Quote:
Originally Posted by tree fingers
On the topic of managing or avoiding previous owners abuse:
Is it possible to look for indications of abuse through standard checks?
compression test
leakdown test
pulling turbochargers for abnormal amounts of shaft play
etc
What do you guys think?
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Also run your hand over the running engine to feel for leaks, sniff for smells, compare oil level/color before and after a test drive, look at the ground for leaks before and after the drive. Listen for odd rattles when you floor it. These are quick indicators before doing those more involved tests you listed.
Test drive other cars of the same make/model/year in near perfect condition (usually priced higher with lower mileage). Familiarize yourself with where power comes and drops in the entire rev range and feel of the transmission and suspension. This gives you a standard to test against.
Check for consistent spacing between body panels and compare spacing on left vs. right body panels. Look along edges/crevices for signs of paint work, non-factory paint defects (dust, craters), or inconsistent texture or lack of factory orange peel texture on panels.
Put the car on a lift and check suspension for welds/breaks/recently replaced parts. Have a shop do a full laser alignment inspection and confirm everything can be aligned back to factory spec. Make sure they check more than camber, caster, toe; measure steering axis inclination (not directly adjustable) and calculate included angle (not directly measureable) among other things. If the secondary, more involved measurements are off, then most likely something has been bent.