Could you tell if an engine has internal damage by test driving it?

Also, if an FC N/A runs extremely smooth with no problems, does that mean the engine should last me a long time with proper maintenance?

 

You can tell if it's screwed just by listening to it idle. If it idles, it's OK.

Engines give very little warning before they let go. They run great and run great up until the minute they die.

 

Just like Initial D!

The 4A-GE dies all in a sudden!

 

My engine ran OK till it died and then it was a major lock up. I knew the compression was low but drove it for almost 3 years till it died. It was just always lacking in the power I wanted it to have.

 

compression test Best way to check the condition of your engine...

 

NO!!!

A bad idle probably just means it needs a tuneup or a new TPS.

75% of the time, the engine is fine but the car needs a tuneup, TPS, has vacuum leaks in the intake/exhaut manifold, etc..

20% of the time the engine may have low compression which may/may not be reflected in the power or idle levels.

5% of the time its electrical or fuel delivery related.

One of the best way to tell if the previous owner took care of th car is to get the compression test done on the engine.