check the oil for water, make sure it doesnt over heat, make sure it holds good oil pressure. look for smoke upon start up. Make sure the coil pack works. a/c heat work. transmission doesnt slip, or make sure it goes through all the gears and the clutch doesnt slip if its a standard. I also check for leaks under the hood and truck.

 

NEVER... NEVER wash the engine off.. I haven't had any problems with the engine until I went camping and decided to pressure wash the engine after I got back. I still haven't gotten it to run right. I've replaced the injectors/coil packs and have now taken the coil packs out 2 times to be sure they are dry and to add dielectric grease.. Still doesn't run without having a huge miss. Sometimes the CEL comes on and other times it just runs like #*$&#

GRRRRRRRRRR!

 

windshield, top corner drivers side very famous for water leaks and runs down the a pillar right to the fuse panel and youll get some electrical gremlins that will drive you nuts