Help With Buying a Used Vehicle

Buying a used—or, pre-owned—vehicle is tricky.

Are you buying someone else’s problems? Possibly. Can you really save thousands of dollars compared with a new car? Definitely.

Good new cars often become good used cars, but even a car with a sterling reputation is a bad buy if neglected by its first owner.

Learn to protect yourself:

Bend a Little

If you like a certain 2014 model in red, but the best examples are white or gray, buy white or gray—or wait.

Scrutinize “Certified” Labels

Certified originally meant the factory extended the warranty because one of its dealers reconditioned the vehicle to its standards. Now used car lots have usurped the term. Their “certified” cars often are plain old used cars with a fancy title—and higher prices. If it’s not backed by a factory warranty, it’s not really certified.

Read Reviews 

Learn about a model through new-car reviews for the year you’re considering. Also read reviews of used examples. On Edmunds.com, input the make, model and year and go to all reviews for comments by real owners. If many owners say the front brakes fail, it’s a good bet yours would, too. Kelley Blue Book, at KBB.com, has warts-and-all write-ups on best buys in price ranges or vehicle types. If you shop on Cars.com, read dealer reviews with each car; run when reviews are negative.

Ask Your Mechanic

Ask for model recommendations. He knows of chronic problems or if parts are scarce and expensive. Your mechanic makes money off repairs, but he keeps your business by giving you sound advice.

Buy a Car You know

Consider a vehicle owned by a relative or friend only if it has been well maintained. Otherwise, politely decline.

Insist on a Warranty

Don’t buy anything that lacks at least a 30-day/1,000-mile warranty on the engine and transmission. Better is a 90-day or even a 6-month drivetrain warranty.

Check Maintenance Reports

Insist on seeing a Carfax or similar report free. Never pay for it. Reports don’t include everything, but they may show chronic issues, such as repeated alignment needs. And they may show the occurrence and extent of accidents.

Have Your Mechanic Check It

Insist on a pre-purchase inspection by your mechanic. You’ll spend $75 to $150 to have the wheels pulled, brakes checked, suspension inspected, exhaust examined, and engine/transmission evaluated. If the mechanic says it needs a new exhaust or tie roads, insist that they become part of the deal—in writing. If the transmission fluid smells burnt, look elsewhere.

Buy Rentals or from Auctions

Some car-rental companies sell older cars from a lot. Others sell the cars wholesale to dealers or through auctions. Millions of cars also are available off-lease. If you buy directly at auction, you’d better know how to spot defects. You should pay hundreds or even thousands less for a car from an auction than for a similar car from a dealer, but you usually have no guarantee it will work well. Rental cars are well maintained, so they often are good used deals.

Haggle

The markup on used cars is higher than on new cars. Dicker and save.

Avoid Junk Titles

Reject a vehicle with a title indicating it was a total loss. Learn your state’s rules on DMV.org. Many insurers won’t cover salvaged cars.