What information should be considered before buying a used car?

Question

I just wanted to find out what things I should look out for before buying a used car. I've heard about CarFax but I don't know how that works yet. What should I be wary of? What should I do before closing a deal?

Answer 1

I've bought 3 used cars. I always buy an unlimited 30 day carfax account. All you have to do is go to carfax.com and select the "unlimited 30 day account" option. Then you fill out a short form and enter your credit card number. You are then instantly able to run an unlimited number of carfax reports for 30 days (just plug in the vin # and press enter). I also shop around at many different dealerships and never get "married" to a car. A car salesman can tell when you really want a car and he won't be as flexible when it comes to negotiating the price. Once you have chosen a car you like and you have done a carfax, then you need to take it to a mechanic and have it checked out before you buy it. If you do all of these things you should get a quality used car at a fair price.

Answer 2

look at all the body lines...Where the hood meets the fenders, where the bumper meets the body. also look to see if the tires are wearing unevenly. the body lines will tell you if it was in an accident, if the lines are crooked. the tires wearing could be a suspension problem, or maybe just out of alighment. take it for a test drive on highway and press on the brakes with your hands off the steering wheel. if it pulls to one side, or if the pedal vibrates you have a brake problem. car fax is nice but if it was in an accident and the people repaired it them selves or took it to a back yard mechanic you will not know nothing about it.

Answer 3

You should look and see if the body is straight and clean. See if there is any overspray on places where it shouldn't be, indicating body work done on the car.

Take the car to a trusted mechanic and have the car inspected by him before you buy not after. He can advise you about the condition of the car.