What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

You’ve just found the car of your dreams on a used car lot for an amazing price—but how can you be sure that it’s actually a good deal? Knowing what to look for when buying a used car can eliminate the guesswork and help you to buy with confidence.

With that said, knowing what to ask when buying a used car is just as important as knowing what to look for yourself. Although you can learn a lot about a vehicle simply by knowing what to look for, other crucial info can only be provided by the dealership—like whether it has ever been seriously damaged and repaired, and whether the previous owner tended to keep up with the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance schedule. 

Find out how you can reap the benefits of buying a used car in Garland in this guide from Rusty Wallis Honda, and then reach out to our finance team when you’re ready to move forward with a model in our pre-owned inventory!

Five Things to Check When Buying a Used Car

Once you’ve decided on the type of vehicle you want, narrow your options down to five or fewer. Then, search for info on how reliable each model tends to be over time. Next, look for your chosen model at Mesquite and Richardson-area dealerships. 

1. Mileage

If you need something that can hold up on long work trips or a long daily commute, a used car with low mileage is probably your best bet. If you mainly need a vehicle for shorter rides, you can save quite a bit of money by opting for something with a few more miles on the odometer.

2. Vehicle History Report

Many dealerships will provide you with one, but if not, a complete vehicle history report should top your list of what to ask when buying a used car. If the previous owner consistently scheduled routine maintenance at the recommended intervals, the vehicle most likely doesn’t have any hidden issues.

3. Suspension and Tires

If a used vehicle is up-to-date on routine service, you’ll know that it has had tire rotations on a regular basis. This is important because rotation evens out the tread wear on tires and helps them to last longer. Unusual tread wear patterns can also indicate more serious underlying problems with the suspension, which will have been caught early and fixed when the vehicle received routine maintenance.

4. Interior and Exterior

Check the used vehicle’s cabin materials and upholstery for signs of water damage and try out as many of the cabin features as you can while taking the car for a test drive. Water damage, a smell of mold, or features that don’t function properly are all reg flags you’ll want to note. You should also check beneath the vehicle for automotive fluid leaks and rust spots, and check that all lights are working.

5. Under the Hood

Especially when it comes to mechanical performance, many drivers are unsure of what to look for when buying a used car—but don’t forego looking under the hood! You don’t need to be versed in auto repair to recognize signs like the smell of burnt oil, sludge beneath the oil cap, unusual noise when starting the engine, and smoke. All of these may mean that the vehicle was not properly maintained.

Find Your Next Used Car at Rusty Wallis Honda

Even if you’re not buying a used car at a dealership, it doesn’t hurt to have a used car checked out by a technician before you seal the deal with the seller. Whether you’re interested in a model on our lot on Dallas or you need service on your new-to-you vehicle, we’re here to help! Check out our current service specials to save at your next appointment.