I'm finally going to look at a used car that seems promising and I want to be as prepared as possible. I've spent the evening putting together a list of things to check before buying a secondhand car based on online advice, but I'm worried I might forget something important in the moment. I know to check the exterior for rust or bad paint, and to look at the tires for uneven wear. But what about the mechanical stuff that's harder to spot? For example, how can I get a sense of the transmission health during a test drive without being a mechanic? And given our climate, are there specific signs of heat damage I should look for under the hood or in the interior? I'd really appreciate any last minute tips from experienced buyers on what they always check that might not be on a standard online list. I want to go in with my eyes wide open.