Used cars are popular options for buyers on a budget. However, before making a deal, you need to make sure you’re purchasing a safe and reliable vehicle. From visual checks to paperwork, here are a few things to look for when buying a used car.

What to Look For When Buying a Used Car

1. Interior Condition

Used cars won’t be as clean as new ones, but the interior condition of a car should still meet a quality standard. Check for mold and mildew odors that could indicate previous water damage. Perform the same procedure for the trunk of the car, and remove floor mats to investigate further. Cigarette odor is extremely difficult to remove, so keep this in mind if the previous owner was a smoker. 

Test every seat in the car for comfort and closely inspect for damage. Make sure all seat adjusters function correctly. Roll the windows up and down from their respective seats, and test other controls, including interior lights, air conditioning, and the radio. Make sure no dashboard warning lights come on when you start the car.

2. Exterior Condition

Although a few minor blemishes may be acceptable on a pre-owned vehicle, there should be no major damage. Anything other than normal wear and tear could be an indicator of how the car was treated by its previous owner.

Large cracks and dents—especially in the windows—will worsen over time, requiring expensive maintenance. Make sure the body panels line up evenly. If they don’t, it might mean the car was in an accident and has internal damage. 

Perform a thorough check on the tires using a tread-depth tool. If the tread is low, ask the owner to replace the tires before settling on a price. If they don’t want to, see if they’ll lower the sale price so you can use that difference to buy new tires. 

Turn on the car engine to ensure the exterior lights work correctly. You may want to do this at night or in a closed garage to correctly view the brightness level. Remember to test high beams, brake lights, and turn signals.  

3. Paperwork

If you are purchasing a used car from a private seller, compare the title and registration to the seller’s driver’s license to make sure they match. Get the vehicle identification number (VIN) and a vehicle history report from the previous owner or dealer, as well. 

Have a mechanic thoroughly check the vehicle and give you a written report before you make the purchase. If the seller or dealer doesn’t agree to this, there’s probably some serious or hidden damage they aren’t telling you about.

If you are in the market for a used car, turn to Express Motors in Dayton, OH. This dealership’s large inventory is updated weekly. Their dealers will help you find the perfect car on their lot or submit a request through their locator service. Visit them online to browse vehicle availability, or call (937) 222-7777 to speak with a representative.