Four things to check before you buy used vehicle

July 9, 2022

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Everyone hates used car salesmen and women.

These are some of the slimiest in the sales world, and their reputations are well deserved. They use all kinds of scare tactics and most just straight up lie to get a quick commission.

Which is why many people in need of a good used car turn to alternate sources to purchase. Local social media groups, Craigslist, and classified ads are few good places to look. There are some good deals on these websites, but remember the rule, “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.” You aren’t going to find a recent years model pickup truck for $2000 without something seriously wrong with it.

How can you steer clear of buying a lemon, when you buy a used vehicle?

Without being a certified mechanic with 20 years of repairing cars and trucks, there are few things that anyone can do to find red flags right away. Here are four things to check before you buy a used vehicle.

VIN Report

A VIN number is a “vehicle identification number”, and every vehicle has one. If your’s doesn’t for some reason, immediately walk away from the sale… it’s stolen! You can find VIN numbers on the car in various places. Most are located on a metal tag on the dashboard, or a sticker inside the driver’s side front door frame.

Before you purchase any used vehicle, you need to run a VIN report. It will tell you a few vital bits of information including:

How many owners the vehicle has had.
Any major damages, ie flood or hail.
Some maintenance performed (if recored)
Much more.

There are websites that provide these reports for free or low cost. Be warned, some of the sites are more sneaky than they look and will offer a free report, but have hidden subscription fees. Be sure to read the small print before you hand over your credit card number.

Checking a VIN report is a simple and low cost way to uncover any red flags when buying a used vehicle. Anyone can do it, and you may save yourself a lot of money in repairs later.

Fluids levels and condition

Checking the fluid levels and condition of a used vehicle isn’t as hard as it sounds. It may even be as easy as looking under the car to see if there is anything leaking (another red flag that you should move on).

All machines and motors require lubrication to run smoothly and correctly. A used vehicle is no different. Be sure to pop the hood and check at a minimum;

Engine oil
Power steering
Brake fluid
Washer fluid (*Not critical, but shows if the owner takes care of the car.)

If the seller of used car doesn’t want you poking around under the hood or refuses you to perform a basic check of fluids, then it’s time to walk away.

Maintenance documentation

You don’t have to be a grew monkey to check a maintenance log. When you buy a used car ask to see if the owner has any proof of the work and/or repairs that he claims he has done. Receipts for parts or labor, including the date and price are great place to start.

He said he did the front brakes and rotors in 2022? Then let’s check his paperwork and see if it lines up.

Body rust

Rust is an iron oxide, a usually reddish-brown oxide formed by the reaction of iron and oxygen in the catalytic presence of water or air moisture. Basically when iron and contacts the air, you get that nasty brown stuff. It’s no good for boats and even worse for a used vehicle.

When you buy an older vehicle, for example a work truck, some rust on the body panels or truck bed may be acceptable. However, don’t just take a quick look and call it good. You need peer under the body of the truck. Bring a flashlight with you or be a typical millennial and use the flashlight on your phone.

Look for any areas of rust on the solid structural supports, any holes in the body and anything dripping water from rust spots. These are major red flags. Pass on the car or truck and spend your hard earned money on something else.