Quote Originally Posted by Ben-e-boy View Post
one trick I have used with every car I have ever owned is that you request that the engine be stone cold on veiwing so you can take the oil cap off and stick your fingers into the wells of the head. if the vehicle has a poor service history this will be evident when you find bits of sludgey grit on your finger tips. no sludge or grit there is a good chance that the vehicle has been well maintained.
Suggest only doing this while the engine is off haha! But it is a good test. Have the bonnet open when the engine is first started cold and listen carefully for any rattles, knocks etc from the engine.

Tony