The Ultimate Used Car Buying Guide
So you’re in the market for a new-to-you (used) car? Congratulations! You have plenty of company. An average of 40 million used cars are purchased each year in the United States.* Buying used is a smart choice, saving you money on insurance, registration and taxes. However, before you make an offer, it’s important to do a little research. With a little planning and forethought, you’ll be able to find the used car that’s the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget. Our Used Car Buying Guide can help.
You can purchase a used car from a private seller or a dealership, whether you found it online or visited the lot. No matter where you go, be sure to comparison shop. Edmunds has a great tool for finding the true market value of a used car. The Auto Buying Program can help you locate a dealer who can work with you to find the features you want in a car, as well as provide a simplified hassle-free buying experience, with low, established pricing.
Don’t get stuck with a lemon. Ask the right question to make sure you’re buying the best possible used car.
The used car market is hopping, with record-setting highs in both the volume of certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle sales and used vehicle values in 2014, according to Edmunds.com’s 2014 Used Vehicle Market Report.* With so many vehicles on the market and at higher prices, the pressure is on to make a smart spending decision. Asking the right questions—particularly if you’re buying from a private seller—and knowing the right answers can help.
Even if you already know the car’s features from reading the advertisement, get the owner talking about cruise control, transmission type, upholstery, air conditioning and other features. This may provide insight into how the vehicle has been treated or how it has performed.
Anti-lock brake systems, electronic stability control, head-protecting side airbags, seatbelt adjustment features and “smart” front airbags are all life-saving features that may be worth seeking out (and could save you money on insurance!).
What the seller doesn’t say may be as telling as what he or she does mention. Follow up with specific questions about any areas the seller hasn’t addressed, such as the body of the vehicle, its interior and its mechanical condition.
If there has been only one owner, you’re more likely to get a complete car history. Be suspicious of a vehicle that has changed hands numerous times.
Minor fender benders may not be a concern, but major collisions or flooding can cause serious damage that may be difficult to spot during a casual once-over. Many used car shoppers have gone the route of consulting an impartial third party by ordering a vehicle history report to document any previous major incidents the seller might not want to admit to.
Go to www.safercar.gov to find recall information for the make and model you’re considering, or enter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the specific car you’re looking at to find out if it’s been repaired due to a safety recall in the past 15 years.
Maintenance records will demonstrate how conscientious the owner has been about vehicle upkeep. Even if the seller does have maintenance records, consider taking the vehicle to a mechanic who can tell you if it’s in good repair.
Talking to the principal driver can help you decide if the car was handled responsibly or not. If you’re a nonsmoker, you may also want to find out whether anyone smoked frequently in the car.
If the answer seems evasive, long-winded or implausible, read between the lines. Ask yourself if the car is truly a smart buy.
Do your homework
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