Americans bought nearly 36 million used cars last year. But finding a great used car or truck, one that meets your needs and your budget, can be tricky if you don’t know what to look for. When inspecting any used car, there are several key tips and tricks to keep in mind to ensure you're making a good purchase.
That's why we put this guide together. Whether you’re buying a used car from a dealership or a private owner-seller, these ten expert tips will help you find a reliable vehicle and avoid potential issues.
- Run a Vehicle History Report
Start by obtaining vehicle history reports from at least two reputable sources. Keying off the vehicle identification number (VIN) or even just the license plate, the history report reveals the car's past, including ownership changes, reported accidents and in some cases detailed service records. Look for evidence of regular upkeep, such as oil changes at least once per year. Also, check those major service items, such as the timing belt, have been changed on time.
- Ask for the Service Records
If the seller is claiming recent servicing like an oil change, or significant repairs like a transmission rebuild that don’t appear on the vehicle history reports, ask to see the paper receipts to verify the work. If the seller can’t produce the paperwork or name the shop that worked on the car it may be a red flag.
Of course, the seller may also be a DIYer who performed the work at home. If this is the case ask to see the receipts for the oil and the parts required for the repair.
- Look for Evidence of Body or Paint Work
Not every accident is reported on vehicle history reports, so give the exterior a thorough examination, looking for evidence of prior repairs. Tell-tale signs include uneven gaps between body panels and subtle differences in paint color or texture from one panel to the next.
Prior body or paint work isn't necessarily a deal-breaker, but it should prompt you to inquire about the extent and quality of the repairs. It can also be a negotiating point if you decide to make an offer.
- Inspect the Tires
Next, check the tires. You want to find a matching set of rubber with plenty of tread left. Take caution if the tires are heavily worn or show uneven wear – especially the latter, which indicates potential suspension or alignment issues. Even if there's plenty of tread left, check the date code, a four-digit sequence indicating the week and year the tires were made. If it's more than six years ago, they'll need to be replaced due to age.
- Examine the Undercarriage
Lie flat on the ground for a better view of the car's undercarriage. If necessary, use the flashlight and camera on your phone to take pictures to help you see into all of the nooks and crannies. Does anything appear damaged? Are the rubber suspension bushings dry and cracked or even missing? Most vehicles will show a bit of wear underneath, but you don't want to find any significant rust, leaks or damage.
- Check the Fluids and the Battery
Next, pop the hood and inspect the key fluids:
- Engine oil should appear amber or brown. If it's dark or gritty, that indicates negligence, while milky-looking oil is evidence of a blown head gasket.
- Coolant should look bright and clean. If it's rusty or has particles suspended in it, the cooling system likely needs an overhaul.
- Brake fluid should be clear to slightly yellow; darker fluid suggests the system is overdue for service.
- Automatic transmission fluid should appear pink or red with a sweet smell. If it's brown or black and smells burnt, a worn or damaged gearbox is the likely culprit.
While you're there, also check the label on the battery for its date of manufacture. If it's more than four years old, it will likely need replacing soon.
- Perform a Cold Start
Before your visit, inform the seller that you’d like to start the engine cold. This can reveal issues that disappear after the engine warms up, such as knocks and rattles, rough idling or hesitation.
Also, pay close attention to the exhaust upon starting. Excessive blue smoke indicates the engine is burning oil, while white smoke suggests an internal coolant leak.
- Bring a Code Reader
You can buy a basic code reader or scan tool for less than fifty bucks. Bringing one to your used car inspection can easily save you ten times that.
This device plugs into the car’s OBD-II port, usually found under the dashboard near the steering column. When you turn the ignition on (without starting the engine), it displays any error codes stored in the car's onboard computer.
- Verify the Interior Features
Try out all of the car's interior features to make sure they're working properly. This includes the climate control, the infotainment system, seats, windows, door locks and sunroof.
While you’re at it, check the trunk. Has the spare tire ever been used? Is the jack and the rest of the tire repair gear present and accounted for?
- Take a Thorough Test Drive
Don't just take it for a spin around the block. Instead, try to recreate the normal driving conditions for the use you plan for the vehicle. The test drive is also your chance to try out any features that can only be operated in motion, such as blind-spot warning or adaptive cruise control.
Still have questions? Speak to one of our Tinker Experts today!
