From car repair to packing tips, here’s what you need to know when you embark on your journey, whether you’re travelling for a day or for a few weeks at a time.

Be Able to Read a Road Atlas

Buying a new (read: this year’s) road atlas will have the most up-to-date info that you need, giving you a back-up in the event that the GPS can’t do its job. One thing to note: two-digit interstates (I-00) are often the most direct routes through cities, while thre-digit interstates (I-000) circle urban areas. Another fine detail? Odd-numbered highways are those that run north to south, and even-numbered highways travel east-west.

Know How To Change a Tire

Once you realize your tire is flat, pull out of traffic onto a flat, firm road, put on your hazards, and get started. Refer to the car’s manual to remove the hubcap, and use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts. Turn each one a single turn counterclockwise, but leave the nuts in place to keep the wheel attached. Next, position the jack and pump its handle until the tire is about four inches from the road. This is when you can remove the lug nuts, and pull off the tire. Here’s where you’ll slide on the spare, screw back in the nuts, and lower the car so the tire just touches the ground. Completely tighten the nuts, lower it completely to the ground, and make sure they are nice and tight.

Be Able to Check Everything

Knowing how to check the oil and radiator fluid is another key thing to keep in mind. To check the oil, lift the hood of a cooled car and remove the dipstick, which measures the level of the oil. Wipe it with a rag, put it back in, and then pull it out again. If the oil level isn’t within the two crosshatches, add about a quart of oil, to avoid potential car damage. For the radiator, lift the hood and you�ll see a clear plastic tank that�s marked with two lines. If the fluid falls below the lower line, add more fluid to it. For both of these, make sure you add the proper type of fluid to avoid the risk of ruining the engine.

Join a Travel Club

Having access to a travel club, such as AAA, will help relieve some issues you might have along the way. It will save you hassle if you run into trouble, and you can contact them where ever you might be (and save cash if you need a tow or repairs).

Make a Checklist

Before embarking on your journey, make a checklist of the essentials to pack in your car to be sure you have the right supplies. Some�necessities�include:

• First aid kit
• Car repair kit
• Snacks
• Toilet paper/napkins
• Shoes that are easy to drive in
• Cooler with food and drinks
• a GPS
• Cleanup cloths (for the cars or questionable bathrooms!)

The newest vehicle from the popular Forte line that debuted in 2009 is as improved as ever, with a better ride quality, passenger comfort, and ideal engineering.

The new car has changed its entire wheelbase, with an extended version up to 106 inches, and a widened body by 1.2 inches. It’s a little shorter–an inch to be specific–with front and rear tracks that vary by about 1/10 of an inch.�The 2014 Forte weighs around 50 pounds less than its 2013 version, so fuel efficiency is comparable with the previous ratings in the city/highway numbers.

There is also a new strut suspension on the 2014 Forte, with an improved steering clarity combined with a recalibrated rear torsion beam which helps with providing a smooth ride to all of the passengers. It’s also using a new, high-tensile steel, and there is now minimal vibration and noise, thanks to the advanced foam inserts. Even better, a Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) unit, which is electronically boosted,�replaces the previous, less efficient hydraulic version.

We love the standard FlexSteer programming steering which offers three modes– Comfort, Normal, or Sport–with Sport having the highest boost resistance. Combined with the 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder with variable valve timing and a six-speed automatic gearbox is a 1.8-liter MPI with six-speed auto or manual transmission.

When it comes to styling, the Forte certainly tops the charts. Featuring a “Tiger Nose” grille and projector halogen headlamps �with an option of choosing xenon HIDs, it lives up to its expectations. The sedan has a broader build, with a sculpted hood and side panels, a slightly curved rear, and a steep windshield. It has smaller windows ahead of the rearview mirrors, and brighter LED taillights with 81 individual diodes.

