9 Things You Should Always Inspect Before Buying a Used Car

Generally speaking, most modern cars are extremely well made and tend to benefit from a host of features that help make them mechanically sound and reliable. Although this provides a certain degree of comfort when you go shopping for a used car, it still makes sense to carry out a series of checks and due diligence before going ahead with the deal.

If you are searching for used cars in Salt Lake City, for instance, you are bound to find several suitable vehicles that take your eye and meet your budget. Once you have a shortlist of potential cars to buy or have decided that one model, in particular, is exactly what you want, you should arrange an inspection and test drive.

Here is a look at the things you need to check and inspect before you buy a used car.

Inspect the car’s exterior condition

A good starting point would be to inspect the state of the car’s exterior. Its condition

Will provide some important first clues about how well it has been maintained. When inspecting the car’s body, look for typical faults, such as rusting, dents or scratches, and signs of accident damage.

Modern cars are not so prone to rusting. If you see any signs, you need to ask questions about how it happened and whether the car has been exposed to damaging conditions, such as coastal ones.

Although minor cosmetic damage might not affect performance, it can reduce the car's resale value when it comes to dents and scratches. You should also check for paint discoloration. Inconsistent paint color can signify a previous accident or poor repair job.

Check for any noticeable gaps between panels. These uneven gaps can be an indication that the car has been in a collision, even if it wasn’t reported.

It's a good idea to inspect the car in broad daylight to ensure that you don’t miss any imperfections that could influence your decision.

Check the condition of the tires

Worn or damaged tires can be costly to replace and may indicate that the vehicle has been poorly maintained. When checking the tires, look at tread depth, signs of uneven wear, and signs of aging.

Tires should have sufficient tread to provide traction on the road. If the tread is too low, you’ll need to replace the tires soon. Uneven tire wear can point to suspension or alignment issues, which could be expensive to fix. Tire age is also a consideration. Even if the tires have adequate tread, old tires can be dangerous. Check the tire sidewall for the manufacture date, as tires older than six years should be replaced.

You may want to try and negotiate on the price of the car if the tires have any of these issues, as they will cost you money to replace not long after taking ownership.

Inspect the engine and under the hood

The engine is the heartbeat of your car, so it’s essential to inspect it thoroughly. While a test drive will give you an idea of how the engine performs, a visual inspection under the hood is just as important.

Look for any sign of oil or coolant leaks around the engine. This is a red flag and could signal costly repairs down the line. Check fluid levels, including engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant. Dirty or low fluids can indicate poor maintenance.

Finally, look for worn or cracked belts, and hoses. These may need replacing soon, adding to your maintenance costs.

If possible, it can be a smart move to have a mechanic inspect the engine to identify any potential issues before buying the car.

Check out the car’s interior condition

It is reasonable to expect the interior of a car to be comfortable and functional. Take the time to inspect the interior for any signs of wear and tear:

When looking at the upholstery, look for stains, rips, or unusual smells, as these can easily reduce the car’s value and appeal. Next, pay attention to the car’s controls and electronics. Test the air conditioning, heating, radio, and any other electrical components. Faulty electronics can be expensive to repair, especially in newer cars with advanced systems.

Look at the dashboard lights when you turn the car on. Make sure no warning lights remain illuminated. Persistent lights for the engine, ABS, or airbags can indicate serious mechanical problems.

Test the brakes

The braking system is critical for safety, so it’s important to ensure that it’s in good working condition. During a test drive, you should pay attention to how the brakes perform.

Check how the brakes respond. They should engage smoothly without making any grinding, squeaking, or clunking noises. How does the brake pedal feel? If the brake pedal feels soft or spongy, it could be a sign of air in the brake lines or low brake fluid, both of which need to be addressed.

If you can, check for rust on the brake rotors and calipers, as well, as these can degrade the car’s braking performance.

How does the suspension feel?

The suspension system is integral to giving you a smooth ride and ensures the car handles well. When inspecting the suspension, you should inspect the shocks and struts. You also need to pay attention to the ride quality.

During the test drive, take note of how the car responds to bumps or rough terrain. If you feel excessive bouncing or instability, the suspension could be worn out.

Also, look for signs of leakage or wear on the shocks and struts, which are responsible for dampening road vibrations. Bear in mind that replacing these components can be costly.

Check the steering

The steering system should allow you to control the car effortlessly. During your test drive, make sure that the steering is responsive and doesn’t require too much effort.

If the steering feels loose or unresponsive, it could point to issues with the steering rack or linkage. In addition, a car that pulls to one side may have alignment problems or worn suspension components.

Ask for a vehicle history report

As well as visually inspecting and checking the car, you should also consider ordering a vehicle history report.

This report can give you valuable insight into the car’s past. Well-known services like Carfax or AutoCheck can provide you with details about the vehicle’s accident history, title status, and any odometer rollbacks. It’s advisable to always request a report before buying a used car, as it can reveal hidden issues that may not be immediately apparent during the physical inspection.

Taking a test drive is crucial

Arguably, one of the most important steps in buying a used car is taking it for a test drive. The test drive allows you to assess the car’s overall condition and see how it handles.

During your test drive,  check that the car accelerates smoothly and that the transmission shifts seamlessly between gears. Listen for any unusual noises, such as clunking or rattling, which can indicate mechanical problems.

Be sure to test the car’s braking and steering capabilities, making sure it feels safe and responsive.

Without a doubt, buying a used car can be an excellent way to save money, but it requires careful consideration and a thorough inspection. Always consider getting a professional mechanic to inspect the vehicle, as they can spot issues that might not be apparent to the average buyer.

A thorough inspection will enable you to make a more informed decision and allow you to buy with confidence.

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