exhaust

Importance of inspecting exhaust on a used car:

     Exhaust pipes ensure that the smoke from the engine passes through them and safely released into the air on the back of the vehicle. Leaking exhaust can create nasty sound and potential hazard, because it might simplify exhaust getting inside the car.

What to look for when checking exhaust?

     First of all listen to sound. Does the car sound too raspy or just louder than normal cars? Unless it has a big engine, it should be fairly quiet, without any raspiness or excessive loudness. Take a peak at the muffler and see if it's overly rusted. Rusted through muffler can actually fall off while you're driving. Exhaust is usually the first thing to succumb to rust, so it's important to see the condition of it.

     When you get in the car and start it up pay attention to exhaust smell inside the vehicle. If you can easily smell exhaust inside the car after startup it might indicate leaking gaskets somewhere along the exhaust pipe route.

     Some cars have loose exhaust hangers and exhaust might thump against the underbody when you go over bumps. 

Conclusion:

     Inspect exhaust/muffler for rust and listen for leaks that manifest themselves as raspy sounds and overly loud exhaust note. If you smell exhaust after you start the car up, it indicates exhaust leak and is potentially dangerous in the long run.