How to Find a Great Used Car

Buying a used car can be a great value, as long as you know how to choose a good one. Vehicles begin to lose value at an astonishing rate the second they are driven off the lot, so a vehicle that is a year or two old can often be purchased used for a fraction of the price that one would pay for it new. However, whether buying from a dealership or a private owner, finding a great used car requires careful shopping. Attention to the details when you look over a vehicle is the key to finding a great used car, and learning which of those details might indicate mechanical problems is a great way to start.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Inspecting a used car should start with a walk around the vehicle to examine the exterior. Look for rust, scratches, dents, or signs of body repair that could indicate that the vehicle has been involved in an auto accident.

2. Look under the vehicle for stains or puddles to see if it is leaking any fluids. Check the condition of the tires, looking carefully at the wear pattern. If the tire tread is wearing unevenly, getting bald faster on either the outside or inside edge, this can be a sign of front-end problems.

3. Next, open the hood of the vehicle. Check the condition of the radiator, looking for signs of corrosion or other damage. Open the radiator cap and check the coolant, which should be clear if the cooling system has been well maintained. Cloudy coolant can indicate corrosion from poor maintenance or even a faulty head gasket that is allowing engine oil to leach into the cooling system.

4. Pull the transmission dipstick to check the condition of the fluid. Transmission fluid should be clear and bright red. If the transmission fluid is rust colored or brown, or it smells burnt, transmission problems are likely.

5. Remove the oil dipstick to check the level of oil and its condition. If there is foam on the dipstick, this can be an indication of engine trouble. The oil in a properly maintained and mechanically sound engine should look clean and brown, rather than grimy black.

6. Start the vehicle and listen to the engine run. The engine should run smoothly, with no knocking sounds. Black smoke from the tailpipe as the engine starts and runs is not a good sign, as such a cloud can indicate faulty seals in the engine.

7. Test-drive the vehicle. The transmission should shift smoothly as the vehicle gains speed. If it jerks into gear or a clunking sound is heard as it shifts, chances are the transmission has seen better days. Stopping should be smooth, pulling to one side or vibration in the brake pedal can be signs of faulty brakes, as can screeching or grinding noises as you step on the pedal. Excessive noise or bouncing as the vehicle travels over bumps could mean suspension system trouble, and pulling to one side as you drive can mean the front-end parts are worn or misaligned.

8. If your inspection of the vehicle shows that there are serious problems, walking away is probably your best option. However, if minor problems are found, asking the seller to repair them or discount the price to cover the cost of having the work done yourself can be a good solution.

9. You don't have to be an auto expert to avoid taking on a vehicle that has been a headache to its previous owner. Simply knowing what to watch out for as you shop can help you find a great used car, one that will be reliable and affordable for many miles to come.