Walk around the car: Look for chips in the windshield or excessive body wear. (There will be some chips and scratches on almost all used vehicles.) Lots of chips and scratches along the wheelbase could indicate it was driven in less than ideal conditions. Make sure the tires are properly inflated.
Pop the trunk: Does it fulfill your storage needs? Open a grocery bag to see if it fits. Check if the trunk meets your recreational needs, too. Don’t drag along your golf clubs, but a tape measure would come in handy. Also, look for signs of leaks. Ask if the backseat folds for more space – and then make sure it does.
Clear the Air: Take down the air freshener if it’s hanging from the rearview mirror. Put it in the glove compartment. Once you’ve finished driving, give the vehicle a good sniff test. Don’t be afraid to put your nose to the seats to see if any odors have sunk in.
The White Glove Test: Look the interior over for any spots or stains. Odds are they’re set for life if the owner hasn’t cleaned them up.
