test in reverse. This is also a good time to test the brakes, either they work, or they don't. If the brakes are at all questionable, take the car to a mechanic, or just try another one. Never feel obligated or let anyone rush your purchase. If you want to walk away from a stinker without hurting anyone's feelings, just say that you had an arrangement with another owner to drive a similar vehicle.
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