Inside the car, the best improvements include the color scheme (now varying monochromatics of black), chrome buttons as an option, and another option of a 4.2-inch LCD cluster set between the tachometer and speedometer. Buyers can choose from either LX or EX trim to get Bluetooth device connectivity, �satellite radio, power windows and locks, multifunction steering wheel,air conditioning, and a 60/40 folding split rear seat. Other unique options include �remote keyless entry, cruise control, and more, along with power folding mirrors, xenon headlamps, heated front and rear seats, ventilated 10-way adjustable power driver seat, and other e-driven options that are more modern than technology tends to recognize.

Interested? Here are the basic specs for the 2014 Kia Forte EX:

• Base price: $19,000
• Engine: 2.0L/173 horsepower/154 lb/ft DOHC 16-valve I-4
• Transmission: 6 speed automatic
• Curb Weight: 2900 pounds
• Vehicle Layout: Front engine, four wheel drive, 5 passenger, 4 door sedan
• Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
• Size: 179.5 inches by 70.1 inches by 56.5 inches
• 0 to 60 miles per hour: 9.1 seconds
• EPA City/Highway Fuel Economy: 26/36 miles per gallon
• CO2 Emissions: 0.65 pounds/mile
• Energy Consumption, City/Highway: 130/94 kW-hours/100 miles

Here’s what you have to look forward to:

2013 Audi A6

The new Audi A6 is a mid-size card redesigned from the 2012 version. It now includes a 4-cylinder model with all-wheel drive in a single Premium trim level with standard leather upholstery and a wood interior trim, heated power front seats with eight options including driver-seat memory, a power sunroof, and a cooled glovebox. It also has plenty of options, among them front- and rear-obstacle detection, LED daytime running lights, navigation system, rearview camera, Audi Connect assistance, keyless entry/engine start, music hard drive, HD Radio receiver, and xenon headlights. Sports options includes a sport suspension, steering-wheel shift paddles, and performance tires. For those who live in a cold climate, they’ll love the option of heated rear seats and steering wheel, too. The new A6 has a 211-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission. The EPA estimated fuel economy for the front-drive 2.0T is 25 mpg city/33 mpg highway and requires premium-grade gasoline. MSRP: $42,200 – $50,400.

2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe

The BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe is a mid-size coupe that includes leather upholstery, navigation system, HD Radio receiver, steering-linked xenon headlights, rearview camera, power sunroof, and front- and rear-obstacle detection. Like the Audi, there are plenty of options, which include heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, power rear sunshade, 4-zone automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, and a high-end audio system. Other options include the sport package, with an increased top-speed limiter, specific wheels and tires, and sport trim. The model has rear-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission, with a 315-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine. EPA estimated fuel economy for the 640i Gran Coupe is 20 mpg city/30 mpg highway, and requires premium-grade gasoline. MSRP: $76,000 – $89,500.

2013 Lexus GS

The new Lexus GS is available in the base GS 350 or gas/electric GS 450h hybrid. The GS 350 comes with features including  a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, leather upholstery, heated seats, keyless access and starting, sunroof, rearview camera, and a power trunk closer. The hybrid model has these, in addition to adaptive-variable suspension, heated steering wheel, heated/ventilated front seats, a power rear sunshade, and driver-adjustable suspension, among other features. To add some luxury options, users can opt for upgraded interior trim, 18-way power front seats, rear climate and radio controls, and steering-linked headlights,  heated rear seats and a night-vision system. Sports options add a new front bumper and grille, a rear spoiler and lower valance, sport suspension, specific interior trim, and 19-inch wheels. It’s powered by a 306-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission, with the hybrid combining a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine with a battery-powered electric motor for 338 horsepower total.The EPA rates the rear-wheel-drive GS 350 at 19 mpg city/28 highway and the AWD version at 19/26, with the hybrid rated at 29/34. Both require premium-grade gas. MSRP: $46,900 – $58,950.

