Engine should be appropriately clean. Listen for knocking, grinding, banging, rattling, or loud ticking. Move in reverse first. Now try first gear and continue through each gear, checking for smooth opperation. Tire wear can cause the car to pull to one side.
Brakes can also pull.
Uphill climbing should be without labor. Listen for bearing noise. Check for vibration in the steering wheel. The prices given below are determined by the author's experience, and are not necessarily indicative of prices in your area. Price valuations from appraiser's are usually given to estimate the cost of replacement.