Tips on Buying Cars: Buying a used car..., bad tire, fiat punto

Question
Hi there,

I'm looking to purchase a used Fiat Punto Selecta 1.3 which is 5 years old, manufactured in 1999. I  would like to know what are the essentials to look out for when testing the car particularly the reliability aspect of its engine. I've already taken the car out for a test drive and it felt ok, otherwise I don't know what else to look out for before making the purchase.

please help...thanks!

Answer
first you look at the mileage...if its high (over 60000)see if belts hoses have been replaced...if the fluids are a dirty brown like mud they have never been changed...this would mean someone didnt care about this car and didnt take care of the maintenance on it....to see if its had body damage or paintwork done....look for overspray in places it shouldnt be...like on the radiator on the frame anywhere under the car...another trick is look at the dipstick...if the tip (where you see oil) is discolored (brown or black like burnt oil)this means the engine was run on very low oil and started to burn up...a sign that the owner didnt care about the engine..as for driving....come to a couple hard stops...there  should be no pulsation in the pedal...at all...if there is it will need brakes...take the car up to 75 mph if you can..there should be no vibration or humming sounds...if there is it could be a bad tire or a bent rim...if the car smells a little funny like mold or mildew..it could mean it has water leak somewhere...a sign of an accident...never trust a smelly car...if an engine is really really clean...be careful the seller may be trying to hide a oil leak....i think those are the basics....just remember...if something seams odd or wrong it probably is....