When shopping for a used car, you can't afford to leave anything to chance. If the vehicle has been in an accident, for example, it could be expensive to repair. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to check the car before you buy it and save yourself a lot of time and money. A good place to start is with the history report, which can tip you off to problems that may not be apparent at first glance.

Look for damage under the hood, and try to find any signs of leaks. A light leaking from the engine oil pan or transmission is bad news, and could cost you a lot of money. You can also spread an old blanket on the ground and slide under the car to see how well the constant-velocity (CV) joints are sealed. These are the round, black-rubber bellows at the ends of the axle shafts, and if they're split and leaking grease, it can mean costly repairs.

If the dealer won't let you drive away on your own, take a friend and have him stand behind the car to watch the tailpipe exhaust. If you see white, black or blue smoke coming from the exhaust, it's a sign that the car needs a tune-up or has serious engine issues.

Then, listen for squeaks and rattles in the front end of the car when you turn or brake. A pulsing sensation or pedal that drops to the floor is a clear sign that the car has been driven hard. Make sure to test the steering wheel at low and high speeds, and listen for a smooth shift into reverse. You should also drive the car up and down a hill to feel how it performs when accelerating.

Lastly, open and close the power windows and power door locks. If the keys work in all doors, this is a good indicator that they will continue to operate properly after you're driving it for a while. If the radio, air conditioning and heater all work, this is a great sign that they'll continue to function properly for some time.

Finally, take the car on a test drive in a location that has easy access to a variety of roads. Drive on smooth, straight streets and bumpy ones. Be sure to accelerate and brake at highway speeds, so you can feel how the engine responds at those higher rates. Also, make a tight U-turn and pay attention to how the car handles. A sudden pulling to one side can indicate suspension or alignment problems. A hesitating engine when accelerating can indicate a problem with the fuel injectors or oxygen sensors. Also, be sure to check the radiator's coolant. The fluid should be pinkish with a fresh smell, not a milky, brown or red color. A dirty radiator is an indication of leaks and possible damage to other components. Check the condition of the tires, too. A full set of replacement tires can be costly, so you'll want to make sure that the tread is intact and there are no scuffs or nicks in the sidewalls.try a free car check