kick the tires

Etymology
Early 20th century. Tires on early automobiles were made of thin rubber and were sometimes of poor quality, hence a prospective buyer might kick them to see how thick they were or if they would deflate.

Verb

 * 1)  To inspect something to ensure it meets expected standards or has favored characteristics, typically before committing to purchasing or otherwise selecting it.
 * 2) * 2003, Martin Howell, Predators and Profits: 100+ Ways for Investors to Protect Their Nest Eggs, Reuters (2003), ISBN 0131402447, page 189 (chapter title):
 * Red Flag 1: When an Analyst Doesn't Kick the Tires or Even Read a Company's Filings
 * 1)  To inspect a vehicle's tires by kicking them to check for defects or poor quality.
 * 1)  To inspect a vehicle's tires by kicking them to check for defects or poor quality.
 * 1)  To inspect a vehicle's tires by kicking them to check for defects or poor quality.
 * 1)  To inspect a vehicle's tires by kicking them to check for defects or poor quality.
 * 1)  To inspect a vehicle's tires by kicking them to check for defects or poor quality.
 * 1)  To inspect a vehicle's tires by kicking them to check for defects or poor quality.
 * 1)  To inspect a vehicle's tires by kicking them to check for defects or poor quality.
 * 1)  To inspect a vehicle's tires by kicking them to check for defects or poor quality.