The car’s history report can reveal a lot, but you should also do some visual inspections. Look for rust and paint bubbles under the car, especially in the lower door areas.
Ask to take the vehicle for a test drive and try driving it at both city and highway speeds. Listen for rattling or squeaks and sniff for mildew and mold, which could indicate damage from flood water or a leaky sunroof or trunk seal.
Check the Engine
A used car’s engine is an important component to check for. Look for cracks and other damage that may affect the vehicle’s reliability. In addition, look for engine oil that has changed color or is low, as this can indicate poor maintenance.
A good quality engine should also have insulators to prevent heat from damaging onboard electronics. Look for insulators that are missing or damaged, as this could be a sign of major problems.
Inspect the doors, hood, and trunk for signs of damage or wear. If there are any loose hinges, it’s a sign that the vehicle has been in an accident. Also, look for rust and blistered paint. Finally, make sure the trunk has a spare tire and jack. If they’re missing, it’s a sign that the owner was negligent in maintaining the vehicle.
Check the Tires
Purchasing a used car can save you money on the purchase price and depreciation. However, it’s important to evaluate the vehicle’s history to avoid problems down the road.
A vehicle that has accumulated a lot of miles is likely past its prime, regardless of whether it was well-maintained or not. You can minimize your risk by opting for a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle, which has passed a rigorous inspection.
Look for uneven tire wear, which can be a sign of misalignment or suspension issues. You can also use a penny to check the tread depth. Insert the penny into the tire with Abe Lincoln’s head facing down, and if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace the tires. Also, make sure all the doors and trunk/liftgate open and close easily.
Check the Brakes
The brakes are an essential safety component, so it’s important to test them to ensure they’re in good condition. Make sure the brake pedal feels firm and that it goes all the way to the floor when pressed. A spongy pedal could be a sign of low brake fluid or a malfunctioning sensor.
Also, be sure to check the rotors for signs of warping. This can occur from heat or uneven wear and will cause the pads to contact the rotor differently, resulting in poor stopping performance.
Look for any major curbing on the tires as this can indicate neglectful ownership. However, a little curbing isn’t a huge deal if the tires are still in good shape. Check the tread for any circular smooth spots, which could indicate uneven wear.
Check the Tire Pressure
The correct tire pressure will help reduce wear, save fuel and make the tires last longer. The manufacturer’s recommended psi (pounds per square inch) is usually listed on a sticker inside the driver’s door jamb, or in the owner’s manual.
The best time to check the pressure is when the tires are cold. The tire pressure will rise with friction from driving, and a warm tire may give an inaccurately high reading.
Toyota has a number of models with excellent reliability ratings, and five of them rank highly in the top 25 of the latest Used Car Reliability Survey. Lexus is another brand with impressive results, and their vehicles are relatively affordable. This makes them a great choice for buyers on a budget. They also offer a range of SUVs and crossovers to suit all lifestyles.
Check the Car’s History
A vehicle history report is an important part of the pre-purchase inspection process. It can reveal damage that the seller may not have been willing to disclose, and it can point out potential road safety issues like airbag deployment. It can also give you an indication of the severity of any accidents the car was involved in, as well as how it was repaired.
There are free VIN check sites, such as the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s, that provide valuable information. However, paid site providers such as AutoCheck and Carfax can offer more detailed information. These reports can tell you how many owners the car has had, whether it was used for ridesharing or law enforcement, and if it’s been subject to any recalls.