A Used Car Buying Checklist

Buying a used car can be both alluring and stressful, because you might benefit from someone else’s depreciation or you might just inherit their hidden problems. Certified pre-owned cars are usually a solid choice, but if you’re buying slightly more down-market, this plan will help you sidestep the trouble spots. It’s also a great idea to have your final choice checked by a mechanic before buying.

The Inspection

Don’t be afraid to get down and dirty. You’ll weed out a lemon before getting your mechanic involved.

• The undercarriage: Look underneath the car for rust and on the ground for stains from leaks.
• Tires: Check the tread and look for patches of uneven wear.
• Under the hood: Don’t expect a sparking engine, but be wary of excessive grime or dirt. Check the level and color of all fluids.
• Mileage: Consider whether major maintenance items, such as a new timing belt, are coming up soon.
• Oddities: Take note of cracked windows, dents, partial paint jobs, or things that seem out of place, such as a shiny metal piece in an otherwise dingy undercarriage. The new part isn’t the problem, but make sure it aligns with the maintenance story the owner told you.
• Documentation: If you’re buying from a dealer, they should be willing to provide a Carfax report to corroborate their story.

The Test Drive

You can learn a lot about a car even in a few minutes of driving.

• Controls: Test everything with a knob or a switch: headlights, wipers, hazard lights, the AC and heat, you name it.
• Starting: The car should spring to life, with no lags or grinding noises. The former could mean a weak battery; the latter a bad starter.
• Powertrain: Labored power, rough or low idle, and heavy gear kick can mean anything from a simple tune-up to complete failure in the near future.
• Handling: Steering should be responsive, and the car should not drift when pointed straight ahead.
• Brakes: If they are spongy or squeaky, it’s time for a replacement.
• Acceleration: Make sure you have enough emergency passing power, but don’t floor it until you have a stretch of open road.
• Ride: Make sure the seat comfort and suspension are a good fit for you. Listen for strange rattles, knocks, and other noises.

Deciding Whether To Buy

As long as the body and powertrain are solid, the minor issues are just a question of what you’re willing to live with. Wear-and-tear items that need replacing, such as tires, brakes, and the battery, are not a reason to pass on the car, although you should factor them into the final price.

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