What to Look for When Buying a Used Car: 9 Important Questions to Ask Yourself 

Shopping for a pre-owned car can sort of feel like a minefield at times. How do you find a model with all the features you want? How do you know if it’s priced fairly? And, most importantly, how do you know it’s still in good shape? 

There are a lot of red flags to look for when buying a used car, but as long as you do the proper amount of research, you’ll be able to confidently pick the perfect one to meet your needs. 

At Step One Niceville, we pride ourselves in always steering our customers in the right direction. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of helpful tips and tricks for used car shopping. Here are some essential questions you should ask yourself. 

Do You Know What You Want? 

To some folks out there, this may seem so basic that it isn’t even worth asking. Still, it’s important to pin down your non-negotiables, because this will give you a clearer idea of what you need out of your new car.

For example, if you have a family with two or more kids, you’ll want to make sure you’re looking at large sedans or SUVs with plenty of cargo space. If you travel a lot, you might have a minimum fuel economy rating that you’re shooting for, and so on. 

Have You Done Your Research? 

The first proper step in any car buying journey is to do some investigating into potential models that fit your list of must-haves. Spending the time to research which specific models you want will allow you to best focus your shopping experience.  

At this point, you should prioritize looking into reliability and safety statistics. Resources like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports publish in-depth reliability data, and the NHTSA and IIHS are great places to check safety and crash testing scores. 

Doing a good amount of research can also help you determine the market value of a vehicle, which will help you set a budget and negotiate a price. Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and CarFax can all help you get a rough estimate of what a car is worth—it’s a good idea to check at least two or three of these sources. 

How Many Miles Does it Have? 

The miles a car shows on the odometer is one of the most important markers of its overall condition. This is because more miles equal more potential for wear and tear. 

For most people, the average amount of miles driven is somewhere between 13,000 to 15,000 per year. So, if a used car is 3 years old, you can expect it to have roughly 40k to 45k on the odometer; any more could mean that it was heavily driven, which is a potential cause for concern. On the other hand, a car with less-than-average mileage can indicate that it was gently used. 

However, just looking at the miles doesn’t tell the whole story—the way a car has been maintained is arguably more important. 

If you find a car in your price range with mileage that’s higher than expected, it’s possible that most of those are highway miles, which are widely believed to be less hard on a car than stop-and-go city traffic. Likewise, a car with low miles may have been infrequently used or poorly maintained. To gain more insight, you can ask your sales professional how much they know about the previous owner. 

What Condition is it in?

If you find a model that looks promising, it’s worth it to take a closer look to check for any signs of visible damage or neglect. A small ding or dent here and there isn’t the end of the world, but you should be wary of certain specific areas on the exterior, in the cabin, and under the hood.

Things to watch out for include: 

• Any rust on the body panels, frame, or other metal components 

• Mismatched or uneven body panels, which can indicate a previous collision 

• Doors and trunks that don’t open or close properly 

• Faulty electronics such as stereos, touch screens, info displays, climate controls, or interior lights 

• Extensive wear of the seats 

• Faulty seatbelts 

• Leaking fluids 

• Musty smells inside the car 

Does it Have Service Records? 

Best practice is to always inquire about the vehicle’s history of service. If a car was well-maintained throughout its entire life, the previous owner may have provided the dealership with receipts for things like oil changes, tire rotations, and other scheduled maintenance items. In other cases, the previous owner may have even had all of the service done at the dealership. If a car comes with proof that it’s been taken care of, it’s a very good sign. 

Can You Check the Vehicle’s History? 

Another piece of info you should always ask for is a detailed vehicle history report. This report can show you how many owners a car has had, if it was serviced at regular intervals, and if it’s been in a collision. This will give you a much better idea of how the car was treated before you found it. 

Many shoppers will see a wreck on a history report and immediately turn it down, but you might want to look a little deeper. If the collision was minor, it may not indicate any serious mechanical issues, and you may still be able to negotiate a discount. 

How Does it Drive? 

Once you’ve kicked the tires and asked about the car’s history, it’s time to hop in and see for yourself how it behaves on the road. 

Here’s a used car test drive checklist to keep in mind:

• Turn the key to the accessory position to see if any warning lights don’t light up properly 

• Check the sight lines to see if there are any significant blind spots 

• Ensure that you’re able to adjust the driver’s seat to a safe and comfortable position 

• Listen closely for any unusual engine noises like ticking, knocking, or rattling 

• Ensure that acceleration is sufficient for highway driving 

• Check to make sure the brakes work well 

• Listen for any excessive road noise, which could indicate poor sound insulation or worn-out window weather stripping 

• If you go over a bump, pay attention for any groaning or creaking from the suspension, and take note of how the car handles the bump 

Has it Been Inspected? 

If you get to the end of the process and you’re still not completely sure about it, you can always ask your sales professional if you can take the car to a third-party mechanic for an inspection. At Step One Niceville, if our customers want a second opinion, we always encourage it. 

Is it Certified Pre-Owned? 

If you want the best chance of finding the most reliable used cars, consider buying certified pre-owned (CPO). 

CPO vehicles are lightly used cars that are backed by the original manufacturer’s certified program. To qualify for a CPO program, the cars must be traded into the dealership in above average condition. These vehicles are rigorously inspected to ensure that they’re in good mechanical shape, and are rigorously refurbished to like-new condition. They also come with excellent warranty coverage. 

Find the Most Reliable Used Cars Near Destin 

Are you looking for the best used cars near Shalimar, FL? Step One has a fantastic selection of vehicles priced under 25k for you to peruse. We also have daily specials on pre-owned vehicles and a credit assistance program. 

If you’d like to learn more, give us a call at (850) 462-2227, or contact us online.