What to look for when buying a Used Car
Buying a used car can be a smart financial move, but it’s important to go in prepared. Here's a checklist of things to look for and do:
🔍 Before Seeing the Car
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Set Your Budget – Include insurance, taxes, registration, and potential repairs.
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Research the Model – Check reliability, common issues, recalls, and market value (use KBB, Edmunds, etc.).
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Get the VIN – Run a vehicle history report (Carfax, AutoCheck) to check for:
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Accidents
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Salvage/rebuilt title
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Service history
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Ownership history
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🚗 Inspecting the Car (Exterior & Interior)
Exterior:
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Paint and Rust – Check for mismatched paint, dents, or rust spots.
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Tires – Uneven wear could mean alignment issues.
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Lights & Lenses – Check for cracks, fogginess, and function.
Interior:
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Odor – Musty or moldy smells can mean water damage.
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Seats, Dash, Upholstery – Look for excessive wear or tears.
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Electronics – Test windows, locks, A/C, radio, dashboard lights, etc.
🔧 Mechanical Condition
Even if you’re not a mechanic, here are basics to check:
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Engine – Listen for knocking, clicking, or rough idling.
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Fluids – Check oil, transmission, brake, and coolant levels/condition.
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Transmission – Make sure it shifts smoothly (manual or automatic).
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Suspension & Brakes – Drive over bumps, brake at different speeds.
Pro tip: Always bring a mechanic or get a pre-purchase inspection done if you're not confident yourself.
🧾 Paperwork
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Title – Must be clean (not salvage or rebuilt) and match the seller’s name.
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Bill of Sale – Essential for legal documentation.
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Service Records – A well-documented maintenance history is a good sign.
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Odometer Reading – Check for signs of rollback or tampering.
🚘 Test Drive
Take it on highways, residential roads, and turns. Pay attention to:
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How it accelerates and brakes
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Any strange noises or vibrations
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How it handles and turns
🚩 Red Flags
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Seller is hesitant about a mechanic inspecting it
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Car has no maintenance records
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Price is way below market value
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Recently painted areas that don’t match
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Title isn't in the seller's name