How do you check a car over?

[FlamBango]

OK ive got my eyes on this Golf and might pop down at the weekend to check it out. Its looks nice and is a pretty colour and thats about my knowledge of cars all used up


VW Golf GTi

Ok its only 1k so im not expecting a minter here But at the same time i dont want the wheels to drop off on the way home either.

Apart from rust in the wheel arches what other things should i look for that might ring alarm bells? Would they be offended if i jacked the car up and wobbled the wheels to check the bearings?

 

[FlamBango]

the what now?

Thanks for the replies though, a lot more to check over than id of imagined!

As far as power goes, it might amaze some to understand that not everyone needs a 1000bhp mad wagon that has the potential to tear itself in half with the torque when the lights turn orange.

 

[FlamBango]

oh thats ok radders, if i needed to look at a car that closely id get an AA man to check it out. I just need to check obvious stuff to make sure it will make it home