1.
Suspension: Nowadays, they're sealed
units, but you can still examine ball joints; check out
the tie rod ends, too. If things are looking a bit worn
and the odometer is showing incredibly low mileage, be
very suspect of that vehicle.
2. Seat
Belts: Really? It's the law, after
all...so make sure they work properly. They should
"ratchet-and-lock" when you pull on them quickly
(make sure the car's on level ground when performing this
test). Everyone assumes the seat belts work...but many
times they don't! (Have you checked the cost of replacing
a seat belt, lately?)
3. Paint
Overspray: Always a giveaway that the car
has been in any severe wrecks; check for new doors, new
hoods, new trunk lid. My secret: Pull back the seal around
the trunk lid to see if there's any evidence of overspray.
4. Brake
Leaks/Master Cylinder: Another area your
mechanic will know how to check out; be sure to check
brake fluid levels.
5.
Axles: Especially the front axle because
of the proliferation of front-wheel drive vehicles; we're
looking for busted or dirty/worn CV boots. These indicate
the wear...dirty or cracked and worn is not good.
Shiny/new boots are good (this indicates it's been changed
out recently...hopefully!).
6.
ABS-Antilock Braking System: Check the
servo/assembly for damage; also check for brake fluid. If
it's evident, beware!!! It could cost anywhere from
$1500-$2000 or more to repair!
7.
Motor Mounts: Hidden on newer ('88 models
and later) cars; broken means collapsed...bad or sagging
motor mounts can ruin an axle, another big ticket item!
8.
Water Marks: With the annual flooding that
happens somewhere around the country, there's a good
chance that flooded-out cars will be making their way to
the DFW area for some poor sucker to be victimized by.
Looking in and around the doors is easy and obvious and
easily remedied; pull off the panels underneath the dash
and shine a flashlight up in there...you might be very
surprised at what you find!
9.
Contact the Previous Owner:
a.
Texans (and most states offer this service) can write
down the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and contact
the Department of Transportation at (512) 465-7611 to
obtain the name and address of the previous owner and
lienholder and ask 'em about their old set of wheels. The
good news? It's free!
b.
Also, companies like 
Carfax
and credit-reporting giant 
Experian
have gotten into this (profitable) act, too. Plan on
spending up to $20 per background report on the vehicle in
question.
c.
Another way (especially with newer models) is to contact
the service department of a dealer to see if they have the
previous owner information in their database; also check
the glove compartment and look through the service/owner's
manuals and see if you can spot any old service receipts
with the previous owner's name and phone number on them.
And then call them, identify who you are and why you're
calling and ask them why they sold the car. (You might be
surprised by their answer!)