2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The S-Class is Mercedes-Benz sedan includes a gas/electric hybrid, turbodiesel, 12-cylinder, and a pair of ultra-high-performance models. The new vehicle comes with a navigation system, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, memory system for the driver and front passenger, load-leveling suspension, steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights, front- and rear-obstacle detection, massaging front seats with adaptive bolsters, and keyless entry with pushbutton engine start are now standard. The sport options include a more powerful engine, sport suspension, power side sunshades, 20-inch wheels, and a sporty trim. To keep moving up in the options, consumers can choose the night-vision camera, blind-spot alert, lane-departure warning, rear dual-zone automatic climate control, heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, power adjustable rear seats with massage function and memory, a panoramic sunroof, rear DVD entertainment, and Bang & Olufsen audio system. It’s all wheel drive and home to a 275-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and  20-horsepower battery-powered electric motor. EPA estimated fuel economy for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is19 mpg city/25 highway, and uses premium-grade gas.MSRP: $92,350 – $212,000.

It doesn’t take a lot of work to create vehicle vibrancy, and here are our top tips for keeping the best care of your car.

Buff Out the Scratches

Our cars will eventually get so many microscratches, that a hazy look will develop in the clear coat paint that is on top. These can be easily buffed out with polish that is applied using an orbital polisher. If you have deeper scratches, you’ll need to use touch-up paint. Word of the wise: just don’t use a brush; instead, opt for an applicator that is specifically designed so it will be as precise as possible.

Check the Lenses

Over time, the plastic headlight lenses tend to get pretty dull. You can use a plastic polish that is made for vinyl rear windows of convertibles that will take care of the fog.

Moisturize

To keep the life of the dash, doors, and seats as long as possible, you should routinely moisturize them. The coverings of these ares are generally vinyl or plastic; if so, then use a thin coat of vinyl cleaner, apply with a soft cloth, and gently rub it in. If you have leather, use a separate cleaner and conditioner. If it is a mix, use cleaners that are designed for leather products. Do this twice a year.

Clean off the Sap

Sap can zap the life of your car. Be sure to never scrape it off; if you do, you’ll take off the paint with it. Instead, use a few coats of bug and tar remover, which will soften the sap. Then, use a plastic razor (available at any auto store) to shave it off. When you’re done, buff and wax the area.

The Mats Matter

To clean the floor mats, treat them with a degreaser and use a soft nylon brush to work out any possible stains. Then take them outside, hose them down, and let them air dry.

Clear off the Bumpers

Especially if you want to ditch old bumper stickers or dealer nameplates, it is easy to clean off the bumpers. Use a strand of fishing line to saw through the adhesive holding, then if anything is left on, use a goo remover to soften the adhesive. If the stickers are vinyl, use a hair dryer to warm them first.

Watch the Seal

If the rubber gaskets on the doors soon break down, you’ll be hearing air whistling through the cracks and start getting water leaks. To keep these intact, keep them smooth and soft with a cleaner and a polish that are specifically designed for rubber, and use it twice a year.

Both have their advantages and disadvantages. While some consumers swear by leasing, some say that it’s a waste of their dollars. And those who own it? Well, others might not understand why you would buy it in the first place.

If you’re choosing to lease a car, here are some things to keep in mind and consider when you head over to the dealership.Leasing a car is basically the same as renting it. For some, this is an advantage because you can get a new car relatively often, and opt for a more expensive car than you would normally buy.

Unfortunately, a few drawbacks include having to decide what you want to buy next as soon as the lease is up, as well as the mileage cap that most leases entail.

When you lease, you have no equity in the car. But this isn’t a huge deal. If you buy a car, pay it off, and sell it, you don’t get as much as you paid. So, if you’re out ten thousand dollars from the value depreciating, or you paid the same in a lease, well, it might not be a big deal.

When you choose to lease, the payment is decided on what the current difference is between the car’s cost brand new and what it will be worth at the end of the term. That’s why cars that depreciate quickly cost more to lease.

As mentioned before, there are also mileage limits to leasing a car. A car’s mileage affects its resale value, and leases generally have a limit that can be accrued each year, which is usually around the 15,000 mile range. If this is part of your lease agreement, double check what the cost-per-mile charge is. Sometimes this can be negotiated or, if you put it in a lot of miles on a commute, you might be better off buying a car instead.

