Checklist for Used Car Buying

Used Car Buying Tips

Used cars can be a good investment if you choose carefully. Research the vehicle(s) you are most interested in by reading reviews and consumer reports. Things you may want to keep in mind are gas consumption, safety equipment, options, and vehicle mileage. Don’t forget to use your friends and family members as another great source of information and recommendations.

To help you make a clearer decision on the vehicle you want, try to narrow down your choices to one or two models. By doing this, it is easier to make a comparison when test driving vehicles of the same model.

Here are some other tips:

• Ask to see the car’s history records. If you go through a car dealership, obtaining a CARFAX report from them will show you if the vehicle has been in any accidents, has outstanding liens, or has any other DMV problems.
• Don’t buy the cheapest car. What you want is a vehicle in good condition at a reasonable price. Sometimes the low cost can be a tip off that there may be something wrong with the car. However, car dealerships tend to discount pre-owned vehicles that have been in stock for too long. Dealerships need to keep their inventory fairly fresh, so if cars aren’t moving they will make bigger discounts. Also, many auto dealerships now have their own websites with their car inventory online and available to view, so you can check what they have before making that trip to the lot.
• Buy a used car that is no older than 3 to 5 years.
• Do not buy a vehicle that has over 100,000 miles on it.
• Inspect the vehicle(s) you are interested in during the daytime.

Checklist for Used Car Buying

Use this checklist for used car buying to help you avoid the vehicles that are not worth the money.

• Examine the car body for any defects. Look for scratches, dents, or rust. Also check for paint discoloration on any of the panels. If the paint clearly doesn’t match, the vehicle was most likely in a car accident. Other defects that are minor can be used as a tool to help you negotiate a better price. You should also request that they fix these issues if you buy the car.
• Check the tires. Are they a popular brand or some generic brand? Do they all match? Check the tread on the tires. If they look like they are on their last leg, ask if they can be replaced.
• Examine the interior seating. Is it ripped or worn out? Stained?
• Test the door locks for any issues.
• Check the instrument panel to see if all gauges work properly. Are there any warning lights like “check engine”? This may be a sign that the vehicle needs some work. If considering buying, have it corrected before purchasing.
• Bounce each corner of the vehicle to check for proper suspension. A vehicle with good suspension will only bounce once or twice before stopping.
• Start the car. Then open the hood and check out the engine. Are there any unusual smells or noises? Does anything look like it is missing? If you’re not confident in this area, consider bringing a friend with you that is more knowledgeable.
• Look under the vehicle. Do you see any fluid leaks on the ground? If so, this may indicate a serious problem.
• How does the engine start? Does it seem to lack power or lag?
• Does the car shift smoothly or jerk abruptly?
• Check the brakes. Do they bring the vehicle to a stop without issue? Are they noisy?

Purchasing a used car can be a tough decision. By using a checklist for used car buying, you can be confident in making the right choice.