You have to check the vehicle thoroughly when buying an old car. Here are some points to check.

* The engine should idle smoothly(without surging or sputtering)
* Look for sings of repainting. Check whether all body parts in same color.
* Inspect the chassis of the car. The bodyline will give you an indication whether the car has met an accident or not.

* Check the wheel alignment of cars. Uneven wear and tear of tyres-balding on the sides or in the middle-indicate poor alignment.
* Check the condition of battery.
* Check whether all the headlights and indicators are working properly.
* Check air conditioning system.