What to Consider When Buying A Pre-Owned Automobile

Buying a used vehicle can be a smart move financially. If you choose wisely, you can get a vehicle that looks and drives like a brand-new model at a fraction of the price. Buying on impulse, however, without proper knowledge about the vehicle could transfer someone else's costly repair problem to you.

Whether you're purchasing from a private seller or going to a dealership, there are a few things you should know about buying a used or certified pre-owned car, SUV or pickup. Below are some tips to help you make a smart choice you won't regret later.

Do A Visual Inspection

• The body panels on one side of the car have a wider space between them than the panels on the other side. This is a potential sign of serious frame damage.
• Musty odor inside the car may be caused by prolonged exposure to water (e.g., flooding).
• Caked-on mud in places that are hard to clean, such as under the glove compartment or around the seat tracks is another potential sign that the car was immersed in water.
• Paint that doesn't match the color or texture on other parts of the car is usually a sign that components have been quickly replaced or just to cover rust.
• A fresh application of rubberized undercoat on the car's underbelly may indicate a repair. While this spray is intended to protect a car from salt, dirt, and other contaminants, it is also applied when a component has recently been replaced.
• Check out mismatched headlights. If one lamp looks new and the other is hazed over, it may be a sign that the vehicle was in a crash. Pop the hood and look underneath for signs of damage.
• While you are under the hood, look at the maintenance of engine components, oil and air filters, fluid levels and battery to verify regular service. Seeing dust, oily dirt, leaves or pine needles should raise questions about the care of the vehicle. Also, check the condition of the truck and spare tire compartment for rust and moisture.

Perform A VIN Check

• Year
• Make
• Model
• Where the vehicle was manufactured
• Past owners
• Whether the title of the vehicle is clear
• Whether the vehicle has been in accidents in the past

While a VIN check does not always have all the important information you need, and it is always possible that some accidents did not make it into the report, this background check is a great way to discover many red flags.

Take A Test Drive

• Braking
• Turning sharp corners
• Accelerating
• Bumpy, rough roads
• Parking
• Merging and changing lanes

In addition, be sure to check things like the radio, lights, signals, heat and air conditioning. If, after a 30-minute or so test drive, anything seems off or uncomfortable to you, don't be afraid to walk away to look for other options or ask pointed questions about repairing and inspecting the vehicle afterward before making a deal.

Get the Car Inspected

While you can, and should, do a basic visual check of the car's frame and engine yourself, a thorough inspection by a mechanic is essential in detecting both existing conditions and potential repair issues.

Even if the seller claims there are no major issues or mechanical defects, have a mechanic inspect the vehicle (especially your particular concerns) before you seal the deal. While most sellers simply want to sell a used car because that's their business or they want to upgrade to a newer model, others may be selling it for reasons they'd rather not disclose.

Investigate the Warranty

If the vehicle is advertised as 'certified pre-owned,' it generally means it has a manufacturer's warranty. However, some cars listed as certified may actually be covered by a third-party warranty or the dealer. If a car is more than three or four years old, chances are the manufacturer's warranty has expired and an extended service warranty should be considered for protection against unexpected breakdowns.

If you spot an "as is" sign in the car window, it means that the seller will not cover anythin

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