how to test a used car

1. How do I examine a used car?
2. What should I look for when test driving a used car?
3. How do you check a car before you buy it?
4. How do you know if a used car is a good deal?
5. What mileage is good when buying a used car?
6. How many miles is too many for a used car?
7. What should you not say to a car salesman?
8. Is it OK to test drive a car without buying?
9. How do you check a transmission when buying a used car?
10. Should I get a mechanic to inspect a used car?
11. How much does it cost to have a mechanic inspect a used car?
12. How do you get a mechanic to look at a used car before buying?

How do I examine a used car?

Exterior

1. Body condition. Check each body panel and the roof, looking for scratches, dents, and rust. ...
2. Glass. Look carefully at the vehicle glass to make sure there are no cracks or large, pocked areas. ...
3. Suspension. Walk around the car to see if it's standing level. ...
4. Lights and lenses. ...
5. Tires.

What should I look for when test driving a used car?

How to Test Drive a Car

• Examine the vehicle's body for dents, cracks and rust. Check the windshield for nicks and cracks.
• Check the tires for remaining tread life and signs of uneven wear. The latter can indicate poor alignment.
• Try out the turn signals and brake lights.

How do you check a car before you buy it?

Get the car inspected by a mechanic

If possible, get someone to inspect the car before you buy it. Preferably, make sure it's a mechanic that you trust . If you're buying from a dealership and they won't let you take the car to a tech, you can find a mobile diagnostic service that will come to you for the inspection.

How do you know if a used car is a good deal?

There are several factors that can help you determine if a vehicle you are looking to purchase is a good deal. Factors include Kelley Blue Book value, maintenance records, state certification, title status, vehicle condition.

What mileage is good when buying a used car?

Really, it depends on a lot of factors but, if in doubt, shoot for the 12,000-mile/year average. Even so, don't be afraid of cars that are outside of this range, provided the used car in question has been well maintained and there are records to show that.

How many miles is too many for a used car?

It can be somewhat risky to buy a vehicle that has racked up more than 100,000 miles. Even if it's well-maintained and has about 100,000 miles left in it, such a car is already past its prime. Generally, vehicles are likely to start experiencing problems after the 100,000-mile mark.

What should you not say to a car salesman?

10 Things You Should Never Say to a Car Salesman

• “I really love this car”
• “I don't know that much about cars”
• “My trade-in is outside”
• “I don't want to get taken to the cleaners”
• “My credit isn't that good”
• “I'm paying cash”
• “I need to buy a car today”
• “I need a monthly payment under $350”

Is it OK to test drive a car without buying?

You shouldn't buy or lease a new vehicle without driving it either. ... But each week I talk to several people who approach the test-driving process with dread because they'll have to deal with car salespeople.

How do you check a transmission when buying a used car?

If the car's shifting is smooth and drama-free when you're cruising at normal traffic speeds, the clunk noises that occur when going into reverse or drive may be another issue. But if the clunking is also taking place while the car shifts gears as you drive down the street, then you've got transmission problems.

Should I get a mechanic to inspect a used car?

Used car inspections not required, but recommended

The Federal Trade Commission, advises people “to ask to have the car inspected by an independent mechanic before you buy,” but it's not a requirement of the dealership to allow cars to be inspected off-site.

How much does it cost to have a mechanic inspect a used car?

The cost of a pre-purchase vehicle inspection is typically between $100 and $200. The price could be lower or higher than this range depending on the level of detail the inspection has and the vehicle itself.

How do you get a mechanic to look at a used car before buying?

Call the mechanic or repair shop you settle on, inform them that you would like them to do a pre-purchase inspection on a used car, and find if any of the dates and times you agreed with the seller works for them. The evaluator may ask you for the car's make, model and registration number to generate a quote.