A used car can look spotless and still hide a problem. A calm, methodical look before you sign takes less than an hour and can save you from an expensive surprise. This list works for any car and any seller, including us.
Start with the paperwork
- Ask for the vehicle identification number (VIN) and check that it matches the one on the dashboard, on the driver's door jamb and on the title.
- Run a vehicle history report with that VIN. It can show reported accidents, title brands such as salvage or flood, and earlier odometer readings.
- Check for open safety recalls with the same VIN on the federal recall lookup.
- Read the title. The seller's name should match, and any lien should be released or have a clear plan to be released at the sale.
- Ask for service records. Regular oil changes and documented repairs tell you how the car was treated.
Walk around the outside
- Look along each side in good light. Uneven gaps between panels, a slightly different shade of paint or paint on rubber seals usually mean body repair.
- Check the tires: tread depth, matching brands, and even wear. Wear on one edge often points to an alignment or suspension issue.
- Look for rust under the doors, in the wheel arches and under the car.
- Check the glass for chips and test every light, including the brake lights.
Sit inside
- Notice the smell. A damp or musty smell can be a sign of water getting in.
- Turn the key or press start: the warning lights should come on briefly and then go out.
- Try the air conditioning, the heat, every window, the locks, the mirrors and the screen.
- Compare the wear on the seat, the steering wheel and the pedals with the mileage on the odometer.
Open the hood
You do not need to be a mechanic. Look for fluid leaks, cracked belts or hoses and corrosion on the battery terminals. If you can, ask to start the engine cold, because some problems only show before the engine warms up.
Take a real test drive
- Drive in town and on the highway if possible.
- The car should brake in a straight line without shaking, and the steering should stay centered.
- Shifts should be smooth, whether the transmission is automatic or manual.
- Drive over a few bumps with the radio off and listen.
Get an independent inspection
The most reliable step is a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic you choose. It costs little compared with the price of the car. A seller who refuses one is also telling you something.