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Getting started

Once you've found a comfortable driving position, where you can reach all controls and see all of the displays you should concentrate on starting the car:

1. Check the dash lights by turning the key just far enough to ensure they all come on and the gauge needles move.

2. Start the car and get a friend to check the exhaust for signs of dark smoke.

3. Check that all the dash lights have gone out once the engine is running.

If the car doesn't start first time then it may need minor work on engine electrics. The starter motor will sound sluggish if the battery is low or there is a problem with the motor itself. Once the engine is running it should idle smoothly and accelerate without jumping and you certainly shouldn't be seeing any smoke from the exhaust.

Steering and electrics

Whilst you are driving the car, pay close attention to the steering and ask yourself these questions:

• Is it reacting quickly and neatly to any movement from the steering wheel?

• Does it continue in a straight line at normal speed without constant adjustments?

• Is the wheel vibrating when you drive over 40mph?

• Does the car constantly drift to one side?

• Can you drive in a circle with the steering wheel at full lock, without any noises?

The 'toys' are just as important as everything else so whilst the engine is idling you should test every switch, button, knob and lever. The electrics such as the stereo, heating or air conditioning should all be in working order as well as the windows, sunroof and any other gadgets. Plus you also need to keep an eye on the gauges for fuel, temperature, oil and the milometer as you are driving along. If there are any warning lights you need to start asking questions!

Brakes, clutch and gears

Test the brakes two or three times, after you have warned your passengers!

1. Find an empty stretch of road

2. Accelerate to 45mph

3. Apply the brakes hard

The car should stop quickly, in a straight line, without vibration or pulling to one side. The pedal should feel smooth and it shouldn't be a huge effort to stop the car. If you are happy with the stops, pull into a safe area and step firmly on the pedal for 30 seconds. The pedal should not feel spongy or sink to the floor. Any problems could indicate a leak in the brake fluid. If the car has anti-lock brakes (ABS) you will feel a series of pulses through the pedal when you brake hard. You might need to find a wet road to test the ABS properly.

The clutch is fairly straight forward to test. There should be about an inch of play at the top of the pedal and the car should stall if you try to pull away in fourth gear. Finally when travelling about 40mph in fourth gear the clutch should not slip if you accelerate hard. With a manual gearbox there shouldn't be any grinding or difficulty getting into gear with the clutch fully pressed. If the car jumps out of gear at any time, it's a sign of big bills to come. An automatic gearbox shouldn't hesitate between the engine and car acceleration levels and when you change gears the car definitely shouldn't jerk or make clunky noises.

Finally, let the owner drive you back and use the time to listen for rattles, squeaks and vibrations.