If you lease a car, there are definitely taxes involved, especially if you use your car for business. In fact, you might even be able to write the entire amount of your total lease amount (as opposed to a loan of a new car).

It is also important to note that many leases require gap insurance, and if they don’t, you might want to get it anyway. Gap insurance covers the difference in cost between what the car is worth and what you owe. This will help you if there is damage, theft, or other liabilities involved.  If something happens to the car, you are responsible for it (yes, even if you lease it). Because lease payments are smaller than finance payments, the difference between what you pay and the value might be large, so this will help you cut the cost. Be sure to buy this, even if the lease contract omits it, if you are leasing. It will save you worry and a potential large sum of cash in the future.

You should definitely look into leasing over buying if you like having a new car every couple of years. This will let you keep a low payment and/or drive something more expensive, while still providing you with wheels. Don’t lease your car if you are a high-mileage driver who seldom likes to switch it up–it won’t be worth your while.

For the first time, an electric vehicle has trumped the win, taking over the number one spot. And, it’s not too surprising, that the list tends to be dominated by non-domestic cars.

Keep reading to see who came out on top, and who wins for the meanest.

When preparing the report, a variety of environmental criteria are assessed to see what the vehicle’s green score would be. This includes the emissions created by the power plant used to provide electricity to the electric vehicles, as to not give them an unfair advantage. Because of the changes in the different cars and trucks that are now available, the ACEEE had to change their evaluation methods, as well.

“This year, a number of updates were made to the Green Book® methodology to more accurately estimate vehicles’ environmental impacts. These include improved emissions estimates for the vehicle manufacturing process, changes reflecting current natural gas extraction practices, and consideration of upcoming shifts in the generation mix for the electricity used to power electric cars,” says the report from the The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.

Unfortunately for domestic cars, they didn’t have too much of a chance to grace the list. Even the Chevy Volt, which would be the top electric contender for General Motors, didn’t make it. The reasoning, apparently, is because it is a heavy vehicle, there is more waste in the production of it. And they definitely took hold of the mean list.

“Even taking into account the emissions generated from the electricity used to power the i-MIEV, it still handily outscores other vehicles on the market today,” said ACEEE lead vehicle analyst Shruti Vaidyanathan. And so, it takes over the first spot on the Greenest List.

Here is a summary of the winners (and losers):

The Top 5 from the 2012 Greenest List

Make and Model: Mitsubishi I-Miev
Specifications: Electric (lithium-ion battery)
Emission Standard: ZEV
Miles Per Gallon City: 3.8
Miles Per Gallon Highway: 2.9
Green Score: 58

Make and Model: Honda Civic Natural Gas
Specifications: 1.8L
Emission Standard: automatic
Miles Per Gallon City: 27
Miles Per Gallon Highway: 37
Green Score: 55

Make and Model: Nissan Leaf
Specifications: Electric (lithium-ion battery)
Emission Standard: ZEV
Miles Per Gallon City: 3.1
Miles Per Gallon Highway: 2.7
Green Score: 55

Make and Model: Toyota Prius
Specifications: 1.8L 4
Emission Standard: auto CVT/PZEV
Miles Per Gallon City: 51
Miles Per Gallon Highway: 48
Green Score: 54

Make and Model: Honda Insight
Specifications: 1.3L 4
Emission Standard: auto CVT PZEV
Miles Per Gallon City: 41
Miles Per Gallon Highway: 44
Green Score: 53

The Top 5 from the 2012 Meanest List

Make and Model: Chevrolet G3500 Express Cargo/GMC G3500 Savana Cargo (MDPV)
Specifications: 6.0L 8
Emission Standard: auto
Miles Per Gallon City: 10
Miles Per Gallon Highway: 14
Green Score: 17

