How to Check out a Used car Before Buying it

New cars are too expensive for many people to buy. Yet, you may not know what you are getting into when you buy a used car. After all, the previous owner sold the car for some reason. You can just hope that the reason was minor, or you can check out the car and lessen the surprise factor.

Instructions

1

Look for anything unusual such as rust or dents. Rust could mean the car was in a harsh winter climate or endured a flood, while dents signify possible accidents. Check for oddities in the paint, which show damage as well.

2

Glance at the odometer. How many miles are already on the car? A used car will often have over 100,000 miles if it is between five and 10 years old. A car that is only one to two years old shouldn't have more than 25,000 to 40,000 miles.

3

View the interior and exterior for misaligned parts. Does it appear that the upholstery and the seats are new? This is an unusual occurrence for a younger used car. Check into the reason for the change.

4

Turn on all electrical devices (radio, lights, heater and air conditioner) to see if they work. Go over basic steps, like those listed in Samarins (see Resources), when buying a used car. Keep the list handy so you won't forget something simple during the stress of the decision.

5

Test drive the car. Look for transmission and engine problems that show up on the highway. When you return, check the fluids for color and anything else that seems unusual.

6

Take down the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the car you want to buy. Run this number through a website that offers vehicle history reports, such as Carfax.