Even superficial checks can lead to discoveries about the car you are about to buy

Once you've gone through a thorough inspection of the car's bodywork it is time to move on to a less intensive but almost equally important areas. Often a superficial check can reveal a more deep-rooted problem with the vehicle. Our advice is do not give the minor checks a pass. They are worthy of your time and effort. Make sure you really are getting a good bargain.

Exhaust pipe
The presence of black gummy soot in the car's exhaust pipe may indicate worn out piston rings or faulty valves. In either case you might be looking at a problem that will only intensify with time and travel. Get the engine checked in such a case, else it might envisage expensive overhaul.

The exhaust
Exhaust manifold
The network of exhaust passages that collect the gases and route them through the catalysts and the muffler of the system

Exhaust port
The passage in the cylinder head that leads from the exhaust valves to the exhaust manifold

Catalytic converter
A stainless steel box mounted in the exhaust system. Inside the cover is a catalyst of a ceramic or metal base with a coating of active oxidants and precious metals. The device helps reduce emissions and pollutants from vehicles

Down pipes
The down pipe carries the exhaust gases from the cylinder header or exhaust manifold to the other components of the system

Silencers
There are two silencers �front and rear – that help reduce noise from the exhaust system

Lights, switches and ignition
Ensure that all lights are working. Operating a vehicle without its lights in proper working order is extremely dangerous as it makes you less visible to oncoming traffic.
Switches should operate without any difficulty. If they are difficult to operate then they may jam or break, or might electrocute you.

Check the ignition key as well. A well worn out and smooth key surface might fall off. Also make sure that you are in possession of all the spare keys as well when you acquire the vehicle.

INSIDE THE CABIN
Check for worn out or torn seats and missing floor mats. Sit in the car and put the seat belt on to find out whether they fit comfortably. Once you've belted yourself into the seat, pull the belt forward suddenly. The belt should lock itself and refuse to move forward.

Check the pedals as well. Worn out seats and pedals indicate that the vehicle has been driven a lot.