Buying a used car can save you money. Obviously, the flipside of that is a used car carries miles on the odometer and wear and tear seen and unseen. Therefore, it helps to have some basic automotive knowledge when buying a used vehicle. This checklist aims to provide you with a comprehensive, if not totally exhaustive, rundown of everything you should be looking for when buying a used car.
The first thing you’ll want to do when shopping for a used car is research the vehicle’s strengths and weaknesses with a particular focus on common mechanical issues. If the vehicle is listed on a dealer’s site or a listing site like Carsforsale.com, you’ll also want to check the vehicle history report noting service work that has been done, any open recalls, and whether the vehicle has been in any accidents. This way you’ll know the primary points of concentration when doing your inspection.
Depending on how thorough you’re able to be, you can inspect the vehicle with just a flashlight and some clean rags. If you’re foregoing a professional inspection, you’ll also want a jack, jack stands, and a code reader (the latter typically cost around $30.00 and can give you trouble codes indicating potential issues).
There’s a lot you can tell about a used vehicle from just walking around it and kicking the proverbial tires (there are, in fact, better ways of checking tire condition than kicking them). Below is our list of things to check for.
The state of the interior isn’t just the condition of the upholstery. Here’s are all the things to look, listen, and smell for.
Things might look great at first glance, but a thorough inspection isn’t complete until you’ve gotten a good look at all the mechanicals. Here’s what to look for in the engine compartment and undercarriage.
There’s a lot going on in a used car you won’t be able to evaluate until you get it started and out on the road. Here’s what to look, listen, and feel for.
As good as a checklist like this is, it’s still a good idea to have a possible purchase looked at by a professional mechanic you trust. Most dealers are happy to allow you to have a third-party mechanic inspect a potential purchase. Also make sure to ask to see the title of the vehicle. Check for any leans against the vehicle and whether it carries any brands or has a salvage title. Click here for an explanation of title brands and salvage titles. If you’re buying the car from a third party, double check that the name on the title matches that of the person you’re talking to.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in May 2020 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.