How to Buy a Used Car

 

Used Car Buying Guide

If You Buy a Used Car - What You Need to Do?

Learn how to buy a good used car by using the following check list to evaluate any used car you are looking to buy:

Check out the Car

First, make sure you check out the car in the daylight – never at night or in a dimly lit garage. And don’t hurry or let the owner rush you.

Stand back and take a look.

• Make sure the body parts all line up. Are the seams where the doors and fenders meet even and straight? If not, it may indicate some poorly done bodywork.
• Look at the paint on both the exterior and inside the doors, hood and trunk. Does the paint match?
• Do the doors open and close easily?
• Does it need new tires?
• Do the tires show even wear?

Check under the hood.

• Look for leaky hoses or worn belts.
• Check the garage floor or driveway for signs of fluid leaks.
• Check the oil – is it dirty?
• The automatic transmission fluid should be clear and reddish. It should not be cloudy or muddy or have a burned smell.
• Radiator water should have a light yellow or green color.  If the color is brown, it is showing signs of rust.

Sit in it.

• See how the seats feel – are you comfortable? Do they adjust easily?
• Is the upholstery and carpet in good condition?
• Turn the ignition key to the “accessory” level and check that all the warning lights and gauges work.

• Start the car and confirm that the lights and accessories work.
• Ensure that no warning lights remain lit on the dashboard.
• Check out the airbag readiness indicator lights. They should momentarily illuminate as you start the car. If they stay lit after the car is running, it is a warning that the car's airbags are not functioning correctly. 
• Make sure the turn signals work properly.
• Check the antilock brake indicator light. It should also light momentarily. If it remains lit it indicates a possible problem with the ABS system.
• Check the seats belts and head restraints for fit.
• Do all accessories work, such as the heater, air conditioner, radio, CD player and alarm system?
• Check the mileage. Ask the owner if the miles are highway or city. Highway miles are better.
• Look out all the windows and check the rear view mirrors. Does anything interfere with your ability to see the road and other cars clearly? Be sure there are no blind spots.

Take it for a test drive.

• Does the engine start easily and idle smoothly?
• Don’t just drive around the block. Take the vehicle out on the highway.
• Is the steering straight?
• Does the transmission shift smoothly?

• Is there any rattling or squeaks?
• Does the car have the acceleration you need? Does the engine stumble or hesitate?
• If it is a manual-shift vehicle, try accelerating hard while in a higher gear (third or fourth) or while driving uphill. If there is a rise in the engine rpms without a corresponding increase in speed, it is a sign that the clutch could be slipping. It may need to be adjusted or replaced.
• Check out the breaks. If the car pulls to the left or the right it may indicate a brake problem.
• The steering wheel should not have vibrations or shimmy at high speeds.
• Turning should be smooth. 
• Does the cruise control work?
• Test drive the vehicle at dusk or in the early evening to determine the visibility using the headlights.
• If you have a child safety seat, install it to ensure it fits.

Have a mechanic check it out.

If all your other checks look good and you decide you want to buy the vehicle, make sure you get it checked out by a trusted mechanic before your final decision and before you give the seller any money. 

If the mechanic advises of any problems, ask for the approximate cost of repairing the defects. Most minor problems which can easily be repaired can be used to negotiate a lower price. However, if the vehicle has major problems, walk away from the deal.

Know the vehicle’s history.

If you are purchasing the car from a dealership:

Ask them to provide the name of the previous owner and contact them to verify the mileage and condition of the car.

If you are purchasing the car from a private seller:

Ask them to provide a detailed vehicle history report and maintenance records.

Or Check It Out Yourself Using the VIN

Or, you can use the 17-digit VIN (vehicle identification number) which is found on the dashboard on an engraved medal strip or sometimes on a sticker – look through the windshield on the driver's side. You should also be able to find the VIN inside the driver side door, the passenger door, the trunk, the hood, and sometimes the engine as well as on other major parts. The car makers place the VIN on the major accident parts like doors, engines, and quarter panels, which are broken down from a car when it's stolen. If the VIN shows up on a different car, something is wrong. The car could be stolen, or junked and rebuilt. Walk around the car, checking all the doors and panels for the VIN, and make sure all of them match.

Use the VIN to secure a history from either the state or from a private vehicle history company. These companies have compiled data from multiple sources to help you get a better picture of the car's past. You can search the web to find the companies providing this service by searching on the keywords "vehicle history." This report will show you such things as:

• If the vehicle was stolen
• If the vehicle was in a flood or fire
• If it was salvaged
• If there is any lemon history
• If it was in an accident
• If it has an odometer rollback
• If it was used previously as a police car, taxi or rental car

Used Car Buying Tips Find tips on how to buy a good used car without getting ripped off.

Where To Buy a Used Car There are many places to buy a used car. Find out the positives and negatives of each.

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