Buying a car is a big deal. Whether it’s your first car or your fifth, you want to make the right choice. A shiny car can still hide problems. So, don’t rush. Take your time and check everything. This guide will show you what things to look for before buying a Car — used or new.
Start with the Car’s History
The first thing to check is the car’s background. Don’t just go by looks. Ask for a vehicle history report. This will tell you if the car has:
- Been in an accident
- Had flood or fire damage
- Had the title marked as salvage
- Odometer issues
- Multiple owners in a short time
If the seller won’t give you the report, that’s a red flag. Walk away.
Sites like Carfax or AutoCheck can give you this info. You’ll need the car’s VIN number to run the report.
Do a Visual Check
Once the history looks clean, inspect the car in person. You don’t need to be a mechanic to spot trouble.
Look for:
- Rust: Check the bottom of the doors, under the wheel wells, and around the trunk.
- Dents and scratches: Small ones are normal, but many can show rough use.
- Uneven gaps: If doors or panels don’t line up, the car may have been in a wreck.
- Tires: Check for even wear. Uneven wear could mean bad alignment or suspension issues.
Check Under the Hood
Open the hood and look at the engine. Again, you don’t need to be an expert.
- Oil: Pull the dipstick. Oil should be clean, not black or gritty.
- Coolant: It should be green or orange, not rusty or dirty.
- Leaks: Look for oil spots or wet areas around the engine.
- Battery: Check for corrosion around the terminals.
If anything smells burnt or looks off, ask questions. Better yet, have a mechanic look.
Review Maintenance Records
Ask for service or maintenance records. These can tell you if the car was taken care of.
Look for:
- Regular oil changes
- Brake service
- Tire rotations
- Timing belt replacement (if the car has one)
A car with no records may have skipped important work. You might be the one who ends up paying for that.
Test Drive the Car
Never buy a car without a test drive. This is one of the most important checks you can do.
During the drive:
- Listen for strange sounds
- Check the brakes — they should be firm, not soft or noisy
- Make sure the steering feels straight
- See how the transmission shifts (it should be smooth)
- Test the heat and AC
- Drive at different speeds — including on the highway
Don’t rush this step. Take at least 15–20 minutes if you can.
Inspect the Interior
Sit in the car and look around. You’ll spend a lot of time inside, so make sure it’s right.
- Seats: Are they torn, stained, or too worn down?
- Carpet: Check for water stains (could mean flood damage)
- Dashboard: Are there any warning lights? They should go off after you start the car.
- Windows and locks: Test every button and switch.
- Odor: A strong smell could mean mold, smoke, or pets.
Ask About the Title
You want a clean title. That means the car has not been totaled or labeled as salvage.
Ask to see the title. Make sure the name on it matches the seller. If they don’t have the title in hand, ask why. Be careful with “title in transit” or other excuses. It could be a bad sign.
Look Under the Car
Yes, get on the ground and look. Use a flashlight if needed.
- Check for fresh drips or puddles
- Look at the exhaust pipe — heavy rust is bad
- See if anything looks new (could mean a recent repair after damage)
A clean car underneath is a good sign.
Use a Mechanic for a Pre-Purchase Inspection
This might cost you $100–$150, but it can save you thousands. A trusted mechanic will do a pre-purchase car inspection and spot things you missed.
This is very important when buying a used car. If the seller refuses to let you take the car to a mechanic, walk away.
Check the Price
Once the car checks out, make sure the price is fair. Look at Kelley Blue Book (KBB), NADA, or other car pricing sites.
Compare the seller’s price to:
- Other local listings for the same year and model
- The car’s condition, mileage, and features
- Any needed repairs or missing items (like extra keys or floor mats)
If the price is too high, you now have a reason to negotiate.
Read More: 12 Tips for Negotiating the Best Deal on a Car
Ask These Questions Before You Buy
- How long have you owned the car?
- Why are you selling it?
- Any major repairs or recent issues?
- Has the car ever been in a crash?
- Are there any current problems I should know about?
The answers will help you decide if the seller is honest or just trying to make a fast sale.
FAQs – Things to Look for Before Buying a Car
Q1: What should I check before buying a used car?
Check the exterior, tires, engine, brakes, interior, and undercarriage. Also, take it for a test drive and review the car’s history.
Q2: Is a vehicle history report necessary?
Yes. It shows you past problems like crashes, flood damage, or title issues. Always ask for it.
Q3: Should I get a mechanic to inspect the car?
Yes, especially for used cars. A mechanic can find problems that you can’t see.
Q4: How do I know if the car is priced fairly?
Use online tools like Kelley Blue Book to compare it with similar cars in your area.
Come See the Cars at Cigar City Auto Brokers
We check our cars before we sell them. No games, no hidden problems. At Cigar City Auto Brokers, you can take your time, ask questions, and even bring your own mechanic. We want you to feel sure before you buy.
Stop by or give us a call — we’ll make it easy.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let a bad car ruin your plans. Take your time. Check everything. Ask questions. Get the facts. Whether you’re buying from a dealer or private seller, being careful now can save you a lot later.
If you’re looking for a clean, checked, and fairly priced vehicle — visit Cigar City Auto Brokers today. We’re ready when you are.
