Get down and get under...

Stand at each corner of the car and bounce it up and down a few times. If it continues to bounce more than once when you let go, the shock absorber is clapped out. If you want be as thorough as you can be whilst the car is waiting to go into the auction ring you have to lie down on your back and have a good look at the underside of the vehicle. This is where many ills can lurk.

Look for corrosion and leaks around the suspension mountings and for rot under the wheel arches, also for fluid leaks in the brake system. You can rock the wheels back and forth and from side to side, movement and clunking will indicate bearing wear. Look for leaks of oil from the engine itself. A few drops on the sump case can be expected in older cars, but a puddle on the floor would indicate a serious leak, especially if the car has only been standing for a short while. Look for oil leaks also from the gearbox and back axle and water from the radiator.