Top 5 Things To Do Before Buying A Used Car

Initially shoppers might feel a bit of trepidation when approaching the aspect of purchasing a used car. But today's used cars are far different from the used cars that were sold twenty--even ten years ago. Used cars from 2005 - 2010 are extremely reliable and can easily surpass the 200,000 mile threshold via scheduled maintenance (oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake pads, etc). That being said, there are some key things to look for when buying a used car, even in today's burgeoning used car landscape.

Here are the top 5 things to do before buying that used car, truck or crossover:

1. Confirm & verify the mileage: This might seem like a no-brainer, but even with today's electronic odometers, the mileage can be "rolled back". Jot down the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and run a quick CARFAX vehicle history report to confirm. Also, the mileage should pass the "gut" test. If a 2005 Honda Civic only has 45,000 miles, that should immediately raise a red flag. Typically, vehicles are driven anywhere from 10,000 - 20,000 miles per year. A good rule of thumb, however, is 12,000 - 15,000 miles. That 2005 Civic should honestly have around 120,000 - 150,000 miles.
2. Confirm & verify service history: A vehicle without a documented service history means that you're essentially taking a seller's word. And if you don't know the seller personally, it's a huge risk and you could end up paying thousands of hard-earned dollars down the road. Vehicles that have paperwork which support the seller's maintenance and repair claims are a huge plus. It means that not only was the original owner responsible, but the vehicle is up to snuff per the manufacturer's recommendations and service limits. Also, take some extra time to really look over the receipts and invoices especially for big ticket items like timing belt/water pump replacement, transmission servicing and brake jobs. We're telling you this because we've come across fake documentation that didn't jibe with what the seller initially stated.
3. Google the vehicle: The hands-down best tool for finding significant problem areas of a particular vehicle is Google. The search terms should include the year, make and model plus the key word "problem" or "problems". For example, a productive search would be "2005 Honda Civic Problems". Moreover, this is also a good time to check for recalls, so, "2005 Honda Civic Recalls" would also be a good search. If you find that the vehicle had a recall issued, inquire with the seller. If they are of no help, you can always do the legwork on your end and check with a local dealer and/or the manufacturer. All you will need is the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). Another good source for checking for what to look for are automotive enthusiast sites. As is the case with the 2005 Honda Civic mentioned above, sites like www.honda-tech.com offer first-hand experiences with problems that might sprout up. Not shopping for a Honda? There are hundreds of sites that cater to specific makes and models.
4. Key areas to check: These will vary from vehicle-to-vehicle, but a few key big-ticket components to check are the vehicle's timing belt/timing chain, brake pads/rotors, shocks/struts and most important of all, tires. The vehicle's timing belt/timing chain usually costs between $400 - 1,000, so it's important to ask if the scheduled service has been carried out. If it has, ask for the documentation that supports the repair. If there's no paperwork, feel free to walk away. Brake pads and rotors should also be checked to see if they are within service limits. The vehicle's suspension, including shocks, struts and suspension bushings should also be checked. And although it seems like a no-brainer, check and double-check the vehicles tires. Make sure all of them are of the same brand, model and size. Also check for tread depth. Though they might seem simple at first glance, tires can easily cost $400 - 1,500 installed.
5. Take it to a mechanic: It doesn't take you off the hook for steps 1 - 3, but if you are not comfortable analyzing and diagnosing a used vehicle for sale, take it in to a mechanic. They might end up charging you $100 - 250, but it's well worth the assurance and peace of mind knowing that the vehicle you're going to buy is not going to end up costing you more down the road due to costly repairs. Obviously, you only want to do this if you're pretty much sold on the car and just need confirmation from an expert. Moreover, if you're interested in a particular model, don't be afraid to ask an existing owner you see at the local gas station or parking lot about their experiences with their car. If you see someone with a 2005 Honda Civic, just try and start a conversation with them by saying something like, "nice car, how do you like it?" That will usually get the ball rolling in the right direction.

In the end, you'll find that now is an excellent time to buy a used car, especially if it's only 4-5 years old. The natural depreciation that's taken place will save you a boatload of cash, but those savings don't come without some pre-planning and solid research. Try and heed our advice and be sure to take your time. For more on used car buying, visit the CarsDirect Used Car Buying Page.