I used the search feature, and nothing came up. My question is simply this: If I am test driving an Integra; what should I look for? Weird noises, awkward driving, etc. I know something obvious like, "Gee, I am pushing the brakes, but it is not stopping. Whatever shall I do." Duhhr. Besides that, what should I look/listen for?

 

There's just as much into looking at things BEFORE the test drive as there is actually test driving it.
Check the oil, see if it looks normal (nothing looking like milk in it), check the coolant, make sure theres no oil. Keep looking at the coolant when you start it, if there's air bubbles that keep comming out, just walk away right there.
Look at the exhaust when you start it for blue or white smoke, that's bad stuff.
If you can do a compression test on it, great.
When you drive it, see if there's play in the steering from bad ball joints/tie rod ends, make sure it goes straight, if it doesn't it may just be poor alignment, may be a bent frame, usually the former.
Anything visually wrong is a great bargaining tool, but doesn't really hurt your car.

 

If all goes well, make sure to ask when the timing belt was last changed. Service records would be nice also.

 

Leak downs are really good as well. Well worth the money to get one done.

 

Thanks for the advice. This place is a great help for a car newbie like myself.

 

if its a GSR, make sure VTEC kicks in

i'd say ask owner about maintain, its all about maintains. service record great, if owner have em. tires wear, egine starts in quick crank. exhaust smoke, idel.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by TheDahliaLama &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">This place is a great help for a car newbie like myself.</TD></TR></TABLE>

you haven seen the darkside..lol

 

Make sure the CV joints are out of wack by listening for a clicking noise coming from the axels. Drive in a straight line and apply the breaks, this will tell you if the break rotors are warped. See if the previous owner has service records.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Last For One &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

you haven seen the darkside..lol</TD></TR></TABLE>

There wouldn't be any fun without a darkside.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by KArowd &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Leak downs are really good as well. Well worth the money to get one done. </TD></TR></TABLE>

What is a leakdown? Newbie, remember. I probably even did the quotes thing wrong.

 

i turn on the ac and punch it , also listen to the suspension and motor. then leaks? if your a mech. then there should be nothing to worry about.