Grab the top of each front tire and tug it back and forth. If the shock absorbers are in good shape, the car should rebound just once, not bounce up and down.

Suspension: Walk around the car to see whether it’s sitting level. But cracks in the windshield will worsen and lead to a costly repair.

A small stone chip might not be cause for alarm, though you should bring it up in negotiations. Glass: Look carefully at the glass to make sure there are no cracks or large, pocked areas. If it seems loose on its hinges, the car has seen hard or long use.

Gently lift and let go of each door, particularly the driver’s door. Open and close each door, the hood, and the trunk. Check the wheel wells, panels beneath the doors, and door bottoms. Rust is a cause for concern, so check the body for blistered paint or visible rust. If other parts of the car have been repainted, there may be paint adhering to the rubber seals around the hood and trunk lid. The magnet won’t stick to an area with body filler. If you think a dent may have been patched, put a small magnet on it. The paint color and finish should be the same on every body panel. Watch out for misaligned panels or large gaps, which can indicate either sloppy assembly at the factory or shoddy repair. Body condition: Check each panel and the roof, looking for scratches, dents, and rust.

Look over the shoulder car