What to Look For in A Used Car: 9 Factors to Remember
Buying a used vehicle can be difficult due to the numerous things you should consider. You’ll need to check every aspect of the vehicle and identify what problems it can have down the line once you shop for used cars online. This is why you should also see to it that you are capable of maintaining and repairing the used vehicle after you purchase it.
Know what to look for in a used car before buying it with this buying checklist we’ve created.
3 Steps To Remember When Shopping for Used Cars Online
Set realistic expectations on what you want to buy.
Do your research on what vehicle you want and know how much they are sold nowadays. Some used cars are more expensive than their brand-new counterparts because of availability. Vehicles that are fresh from a manufacturer can take up to 10 months to deliver, while preowned rides are readily available. However, they often come with a premium price tag, depending on their year, make, model, demand, and overall condition.
Look into Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Vehicles.
Make the most of your purchase by getting a CPO ride. These vehicles are mostly in their best condition since they need to fulfill strict requirements to be considered CPO cars. For instance, they can’t be too old and must have only a few miles on their odometer. They should also undergo reconditioning for basic wear-and-tear components and have a base or extended warranty.
Select a reliable brand.
It helps to know the reliability of a certain brand or manufacturer. You must consider the service and maintenance costs of the vehicle you’re eyeing. For example, owning a Subaru is much cheaper compared to having a Mercedes.
Used Car Buying Checklist
It helps to create a checklist of what to look for in a used car. While buying a preowned vehicle means getting used parts, you shouldn’t settle right away and buy the first thing that you see that ticks all your preferences. Inspect the whole car and its vital components to know if you’re getting the best value for your money.
Vehicle body
Keep an eye out for scratches, dents, and rust as you go through every panel and roof of the used car you’re interested in. Know when things look out of the ordinary, such as misaligned panels or large gaps, as they can indicate a bad repair or sloppy assembly. Moreover, its paint and finish should be identical across its entirety.
Rust is a common concern, so we recommend inspecting components where you can expect to find them, such as wheel wells, door bottoms, and various panels.
Another thing to include in your used car buying checklist is opening and closing the doors, trunk, and hood. Access how they open and close, if they are seamless or loose. Wobbly hinges are an indication of improper care and long-time usage. You should also check whether the rubber seals are in good condition, specifically the presence of tears and wear.
Glass surfaces
Inspect the glass surface of the windshield and windows to check if they have any cracks or large, pocked areas. While they may seem not to cause any alarm, these damages can worsen over time and lead to expensive repairs. You can use this to negotiate for a lower price.
Suspension
Part of your overall inspection should include the vehicle’s suspension. Look at its stance, specifically if it’s at an even level. You may want to push down on each corner and see if they rebound immediately. Suspensions should create a quick revert to the vehicle’s level once and not bounce up and down.
Moreover, check if the tires are wobbly or if you hear a clunking sound when tugging them. These are symptoms of faulty wheel bearings and suspension joints.
Lights and Lenses
A vehicle’s lights are essential, especially when driving at night or in harsh weather conditions. Make sure the front and rear lights are working properly. The lenses and reflectors should also be intact and not fogged with moisture. You wouldn’t want translucent lenses that would be inefficient on the road.
Tires
Tires say a lot about a vehicle’s overall condition and the previous owner’s driving behavior. Low-mileage cars should have the same factory wheels. Moreover, the grooves on their treads should be even and not worn out. Heavy wear means the car has been driven hard.
Another factor to consider in what to look for in a used car’s tires include its sidewalls. Inspect damages, such as scuff marks, cracks, and dents on each wheel. Ask for a spare tire and ensure it comes with a kit, such as a jack and a lug wrench.
Pro-tip: Apart from tires, the pedals should also not show excessive wear on cars with low miles.
Interior Odor
The interior is one of the most important parts to include in your used car buying checklist. After all, you’ll be spending most of your time inside.
Don’t hesitate to smell the interior. Mold and cigarette smoke are very difficult to eliminate as their stench lingers after several cleaning. Molds have a musty or mildewy smell, while cigars are putrid and foul. Inspect for water leaks on the floor or if the lighter and ashtray have been used.
Seats and Upholstery
The seats and upholstery should also be pristine. Try out not just the driver and passenger seats but also the ones in the rear. Check if the seatbelts are working properly and the seat adjustments have a full range. The driver seat should also be adjustable so that you can find a good driving position.
Internal Controls
As you take the vehicle for a test drive, ensure all warning lights illuminate and go off accordingly. You can check this by turning the ignition on without starting the engine. Afterward, try the switches, buttons, and levers you see to know if they’re in good working condition. Click on the lights, pull down the windows, and check the glove compartment. We also recommend checking how hot and cold it can get when the heater and air conditioning units are in full blast.
Part of the selling point of most cars is their onboard infotainment and driving features. Check if the satellite radio, USB port, Bluetooth, and CD players are working properly. Connect your mobile device and press on the touchscreen unit as well.
Under the Hood Components
- Belts and Hoses: Squeeze the rubber on these components. It should be firm and flexible, not cracked and hard.
- Radiator: The coolants in this plastic reservoir should be greenish or orange. Green fluids are a sign of leaking in the radiator.
- Battery: Inspect the liquid level or do a load test to check the battery’s condition.
- Electric and hybrid vehicles: Go on a test drive with a fully-charged battery to know how much energy is consumed during your trip. Meanwhile, check the in-car display on hybrids to see if they charge on discharging.
Get Your Money’s Worth on a Preowned Vehicle
The checklist includes a few things you must check before purchasing. You won’t get the perfect vehicle, so you might as well get the closest thing with the least number of problems. Know what to look for in a used car, or hire a mechanic to help you pick your next dream vehicle.
Visit the VIP Automotive Group for more tips and tricks on buying a pre-owned vehicle, and get your next used car from us today.