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Any time you decide to buy a used car, there are many questions you’ll want answers to before signing on the dotted line.
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Vehicle History
One of the first questions to ask is if the vehicle has a comprehensive service history available. If you’re buying from a dealership or even a private seller, this information may be limited or nonexistent. If this is the case, requesting a vehicle history report is an option. A report is available from places such as AutoCheck and Carfax. The report will include the history such as the number of owners, recall information, odometer rollbacks, accidents, and salvage title information.
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Maintenance
Another question you’ll want answered is who was responsible for servicing the vehicle. You’ll want to know if a certified mechanic at a dealership handled the maintenance, if was taken care of by a mechanic who works independently, or if service was done by a knowledgeable friend. It’s also important to know if service is up-to-date.
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Accidents
Don’t assume that the vehicle history report will have complete information about the vehicle. In the case of an accident, it is often reported but not always. Find out if the vehicle was involved in an accident and to what extent it was damaged, what repairs were necessary, were the repairs completed, and by whom.
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Inspection
When considering buying a used car from a private seller or a used car lot, ask if you are allowed to take the vehicle to your choice of mechanic for a thorough inspection. If everything is as it should be regarding the state of the vehicle, the seller should not have any reason to deny your request. If the seller is reluctant, this is a red flag,
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Mileage and Warranty
Check to see how many miles are on the car to determine if the odometer reading is in line with the year of the car. Ask about the warranty and if the vehicle has any warranty coverage left. If it does, you’ll want to know exactly what is covered.
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Recalls
Two things to find about regarding recalls are if there are currently any outstanding recalls or if there have been any recalls in the past and if the vehicle has been repaired accordingly.
To find out if there were any recalls for the vehicle you’re considering, use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s database for recall information. Entering the VIN number into the system generates the recalls specific to that vehicle. With this information, you can check the maintenance records to find out if the vehicle had been repaired.
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New Paint
If the vehicle has been recently repainted, this is a red flag that needs to be investigated. Whether it’s been repainted with the original color or if it’s been painted a different color could indicate that the vehicle had been involved in an accident resulting in extensive body damage. Besides exterior body damage, there could be issues with the suspension and powertrain.
When purchasing a used car is on your itinerary, be prepared. Help the process run smoothly by asking the right questions so you know what you’re getting upfront.
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