Top 10 Questions You Should Ask When Buying a Used Car

Here are 10 questions we think you should ask a seller when checking out a used car. The answers will give you a clue to how well the car has been maintained. If you know the answers when you bring the car into us for an inspection we can help you make a more informed decision about whether to buy the car.

1) Has the car been in an accident?
2) How long have you owned it?
3) Why are you selling your car?
4) Do you have complete service and maintenance records?
5) What kinds of repairs have you done to the car?
6) How often has the oil been changed?
7) Does the car pass emissions?
8) Are you willing to let me take the vehicle to an auto repair shop of my choosing for an inspection?
9) How many miles are on the odometer?
10) How would you describe the condition of your car?

When we looked at cars for our daughter we also:

• Checked for rust. Rust forms when paint and exterior coatings get chipped. The problem with rust is that it can eat through the metal of your car, weakening its structure. Common areas are around wheel wells and fenders. Rust on the underside of the car can wear right up through the floor. Rusty cars generally have a higher cost of repair associated with them.

• Checked to see that all four tires were the same. Find out how many miles are on the tires and look for even wear. Mismatched tires can affect the car’s handling.

• Looked for cars with well taken care of interiors and exteriors. (Owners who care for the appearance of their cars tend to be those who also take good care of maintenance and repairs).