5 Things to Check Before Buying a Used Car

Purchasing a used car can be a total nightmare if you don’t know what to look for. You may be tempted to purchase based on what you see or how you feel.

In all the excitement of buying a new car, the chances of making a bad decisions greatly increases. However, there are a few different ways to prepare, even if you know nothing about cars.

Here are 5 things you should look out for when purchasing a used car:

Vehicle Recalls

If a car is often recalled for mechanical issues, that’s a red flag. Any sign of vehicle recall is a good indication that you should walk away.

Evidence of Previous Accidents

Offset doors, fenders, and uneven lines could indicate frame damage. Check underneath the car for any issues and beware of rust.

Look out for signs of a ‘cut-and-shut’, where pieces of two or more vehicles (often ones damaged in accidents) are illegally welded together. Check for any signs of welding and look for patchy paintwork or colors that don’t match.

A professional inspection and full history check should help protect you against purchasing a car that has been illegally fixed after an accident.

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Check the Engine and the Tires

A car is only as good as the engine it contains. If you have to replace the engine, it can be a very expensive.

It’s always a good idea to have a qualified mechanic check the engine of a used car to determine its condition before you buy it.

You may also want to have the car checked for eroded or worn out tires. Tires with uneven wear could be an indicator that the wheels are not correctly aligned.

And don’t forget to check the car’s fluids. Pull out the dipsticks and check the reservoirs inside the engine to make sure that everything looks normal.

Check Vehicle Documents

Verify the validity of the vehicle’s documents before finalizing a used car purchase.

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Take a Test Drive

Does the car make any odd sounds? Do you smell gas, burning oil, or anything else that may indicate malfunction? How are the brakes? Do they squeak? Does the Check Engine light go on?

These are all important questions to ask yourself while you’re behind the wheel.

Don’t forget to check the heating, air conditioning, and windows. Test all the lights and blinkers as well.

It may be beneficial to bring a friend with you to help investigate the car for any flaws.

Final Words

Before paying for a used car, ask the seller for the car title (which is sometimes called the pink slip), and have them sign the vehicle over to you.

Rules for vehicle registration and licensing will vary from state to state. Check with your local DMV to make sure there are no past-due registration fees you might be responsible for once you buy the car.

Whether you buy from a dealer or a private party, it’s always a good idea to have insurance for the car before you drive away.

Once you’ve purchased the vehicle, having an extended warranty can help cover any expenses that may arise in the future.

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