Look beyond the shine
Ask for maintenance records and compare the vehicle identification number on the car with the paperwork. A clean interior does not tell you how the engine, transmission, brakes, tires, or cooling system are doing.
Check warning signs
Look for warning lights during startup, fresh leaks, uneven tire wear, low fluid levels, smoke, unusual smells, or a rough idle. Take a test drive long enough to notice how it starts, shifts, steers, and stops.
Get an independent inspection
Have a trusted shop inspect the vehicle before you buy it. The inspection is not a guarantee, but it can identify immediate repairs and help you negotiate with better information.
Ask what is due next
Even a good used car may need scheduled maintenance soon. Ask what services are due by mileage and what condition items may need attention.
Ask about an inspection ↗