Used Car Shopping Tips

All cars sold by dealers must have a Buyer's Guide label on the window with information on price and warranty. "As is" usually means there is no warranty. Factory or dealer warranties specify the terms and indicate whether they are transferable to new owners. Service contracts are sometimes available if there is no warranty, but they will cost more.

Buy a used car when it is two to four years old. By then the car has already depreciated greatly but will likely still be in good enough shape to last many more years.

Conservative cars such as sedans, mid-sized cars, and station wagons tend to be the best used car buys because they are typically more durable and were handled with care by their original owners.

Inspecting the Car

Before you buy a used car, be sure to examine it thoroughly. If you are inexperienced with cars, bring a knowledgeable friend along with you or ask that the car be inspected and appraised by a professional mechanic at your expense. Ask the seller to show you previous service and repair bills.

When inspecting the car, check it all over:

Under the hood, for irregularities

Underneath the car, for leaks and rust

The body, for dents, peeling paint, rust, and signs of extensive repair work (new welds, new paint)

The glass, for cracks and scratches

The tires, for correct alignment and proper wear (and see that there is a spare tire and a jack in the trunk)

The suspension, to make sure all sides of the car are level (bounce gently on the car to see that it recovers quickly)

The odometer, to see that its indicated mileage matches logically with the shape the car is in (tampering with odometers is against the law, but often done)

The interior, to see that there are no rips in the seats and no foul odors; that all the controls, accessories, and pedals work; and that the car is comfortable

The Test Drive

Once you have inspected the car completely, take it on a test drive. Take as long as you need (at least half an hour) to get a feel for how the car runs and to test all its mechanical parts. Check these features:

The steering, for wheel alignment and ease in turning

The brakes, for quickness and reliability

The engine, for ease in starting, power, acceleration, and speed

The transmission, for ease in shifting without jerkiness

The exhaust, for noise level and emissions

The suspension, to see that it handles bumps and turns well