Before buying a used car, follow this 4-step inspection program to determine the vehicle's reliability, condition and value. It'll help you negotiate a fair price and avoid expensive repairs after the purchase.
4 Tips for Buying a Used Car
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Check the Vehicle’s Reliability on the Internet
Family and friends used to ask me if a certain vehicle was “a good one” only after they’d bought it. Hello? What am I supposed to say then?
Buying a dependable used car takes a little bit of homework. Here’s a four-step plan that you can follow to have the best shot at getting a car that won’t turn into a money pit. This step-by-step inspection program works whether you’re buying from a car lot or a private party. It’s not rocket science, just simple logic when you need tips for buying a used car.
This story on tips for buying a used car isn’t about cosmetic issues like rust, body dents or dirty carpets. Plus, I’m assuming you’re buying a vehicle that’s out of the factory warranty period.
Once you decide on a few vehicle models you’re interested in, it’s time to begin your research in online forums such as edmunds.com and automotiveforums.com. These are two websites where you can read comments and ask questions of a pool of thousands of people who actually own that vehicle.
Review the owners’ comments and ask about their ownership experience. Find out if there are any recurring problems with that year, make and model and how much the owners have shelled out in repairs. Then ask whether they’d buy the same vehicle again. They’ll give you the straight dope. Some forum members respond immediately, but be patient; it might take a few days to get plenty of responses. Someone will always have a good tip on buying a used car.
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Inspections
If the owner has maintenance records, great. It probably means that they took good care of their car. Then check the maintenance schedule in the glove box to see if any major repairs are looming. If the owner already did those repairs, great. But if they didn’t, you’ll get stuck with a large bill right away.
Make sure to inspect these things:
- Dash lights: Turn the key to the “run” position. The Check Engine (Service Engine Soon), Airbag (SRS), Antilock brakes (ABS), Antitheft (Security), and traction control, lights must come on. After you start the engine, all those lights should go off.
- Tires: If you see cracks in the tread or sidewall areas, or notice any steel wires sticking out, you’ll need new tires immediately. Next, use a tread depth gauge to check the tread at the edges and center of the tire. Treadwear that’s worse on one edge of the tire indicates an alignment problem. Irregular tread depth around the tire (cupping) indicates worn struts or worn suspension components.
- Constant velocity (CV) boots: If they’re cracked, you’re looking at big money, at least $400 per side (parts and labor) for rebuilt axle assemblies.
- Engine sludge or severe varnish buildup: Both are signs of neglected maintenance. Remove the oil filler cap and check the engine internals.
- Fluids: Fresh brake fluid is honey-colored. But dark brown brake fluid may still be good. Your best bet is to buy brake fluid test strips at an auto parts store. Engine coolant comes in many different colors, but one color is the kiss of death—rust. If you see that, run, don’t walk, away from this vehicle. You’ll have nothing but costly repairs (radiator, heater core, water pump, etc.) down the road. Flushing the coolant at this point won’t help because the damage has already been done. Fresh transmission fluid is bright red. If it’s light brown, it’s due for a change. If the vehicle doesn’t have a dipstick, have your mechanic check it at final inspection.
- Starting: A cold engine should start right away, without having to “give it some gas.” Then it should settle down to a smooth idle. If the idle is rough when the engine is warm, it’s a sign of a fuel, ignition or vacuum-related problem.
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Take a Test Drive
This isn’t a “once around the block,” 10-minute drive. You need to really put the vehicle through its paces on city streets and on the highway. Here’s what to look for:
- Brake pedal pulsation: Pulsation is caused by brake rotor runout (warpage), and the fix is usually a brake job. Pulsation shouldn’t kill the deal, but it should reduce your offering price.
- Steering wheel wobble and wander: If the wheel vibrates, the cause could be an out-of-balance tire. But if the vehicle “wanders” and the steering wheel requires constant correction, it’s a sign of serious steering or suspension-related problems.
- Transmission shift speeds: Every transmission is different, but as a general rule, the first (1–2) shift should occur at 8 to 12 mph. The next shift (2–3) should happen at about 18 to 25 mph. If the vehicle has overdrive, the last shift should occur at about 40 mph. If you have any doubts about the shifting, ask your mechanic to check it out.
- Overall engine performance: Accelerate from a stop without letting up. You shouldn’t feel any hesitation, chugging or hiccups. Then put it under a heavy load by driving it up a steep hill or punching it hard on the highway. You shouldn’t feel any miss or lag.
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Negotiate Price, Then Get a Mechanic’s Inspection
It’s the best money you’ll ever spend. But before you commit to the inspection, negotiate the best price based on any problems you’ve already discovered. Then make the final purchase contingent on a clean bill of health from your mechanic. Make sure the final inspection includes a scan tool check for “readiness monitors” and “pending codes.”
I’m warning you—don’t skip the final inspection step just to save $100.
