LOOKING INSIDE THE CAR - After you check out the exterior, take a look at the inside of the car. The interior can give you a good idea of the overall condition and how well the entire car has been maintained. Check the mileage to be sure the car hasn't been used too much for the price being asked. Today's cars average about 12,000 miles per year. Also check the service stickers on the door jamb or under the hood to see if the recorded mileage is consistent with the odometer reading. Check the condition of the seats, belts and carpeting. The upholstery should be clean with no serious rips, cracks or lumps. Lap belts and shoulder harnesses should be in good shape with no rips, tears or frayed webbing. Check the windows to see if they open and close easily. Manual windows should crank smoothly. Power windows should not hesitate. All glass should be free from serious cracks or scratches. To test the brake, accelerator and clutch pedal, they should work smoothly without strange noises or binding. Test to make sure all exterior lights and flashers on the car operate properly. Start the engine and check the warning lights and gauges as well as all the accessories to make sure that they work. Make certain that the air conditioning blows very cold air. Check the glove box to see if the Owner's Manual is still with the car. It contains maintenance information and important data on engine tuning, fluid capacities and replacement parts.
