Buying a car from a third party (and not from a dealership, ew!), can be a daunting experience filled with uncertainty, mistrust, and the potential for greatly overpaying for a not-so-great car. However, it is the most cost-effective way to buy a vehicle and avoid the stress of negotiating with a dealer, signing a million papers, and getting locked into a long-term payment plan. Here are a few key things to check when looking at used cars.
First, the online listing itself can show some red flags to look out for. A post with very few pictures and/or no description is the first indicator that a car is no good. Phrases like “Mechanic’s Special,” “Salvage Title,” or “No Title” are also great ways to filter out bad listings quickly. These all indicate that the car in question needs mechanical repairs, has been in an accident, or has no legal documents to show that the seller is truly the owner.
Next, messaging the seller is another crucial step in the process. Avoid starting with an auto-generated response. Ask a question, ask for more pictures, or simply state your interest in the car. This shows that you aren’t a bot or scammer that is mass-messaging to get any response. It’s usually fairly easy to get a feel for how trustworthy the seller is based on how they respond to your questions, their knowledge of the vehicle, and their willingness to meet in person.
Once you trust the seller, the next step is to set up a meeting at a public place to look at the car. To start, take a walk around the car and look for any body damage, cracked windows, tire tread life, or signs that it has not moved in a long time — rusty brake rotors are a good indicator of this. Next, check under the car for any fluid leaks or severe rust. It’s normal for cars in the Northeast to have some surface rust, but make sure that there aren’t any really bad patches or rust holes that have formed on the body or structural frame. Then, check the interior of the car for general condition, missing or broken parts, and any features that you may be looking for like a sunroof or cruise control. Turn the car on and look for any lights on the dashboard that may indicate an issue, and listen to the engine for clunking, knocking, or other noises that seem off. Finally, take the car for a test drive with the seller’s permission. A good car won’t be too bouncy or feel loose when turning — pay close attention to how “floaty” the car feels while driving. Acceleration and braking are also important things to check, as they reveal the condition of the engine, drivetrain, and brakes. Feel free to ask the seller as many questions as you can think of that will help you get a better understanding of why they are selling, the condition of the car, and the history of the car.
Following these tips is a great starting point for looking into a used car. Always do your own research on the car beforehand, and never feel bad about walking away from a seller if anything makes you uncomfortable or unsure about a car. Car buying can be a very rewarding experience if you prepare correctly and are confident in your knowledge of the vehicle — best of luck!
