Comparing cars is not complicated. Anyone can do it by checking a few things all cars have in common.

Sit down in the drivers seat and shut the door. When the door shuts, it should have a solid sound without excessive rattling. If it rattles, it could mean that the window mechanism isn’t as tight as it should be. Loose window parts can mean poor workmanship and is one of the easiest ways to spot poor engineering.

Lower the window all the way down. Pinch the top of the door with your fingers. If you can close the small gap where the window lowers, it means that the door is made from thin sheet metal. Thicker door panels will not move as easy with only finger pressure. This probably means the car was made for economy, and not strength.

When comparing cars, look around inside the car. If you can see pieces of trim that don’t fit tight, or the ends of the trim pieces seem rough, it might mean that the car was finished with poor, or hurried workmanship. Open the door, look at the rubber weather seal. It should fit tight without any bubbles, curves or loose spaces.

To compare cars you must drive it. But before you start it up, check for airbags, the more the better. Check the seat belts, if they are hard to use, it might mean the car has poor engineering. Start the car and drive it out on the motorway. If the car has a clutch, check for clutch release. If you kill the engine, it might mean that the clutch is set too tight. Small problems like this might mean problems down the road. The clutch should have a smooth, easy release without grinding the gears. It should be quiet.

Compare the car’s acceleration to other cars that you have driven. If it’s considerable slower, it means that the engine is smaller. If you like power, the engine might be too small. If you like better economy, then less acceleration is fine.

Compare looks. If you’re attracted to a vehicle, it means the car will please you as you walk to it in a parking lot. This is important. Pride in an car makes you feel good. But before you purchase a car, always compare and read reviews from previous owners of the car. This is the best way to compare cars, and the most reliable.