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What should I check for before buying a used car?

5 Things you should be doing before buying a used car

1. Check the average price of the car.

While the price might sound right, it could be overpriced for many different factors including: Mileage, Year, Exterior damage, Interior damage, Aftermarket parts, Worn tires, and the list goes on.  Use Kelley Blue Book to find out more.

2. Ask for the car’s VIN and run a vehicle history report.

This report will show you if the vehicle has been in an accident or had flood damage, assuming such incidents were themselves reported. We recommend using VINcheck  as its a free VIN lookup history report, and has a lot of valuable information.

3. Ask for the vehicle’s title and service records.

This will give you the best sense of how well the car has been  taken car for or perhaps not. Avoid buying a car that has been in a serious accident or required major repairs like an engine overhaul or transmission rebuild.

4. Check if the vehicle has been recalled.

Consult the National Highway Traffic Administration’s database of recalls, and check if the vehicle is on the list, don’t buy until the seller can prove the recall issue has been resolved.

5. Go for a test drive.test drive

Take the car on a thorough test on small roads you’re familiar with and on the highway to see how it performs on entrance ramps and at higher speeds. Turn off the radio and listen for rattles or squeaks. Make complete turns then do a “figure eight” turns and listen for anything out of the ordinary.

3 thoughts on “What should I check for before buying a used car?”

  1. Since I just graduated from college, I want to buy a used car that has better gas mileage than my current one. I liked that you said to check a car’s title records to see if it was in a serious accident. Should I look at used car lots or at dealerships nearby?

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