Make and Model: Ford E-350 Wagon
Specifications: 6.8L 10
Emission Standard: auto
Miles Per Gallon City: 10
Miles Per Gallon Highway: 13
Green Score: 17

Make and Model: Bugatti Veyron
Specifications: 8.0L 16
Emission Standard: auto, AWD
Miles Per Gallon City: 8
Miles Per Gallon Highway: 15
Green Score: 19

Make and Model: Ford F-350 FFV (Class 2B)
Specifications: 6.2L 8
Emission Standard: auto
Miles Per Gallon City: 11
Miles Per Gallon Highway: 16
Green Score: 19

Make and Model: Ford F-250 FFV (Class 2B)
Specifications: 6.2L 8
Emission Standard: auto
Miles Per Gallon City: 11
Miles Per Gallon Highway: 16
Green Score: 20

“It’s increasingly obvious that automakers are fully invested in providing consumers with the widest possible array of vehicle choices. Earning a spot on the “Greenest” list is proving to be a real challenge for automakers given the variety of vehicle technologies on the market and the proliferation of highly efficient conventional vehicles. Just using the latest technology does not guarantee a top spot,” said Vaidyanathan.

Read the full press release from the ACEEE here.

And check out the full list of the Greenest Vehicles of 2012 and the Meanest Vehicles of 2012.

Here are five of our favorites that are hitting the roads and dealerships all around us… and why you’ll want to buy them, too.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

This hot Camaro comes equipped with a 580-horsepower supercharged V8 engine, with lots of gorgeous features to boot. Termed “barely street legal” (with good reason), the ZL1 is the highest-performing production Camaro of all time. Clocking 7:41:23 this comfortable sportscar is perfect for daily driving… with that racer’s edge.

Buick Verano

The 2012 Buick Verano brings forth a refined, responsive performance with a powerful 2.4L dual overhead cam 4-cylinder engine, variable valve timing and E85⁷ capability.  This luxury sedan includes its advanced QuietTuning technology, as well as Buick IntelliLink and an available GPS navigation system. Another perk? Its EPA-estimated 21 MPG city/32 MPG on the highway and approximate 15-gallon tank: to lower-in-gas bonuses.

Ford C-Max

Among them in Volkswagen’s Tiguan, a slick crossover that finds you the perfect balance of sporty, attractive, and practical.

2012 Volkswagen Tiguan

This compact crossover is on the way up. Last year, its sales increased from around 14,000 units to nearly 21,000. This year, it’s breaking records.

The new Tiguan utilizes a 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI four-cylinder engine, generating the same 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque output as last year’s model. These add up to a big improvement in miles per gallonOther updates include a new  version of its 09M six-speed automatic, now using two different overdrive gears instead of one. As well, the Aslin gearbox changes its torque converter when coasting, and the transmission reduces shift points and lowered idle speed.

These alterations should tally to a 15-to-20 percent gain in efficiency (approximately 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway in front-wheel-drive spec). Last year’s version was about 20/26. The downside is that it still recommends premium fuel.

The Tiguan also boasts updated hardware, which is found underneath its slick, and effective, exterior. The front fascia adopts Volkswagen�s latest corporate look, which is making its way into a number of its vehicles: twin split-bar grille and new headlamps, looking pretty good. There is also an addition of chrome lower trim strips and reshaped taillights with updated internals. Overall, it looks just that much more refined.

There are two front-end looks for the 2012 Tiguan. One is the 28° Track & Style nose, which has a light-duty plastic skid plate and slightly improved arrival angle. The other options is the 18° Sport & Style, which includes a bluffer face, with a larger center air intake and a Leno jut. European customers get to choose, while North American customers will have the 28° Track & Style nose.

The interior of the new Tiguan is largely the same as the 2011: well-constructed, comfortable, and good-looking. New additions include an updated steering wheel with multi-function switchgear, a clearer and more colorful data display  between the tachometer and the speedometer and an updated gearshift lever. For those who choose the SEL model, they will also see a thin matte silver trim on the door cards.

