Used Car Inspection Step #4 Start Engine
Stand behind the used car to observe the exhaust on startup. Have the seller start the cold engine. Watch for smoke from the exhaust pipe. Blue smoke is oil. Generally, this means the engine is worn, with possibly piston ring problems or valve guide seal problems. In practical terms, this means the engine will not last a long time. Engines are expensive. Excessive white smoke might mean coolant is leaking into your engine or exhaust, neither of these are good. It may have a strange smell because anti-freeze burning has a sweet foul smell. Oddly, it may be OK for a small amount of water to be dripping from the exhaust pipe. This is condensation collected within the exhaust system.
Now walk around to the front. Be careful not to get too close to the engine, in particular the moving parts. Do not wear loose items such as scarves or ties near a running engine. Keeping a safe distance, observe the engine running. It should be smooth and should not be smoking or dripping. Look underneath to confirm that it is not dripping. See
Color Code of Puddles to translate drips.
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