A full set will cost upwards of Rs 5,000. If the tread wear is uneven, then there is a problem with the suspension, which may be expensive to fix. It could also be due to body problems that you may not be able to fix at all.

2. Feel

Never buy a used car without driving it first. Start and rev the engine. If there is too much smoke coming out of the tailpipe, the engine could need an overhaul. That would set you back Rs 10,000-20,000 for a small car. Vary the speeds as you would under normal driving conditions.

If acceleration and, especially, deceleration lags well behind your accelerator inputs, then the engine or the clutch is packing up. The latter can set you back by Rs 3,000-4,000.

Let go of the steering at moderate speeds. If the car is pulling to any side, it may be because the wheels are not aligned and/or balanced, bent wheel rims, or an accident fixed badly. If this problem exists, the steering is likely to wobble at higher speeds of, say, 80 kph plus.

If the seller fixes the first two and the problem continues, there is probably an issue with the body that you may not be able to fix. Try an emergency brake.

Photograph: Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Image: Discarded car tyres lie at a depot for wrecked and abandoned cars