Last year’s  Tiguan was more expensive than its competitors of the same cross overs, though Volkswagen hasn’t started pricing the 2012 model’s September on-sale date. We assume it will be in the same ballpark of $23,000.

If you’re looking for refinement in a gorgeous crossover with all of the reliability of a Volkswagen, the Tiguan is an excellent choice.

Stay tuned for more parts as we pick our favorite upcoming vehicles for 2012!

Here are our top 12 tips for maintaining the life of your car, keeping it new and healthy, and ensuring that what you bought is what you’ll have for years to come.

Oh, and keeping you safe, too.

Skip the at-home car wash

When you wash your car at home, you actually use almost 20 times MORE water than if you get it professionally done. But if you’re not worried about the environment (though, come on, you should be), you’re also damaging your car. Studies have shown that careful at-home car washing can still leave scratches in the paint. These scratches you’ll probably not see after a few washes, but they’ll come to fruition soon enough.

Take the time to adjust

When you have a seat in your car, make sure you adjust all of the mirrors so you can combat all of the blind spots. This will help you while driving, but also with any neck craning. Set the rearview mirror as you normally would, first. Next, tilt it upward slightly so you sit up straight. Once you’re done that, lean your head against the driver’s window, then set your left mirror so you can see the back corner of your car. Repeat on the other side: lean right to do the right mirror.

Watch for deer

It might sound funny, but wildlife can easily dart out in front of you, especially in rural areas. To avoid a collision, don’t swerve or panic. You have no idea which way the animal will go, and you might end up in a ditch, in a tree or, hopefully not, off a cliff.  If you have time before the possible impact, flash your headlights to try to scare the animal out of your path. If you know a collision is going to happen, brake with your steering wheel straight. At the last possible second, steer away from the animal to prevent it from crashing through your windshield.

Get out of stuck situations

If you’re sinking down into the mud, snow, or sand, here’s how to get out: lower the tire pressure down to about 5 or 6, and dig out space in front of the tires to give yourself a run. If there is still no get traction, put down some pieces of carpet. Note to self, keep carpet close by.

Head to neutral

When you’re at a stoplight, shift into neutral. It makes no difference for the transmission, but it does ease up on the engine. This makes a reduction in the amount of heat carried by the cooling system and can increase gas mileage a tick or two.

Learn to jump-start

Here’s a quick tip: If your battery terminals are corroded, use a can of cola and pour it directly onto the battery terminals. The acid in the cola acts to remove the corrosion, which improves both your connection and betters the odds of a successful jump-start. Once you return home,  run water over the battery to remove any excess cola and dry it with an old rag.

Keep those windows up

Yes, shutting off the air conditioning lowers fuel consumption, but only when you’re not on the highway. Keeping the windows open uses more gas because of the drag you’re putting on the car. To compromise, run the A/C in recirculation mode, which recycles some of the air from inside the car. This requires less energy than completely cooling the air that comes in from outside.

Drop the pounds

Whether it is you or your car, every 100 pounds you remove improves the car’s fuel economy by 1 to 2 percent. Instead of keeping a load in the trunk and backseat before you leave home, clear it out. If you do need to load up, don’t use the roof storage: this can increase fuel economy by as much as 5 percent.

Don’t get a ticket

Ever get caught speeding? Not a fun treat. Head over to speedtrap.org to find user-submitted lists of speed traps all over the country.

Keep it full

Especially during the colder months, keep your gas tank more than half full. Once it goes past, any void above the fuel in your tank will fill with moist air, which condenses to water in the cold. This can settle in the bottom of the tank, and if enough accumulates, it’ll go right to the engine.

Use your seatbelt

Might be snug, uncomfortable, or uncool, but seatbelts are absolutely necessary. Even more so, going without it can mean that the airbag turns into a deadly weapon. Studies have found that the incidence of neck or spine injury was 70 percent higher for drivers who chose to not wear their  seatbelt. If you aren’t buckled up during a collision, you’re probably heading headfirst into an airbag coming at you at 200 mpg.

