Before You Buy A Used Car, Check These 12 Red Flags

Buying a used car can be a bargain or a headache, and the difference often comes down to what you notice before signing. A little patience at the lot can save thousands later.

A worn used car mounted on a pole above a salvage yard.

Edmunds’ guide “Inspect That Used Car Before Buying” lists the checks to make and the red flags to watch for. Here are 12 of them, in plain language.

One more protection is built into the law. The Federal Trade Commission’s Used Car Rule, in effect since 1985, requires car dealers to display a Buyers Guide window sticker on used cars offered for sale. The FTC says the guide discloses whether the dealer offers a warranty, and if one is offered, it lists the coverage duration, the percentage of repair costs the dealer pays and which systems are covered.

The Seller Resists An Inspection

Edmunds says hesitance to allow an inspection or a mobile inspection may mean the seller is hiding important information. Its advice is to consider walking away.

An honest seller with a good car usually has nothing to fear from a mechanic’s eyes.

Mismatched Or Unevenly Worn Tires

According to Edmunds, tires that are mismatched or wearing unevenly can point to suspension or steering problems. It suggests confirming that all four tires are the same brand and that wear is even across the tread.

Tires are easy to read and hard to hide.

Uneven Ride Height

Edmunds says a corner sitting higher or lower may indicate a suspension issue. It recommends checking on flat asphalt that the car sits level.

Stand back a few steps and look at the car from the front and the side.

Foamy Or Gray Engine Oil

Edmunds says foamy or gray oil suggests coolant mixing, which can mean a blown head gasket or cracked engine block. It calls both major problems.

Pull the dipstick and look closely. Healthy oil should not look like a milkshake.

Signs Of Frame Damage

According to Edmunds, frame damage indicates a serious accident. Improper repairs can cause the car to pull to one side and wear tires prematurely.

A good inspector can spot telltale signs that most buyers would miss.

Poor Previous Repairs

Edmunds tells buyers to watch for sloppy bodywork, improper engine service or poorly installed accessories. It also notes that body panels that are misaligned, or paint that does not match the rest of the car, deserve a closer look.

Open and close each door and look down the sides of the car.

Rust

Edmunds says blistered paint, often near the lower wheel wells and doors, signals rust. It adds that an inspector may find hidden rust too.

Run your hand along those edges. Bubbles under the paint mean trouble is growing beneath.

Flood Or Fire Damage

According to Edmunds, history reports may flag flood or fire damage, but a falsified title can hide it. An inspector can spot telltale signs.

That is one reason to pair a history report with a hands-on inspection.

Musty Odors, Moisture Or Headliner Stains

Edmunds says these can indicate water intrusion or mildew. It suggests smelling for mustiness when you open the door, checking under the floormats for moisture and looking at the headliner for stains or sagging.

Your nose is one of the best tools you have.

Fluid Leaks

Edmunds says puddles or drips under the vehicle or in the parking spot warrant investigation. It suggests looking for leaks near the engine, transmission and rear axle.

Ask where the car was parked, and look at that spot before you leave.

Warning Lights, Dead Accessories And Overdue Maintenance

Edmunds lists nonfunctioning accessories, overdue maintenance and warning lights that stay on among the red flags. It says to turn the ignition to “on” and confirm that the warning lights illuminate, then turn off after starting.

It also suggests testing the air conditioning, the heater, all switches and the stereo.

Cracked Light Housings

Edmunds says moisture can fog a cracked light housing and shorten bulb life. It suggests testing every exterior light, including high beams, turn signals and brake lights.

A cracked lens is a small flaw, but it tells you how the car was treated.

Edmunds says prepurchase inspections generally run $100 to $200 and typically cover more than 100 points. It notes that only a garage with a lift can check the underside for leaks and damage, and that no inspection catches every flaw.

Spend the money before you sign. It is the cheapest repair you will ever buy.

Take your time, bring a flashlight and a friend, and be ready to walk away from any car that makes you uneasy. There are plenty of used cars out there.

Ask for the seller’s service file too. Edmunds says independent shop work may not appear on a vehicle history report, so the paperwork can tell you more than a printout.

Finally, take a test drive that covers low speeds and the highway, with hills, bumps and potholes if possible. Edmunds says to watch the temperature gauge, which should stay near the middle of its range, and to confirm shifts are smooth and no warning lights appear.

Above all, trust your instincts. If something feels off about the car or the seller, you can always walk away and keep looking.

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