Buying a Used Car

Thing No. 1  

Check its papers.

Once you’ve isolated the vehicles that fit what you’re looking for, do a quick search on the VIN number. You can do this on any number of sites for free; dmv.com, carfax.com or vehicleidentificationnumber.com.  The main thing you want to achieve at this stage is to determine if the car is legit and that they are providing a real VIN number.

Thing No. 2  

Sign up for a carfax unlimited vehicle history report for $24.99. 

Some people might argue that this is Thing No. 1A but it is different. Thing No. 1 you can do for free and you will ditch any vehicles whose VIN numbers don’t come up with any match.  Then, you spend the 25 bucks and search on the remaining contenders.  An individual report is $19.99 so they really want you to sign up for the unlimited and so do we.

Can you believe people still roll back odometers?  Seems so…analog.  But, it’s actually easy as ever to do on a digital odometer.  A title check (or vehicle history report) will reveal mileage numbers when the car has changed owners or been inspected in any official capacity.   That way, if you see a recorded mileage number that’s higher than what the odometer currently reads…bingo!  It’s been rolled back.  It will also reveal whether the car has been involved in major accidents, natural disasters and other stuff you will want to know.

Thing No. 3  

Find out what it’s worth before you look at it. 

Tell them you want to know all the options and the mileage plus any damage to the interior, repairs that are due to be made etc. and when it is due for the next scheduled maintenance (find out how much that is going to set you back). Then, do your pricing research @kbb.com or edmunds.com.

Thing No. 4  

Look at the car during the day. 

Turn everything on: heater/air, radio, CD player…anything you can find and ask about any noise you hear.  Look for anything sloppy about the paint job.  Look at the engine.  Even if you don’t know what the hell you’re looking at, at least look to see if the wires have been spray-painted.  This will not only tell you that someone is trying to pull the proverbial sweater over your head, but it will look impressive. While you’re at it, back it out of where it’s parked and look for leaks on the ground.  Bring your pricing estimates and the vehicle history report with you.   Also, take a friend.  Two’s more intimidating than one, we always say.

Thing No. 5  

Make sure all the VINs match.

Check doors, panels, hood and dashboard.