Evaluating a used car can be done in three basic steps: a look-over, a test drive, and a mechanic’s inspection.
1. Look the car over
Even though you’ll be taking the car to a mechanic, there are a few things that are easy to check for yourself:
If the car is parked in its usual place, look at the pavement underneath it for oil stains.
Look at the belts under the hood. They shouldn’t be frayed or loose.
Check the oil. If it’s been changed recently, it will be clear. Extremely dirty oil is a sign that the owner hasn’t changed the oil regularly.
Take a rag and swipe it on the inside of the tailpipe. If the residue is oily, that’s a sign of problems.
Inside the car, check for condition of the upholstery, residual smells, missing parts, ease of adjusting seats, and general comfort.
2. Take a test drive
After starting the car, check to see that the radio works. Run the a/c. Check the wipers and washers.
During the drive, take notice of how the car handles, feels, and sounds, just like you would if you were driving a new car. If the car has cruise control and that’s something you’ll use, make sure you test it out on a highway.
3. Mechanic’s inspection
DON’T SKIP THIS!
I ended up with a lemon once, and it was my own fault. I was in a hurry to get a car, and I rushed out and bought the first one that looked decent. The car needed a new muffler, and I met the buyer at the repair shop where the muffler was being replaced. The mechanic who replaced the muffler offered up his advice to me to buy the car, because he thought it was in good shape. I bought the car based upon his comment, without bothering to have the car checked out thoroughly by my own mechanic. I learned my lesson.
If the inspection results are good, you’re on your way! If the results are less than wonderful, but you’d still like to buy the car, you can negotiate with the seller for a lower price.