Tips on buying a used car – Things to check before buying and get a great deal

Table of Contents

• Visual inspection of exterior body panels
• Check tires
• Check suspension
• Check underneath the hood
• Check battery
• Check there’s no discoloration in the exhaust.
• Check underneath the vehicle
• look in the trunk
• Gear transition test
• Road test
• Check interior of the vehicle

These days, both new and used cars are very expensive. Maintaining a car also requires a fairly good income. Because of this, many people are considering buying used cars instead of new ones. In this article, I’ll give you a few tips on what to look for when buying a secondhand car. By following these tips, you can ensure you’re purchasing a reliable car that won’t be costly to maintain after you buy it.­

Visual inspection of exterior body panels

For a visual inspection, start by walking around the car to ensure nothing unusual stands out on the paint, such as small bubbles, scratches, or rust. Check the gaps between body panels, like those between the fenders and doors or the hood and fenders. Make sure the gaps are even; uneven gaps may indicate the car has been in a major accident.

Another thing to check is the paint color to see if it matches across all panels. Also, inspect the windshield to ensure it’s not cracked. If there is a crack, examine it closely to determine the cause. If it’s cracking from underneath the grille of the windshield wipers or from the top edge and spreading outwards, it could indicate rust forming underneath the windshield. This rust creates pressure, which can lead to the windshield cracking.

Also, check for water inside the headlights, tail lights, and interior. Make sure the headlamps are in good condition, with no cracks, and that everything feels sturdy.

Check tires

Another important aspect to check is the tires. Walk around the car and inspect them for cracks, which could indicate that they’re old and may need to be replaced. Check the tire tread as well, ensuring there’s still a good amount left so you won’t have to buy new tires soon.

If the car has alloy wheels, look through them to inspect the brake discs. Run your fingers along the surface of the discs—if you feel grooves, this may indicate that the discs and brake pads need replacing. Another sign that the brakes might need attention is the presence of a significant amount of gold-colored dust on the rims. This could suggest that the brake pads are worn down to the metal or even that the caliper is seized.

Check suspension

For vehicles with upper and lower control arms, inspecting the ball joints is fairly straightforward. Place your hand underneath, grab the ball joint, and shake the wheel to check for any looseness. If there’s noticeable play, you’ll feel the control arm moving inside the ball joint. You can perform a similar check on the rear if there are upper or lower control arms. Move the wheel and feel for any looseness in the system.

Check underneath the hood

Next, check under the hood. Open it up and take a quick look to assess the overall condition. Inspect for any oil leaks around the valve cover gasket or between the head and the block. Visually inspect the radiator for any signs of green calcification, which would indicate a leak that could be costly to repair.

If possible, remove the airbox and examine the air filter’s condition. Also, inspect hoses, including brake hoses, to ensure they’re in good shape. Check the drive belts as well, looking for signs of cracks or dryness. Lastly, inspect the antifreeze reservoir to make sure it’s full. If it’s empty, this could indicate a leak in the system or a potential head gasket issue—both of which could be expensive to repair.

Check battery

Another important component to check is the battery. Visually inspect it for any leaks, and check the terminals for green calcification, which can affect the connection points. This is a minor detail, but having a functional battery when purchasing a car is essential to avoid being stranded.

Next, start the car and listen closely for any unusual sounds. Pay attention to any knocking noises, which may come from the engine block, or loud clacking from the valves. Listen for any squeaking noises that could indicate issues with the power steering or alternator. If the alternator makes a noise, it could mean the bearings are beginning to seize, possibly due to infrequent use.

Check there’s no discoloration in the exhaust.

Another thing to do when you start the car is to let it run for a few minutes and check the exhaust fumes for any discoloration. Watch for any puffs of white smoke or a sweet smell, which could indicate a head gasket issue. Additionally, give the car a few revs to listen for any unusual sounds from the exhaust, ensuring there are no holes or leaks in the exhaust system.

Check underneath the vehicle

The next step is to inspect underneath the vehicle to ensure there’s no rot or holes in the floor. While you’re under the car, check the exhaust system as well as any brake or gas lines that run underneath. Many older vehicles have brake and gas lines made of metal, but newer models often use a plastic coating to provide better protection. Additionally, inspect the gas tank to ensure it isn’t overly rusted or damaged. In newer cars, the gas tank may also be made of plastic for added durability.

look in the trunk

The next tip is to check the trunk. Take a look inside and check underneath to ensure the spare tire and the jack kit are there. It’s important to confirm that the previous owner left these items in the car, as they are essential for your safety in case you get a flat tire. Make sure both the spare tire and the jack are present.

Also, lift the carpet in the trunk to check for any water in the trunk floor. Water could indicate a leak, possibly from the taillights or the back window. These are just a few important things to look out for.

Gear transition test

Another great reason to take a longer road test is to assess the transmission. If the car has an automatic transmission, pay attention to any hesitation when shifting between gears. If there’s hesitation, knocking, or if the car doesn’t shift properly—either by not shifting when you give gas or shifting too quickly—it’s a strong indication that the transmission may need to be replaced, which can be costly.

For a manual transmission, a longer road test allows you to check all the gears. Make sure there’s no grinding between gears, that the synchronizers are functioning properly, and listen for any unusual bearing noises, which could indicate the need for replacement.

Road test

When doing a road test, try making U-turns both right and left to listen for any knocking noises coming from the drive shafts. If you hear a clacking sound while turning, it’s a good indication that the drive shaft may need to be replaced.

Here are a few things to look for when taking a road test on a used vehicle. Another important check is the handbrake. Make sure it’s functional by testing its movement. It should go up and down smoothly without resistance. If you have to force it down or it’s difficult to pull back up, it could indicate that the handbrake cables are seizing or are already seized. There are two types of handbrakes: one that is a lever and another that’s a foot pedal, depending on the vehicle. If the handbrake operates smoothly, it’s a good sign, but if it’s difficult to release, it might mean the cables need replacing or there’s an issue with the rear brake system.

For newer vehicles with electronic handbrakes, push the button up to hear if the motors are working properly, then push it down to ensure it releases smoothly. During the road test, also check for any drag at the rear, which would indicate a problem with the brake system.

Check interior of the vehicle

Another thing to check when you’re inside the vehicle is the transmission. If the car has an automatic transmission, start the car, press the brake, and run through all the gears. If you find that you have to force the shifter to move from Park to Drive or Reverse, it’s a good indication that the shifter cable might be starting to seize or there’s an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Normally, shifting between gears in an automatic vehicle should be smooth.

For a manual transmission, make sure the shifter moves freely, but not too loosely. If the shifter is too loose, it could mean that the bushings need to be replaced. Conversely, if the shifter is too stiff or difficult to move, it could indicate that the bushings are starting to seize, or that the shifter rods or cables may need replacement. These are important things to keep in mind when inspecting the interior.