What To Check When Buying a Used Car — Top Tips

Buying a car, regardless of whether it’s new or used, can be a big task to get your head around. You might be worried about problems that aren’t obvious but could cost a lot to fix later. But here’s the deal. Understanding what to look for when you buy a used car can help you avoid making costly blunders. This guide will provide you with some useful advice on how to avoid frequent mistakes and find a dependable ride that will last you for years.

Essential Prepurchase Steps

Smart used car shopping starts before you visit the dealership. Proper prep can save you money and stress while helping you make smart decisions.

Understand Your Budget and Financing Options

When you build a budget, you need to consider more than simply the cost. Your automobile payments, insurance, gas, and maintenance should all add up to less than 15% of your take-home earnings each month. Many dealers go off of gross income (before taxes) when it comes to financing. Knowing your take-home pay can help you better budget what’s in the bank. Also, remember that taxes, license fees, and other costs might raise the price of the item by around 10%.

Financing terms can vary wildly depending on your credit score. As of June 2025, the average used car interest rate was 11.87%. However, the average was just 6.82% for those with excellent credit but 21.58% for those with poor scores. While 80% of new car buyers use financing, less than half of used car buyers take out loans. If you’re buying in cash, you’ll have extra negotiating power.

Research Vehicle Models and Their Market Value

Doing your research can help you spot fair prices and negotiate better. Check Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and Autotrader to compare prices. High-mileage cars may cost less, but they often need more repairs over time. The average American drives 15,000 miles per year, so you can use this benchmark to evaluate reasonable mileage.

Top reliable picks under $20,000 that you might find on our lot include the Jeep Renegade, the Volkswagen Jetta, or the Nissan Rogue. Cars under five years old often have similar safety features and tech as newer models, but cost much less.

Inquire About Maintenance, Repairs, and Accidents

Before you inspect the car, ask the seller about its maintenance history. Car history reports from CARFAX or AutoCheck cost between $25 and $100 and can reveal critical details such as frequent ownership changes, crash history, theft reports, title issues, odometer problems, and open recalls. You can also see that the vehicle got regular maintenance like oil changes and service checks.

Conducting a Thorough Visual Inspection

A visual inspection is your first line of defense against hidden issues. Don’t let sellers rush you, and always check the vehicle in daylight and on a dry day, as showroom lights and rain can hide flaws.

A professional pre-purchase inspection can also help you spot the tiny issues you might miss in your check. These checks can reveal hidden repairs and faults you might not notice yourself, saving you money in the long run.

Exterior Checks: Body, Paint, and Tires

Walk slowly around the vehicle, checking the panel alignment and paintwork. Look for signs of repairs, such as different colored paint, overspray on window seals or wheel wells, and uneven gaps between panels. Check that the doors, hood, and trunk open smoothly without sticking or strange noises.

Check the tires for wear. Uneven wear can indicate alignment or suspension issues. Watch for mold, rust, and system damage. New York gets its fair share of snow, meaning cars get a fair share of road salt. This can cause rust and extra wear on the vehicle’s underside.

Interior Examination: Upholstery, Electronics, and Controls

Inside, make sure to test all the electronic gadgets, such as the lights, radio, air-conditioning, charging ports, and infotainment screens, to avoid costly surprises. Try the seat adjusters, windows, and dashboard controls, too.

The condition of the car often tells you a lot about how it was treated. Seats shouldn’t be torn or badly worn, especially in low-mileage cars.

Under the Hood: Mechanical Inspection

You don’t need mechanical expertise to spot warning signs under the hood. Make sure to wait until the engine is cool so you can safely conduct your checks. A clean engine bay is usually a sign of regular maintenance.

Engine Components and Fluid Levels

Start by checking all the fluid levels. Dark, thick oil on the dipstick means it needs replacing. Milky or metallic oil can point to engine wear or busted seals. Coolant should be clean and properly colored in both the tank and radiator. Brake fluid that’s dark or cloudy needs changing.

Inspect belts and hoses for cracks or fraying, and look for signs of fluid leaks. Leaking yellow or green fluid is coolant, red or orange is transmission fluid, blue is washer fluid, and brown or black points to engine oil.

Warning signs of engine trouble include knocking or grinding noises, rough idling, smoke, or power loss. Engine repairs are expensive, so if in doubt, consult a professional before purchasing.

Battery Health and Electrical Systems

Be sure to inspect the battery and the electrical system. Check the battery terminals for evidence of rust and poor upkeep, and check the case for cracks or bulging.

Before you turn the key, make sure that none of the warning lights on the dashboard are on. Also, make sure that the lights and radio work as they should. If you take care of it, a car battery should last three to five years.

The Importance of a Test Drive

Don’t forget to take the test drive. Spend at least 30 minutes driving the car to see how it handles, how comfortable it is, and all the other features. If you can, drive the car on both city streets and highways to see how it handles. Listen for any strange noises and pay attention to how the automobile starts, speeds up, turns, and stops.

Find Your Perfect Used Vehicle With Confidence

Follow these tips, and you can buy a used car with confidence. Ready to find your next used car? Check out our quality selection of used vehicles at Meadowland GMC. Our team gets what local drivers need and can help you find the perfect ride that fits both your budget and lifestyle. Our straight-talking approach and detailed inspection process give you the confidence to make smart choices while finding great value in today’s used car market. Contact us today to find out more.

Images from gmc.com

Tags: Used Cars, Used Vehicles
Posted in Car Buying Tips | No Comments »