Open the window halfway and listen for sounds of the vehicle echoed by the hard surface. You should only hear the sound of the tires on the roadway. For practice, inspect a vehicle you already own. Doing so will familiarize you with the process and also provide a reference point for vehicles you are considering for purchase. Bounce each corner of the vehicle.
Frame Examine inside trunk, wheel wells, and under hood.
Look underneath each side of the vehicle for a row of holes in the frame just inside the vehicle's outer edge. Remove the gas cap and check inside the filler neck. Check under the dash at the top of the carpet. Test all functions of each. Run the engine at full operating temperature.