Stop the crack

If a rock has chipped your windshield, you best fix it. And if you act fast, you can avoid the cost of a replacement – sometimes up to $500. As long as the chip is smaller than the size of a dime, a glass shop can fill the crack with an optically matched resin that should stop the spread of cracks. Most insurance companies waive the deductible and cover this cost-saving procedure.

Before you head out, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

We’ve gathered together our top tips for used car buying, so you end up with a beaut that’ll last you for awhile–instead of being taken for a ride and getting a lemon.

Arrive Early

When you’re heading out to look at some used cars, make sure you get there early if you have an appointment. Aim for about 20 to 30 minutes earlier than the time–you might catch the car salesman or owner doing some modifications to ensure it appears to be more up to snuff than it is. For example, if the car is a little leaky, the seller will aim to fill it up as close to the appointment time as possible to rid of of those possible leak marks in the driveway. Scope it out before you head in. This can also save you some possible time. If you see something fishy, head out.

Do the Walk-Around

Before you drive or even sit in the car, take a look on the outside. Inspect to see if there is any exterior damage. Fresh dents, for example, may not be there – but then, the day you buy it – take a good look to see if they suddenly are.

Move onto the doors. Open them, shut them, and see if when they are shut that it is nice and snug. If they don’t, this might mean there was an accident, and they weren’t fixed correctly. Also take a look at the hinges and latches for signs of rust or any other damage.

Go to the back and pop the trunk. Make sure everything looks good and it opens and closes properly. Move to the front and unlatch the hood. Take a good look at the gas cap and see how difficult it is to open. It should be a snug fit.

When you walk around, inspect the exterior paint from all angles. There should be no flaking, you should be aware of what scratches are already there, and look closely for any scratches that run deep. Those will rust overtime. As well, if there are any scratches on the undercarriage it could mean that there was an accident.

Look at the tires for any sort of uneven wear, which means there are alignment problems. Check the sidewalls, and make sure all four tires match.

Inspect the rubber molding by running your finger along it. Bad seals mean dry spots, which means moisture can get in.

Get Inside

When you get in the car, turn the headlights on. Check over  the turn signals and the hazards switches, too. Look at all the lenses and make sure they are clear, and that the windshield is free of cracks.

Double check the dome light and make sure it works. If it is just burnt out, that is fine, but ask about electrical troubles.Then, press every other button in sight, making sure they work: heat, AC, stereo.

Look around for the oil change sticker and see what the date is.

Double check the emergency break, seat belts, adjustment of the seats.

Check the seats for tears, the dashboard for cracks and sun damage, and the fabric on the passenger compartment’s ceiling, to make sure it isn’t separating or bulging.

Finally, look under the front seats for signs of rust. There shouldn’t be any.

Look in the glove compartment

The glove compartment should be home to the owner’s manual, any maintenance records and inspection reports, registration. Double check to make sure that the vehicle identification number (VIN number) matches the one on the vehicle.

Go in the trunk

Check the trunk for for signs of moisture, and inspect the jack to see if all the parts are there. It should also be in good shape. Make sure the spare tire isn’t flat, and if it is, make the owner replace it. Pull on the interior trunk release to make sure it works.

Turn it on

Finally, open the hood and start the car.  Get the salesman or the owner to accelerate. There should be no vibration in the engine. Look at the belts for signs of wear, though don’t touch them.

Turn off the car, then take a deeper look. Check the battery for excessive corrosion around where the cables connect. Make sure hoses have a firm connection.

Pull out the dipstick. Wipe it off, put it back in all the way, then pull it out again. The oil should look clean, not sludgy or thick. Double check that it as a good level.

Get down and dirty

Get that car on a lift, and look for rust. Take off the hubcaps, look underneath, and make sure the exhaust system doesn’t puncture with a rough poke.

Drive it, baby

Take a good drive. Do you love it? Don’t buy it – yet. Come back in a week or so and make sure everything is still top notch.