Three Key Things to Check When Buying a Used Car

Television commercials make buying a used car look like a blast. Even if the onscreen consumer appears stressed out, someone will make a joke and he or she will live happily ever after with their purchase. As we know, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, the joke’s on us.

We may buy into the salesperson’s spiel and ignore potential flaws in the vehicle. If we do, it’s our problem usually as most used car purchases are “as is”, meaning that when we buy the used car, we also buy any potential problems without any warranties. The only assurance we have is a minimal standard that the car will be “drivable.”

So then, as consumers, we should make every effort to get the best possible deal when buying a used car. This means we will get a car that won’t add on operating costs with repairs within a couple of months of driving the car off the lot. How can we make that happen?

Self-Check

Even if you aren’t experienced with cars or auto repairs, you can use the eye test to judge whether or not what the dealer is asking for is fair, or whether you should avoid the car completely. A few things you can do:

• Check the tire treads for excessive wear
• Check the headlights and floorboards for signs of moisture. The car could have been in a flood.
• Look closely at the paint job for signs that someone painted over a rust issue
• Drive the car with the radio off and listen for anything that sounds strange coming from the engine

Call for Help

While you can find things on the surface that can help you make a decision when buying a used car, you should consider asking for assistance from a trusted mechanic. They can conduct a full examination of the vehicle and find things that you may not notice yourself. They can identify structural issues, engine problems, and whether it’s driving the way it should. They can also ask the dealer questions you may not think of – or know – to ask.

If you’re lucky, your mechanic will be a pal and do the check for free. Otherwise, you will be paying for their services. However, if you’re going to spend a good amount of money on a used vehicle, you could save yourself money in the end.

Check the Records

All cars have a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the car, usually at the front. Cops usually use that number to check if your car is stolen when they’re giving you a speeding ticket. You can also use this number to check the repair history of the vehicle you’re looking at.

There are a few different services that will search records nationwide. You can find out if the vehicle was totaled or how many times it was in a collision. You can also find out whether the person selling the car actually has the title, and thus the legal right to sell.

Bring a Cool Head

This head could be your own – if you can keep a cool head while considering a large purchase. But even better, bring a trusted friend or family member with you. Having a person who’s not invested in the outcome will greatly lower the chances of getting swept up in the moment. This person can take you aside and let you know if what the seller keeps dismissing as a minor issue can in fact be a serious problem. This person can be more objective than you under the circumstances. And two heads are always better than one!

Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, go out into the world and take the future of your car-buying experience into your own hands! Be sure to walk in prepared with an auto loan for your best odds.