Weighing your options between buying a brand-new car and a used car? You've most likely asked yourself a couple or more of these questions: 

"Is a used car the right choice for me?" 

"How do I make sure to steer clear of lemons or safety issues?"

"Will it potentially cost me more on repairs as compared to if I just buy a new car?"

While it's always nice to opt for a brand-new car and be sure of its tip-top condition, new cars depreciate in value rapidly during the first few years of ownership.

According to Canadian automotive dealership group Go Auto,

"Most new cars depreciate by 10% the moment they’re driven off the dealership lot, followed by an additional 10-20% after one year. After the first year, cars typically depreciate by 15-25% per year, making the value of the car decline by upwards of 60% after five years."

Used cars usually come with a lower price tag, making them attractive options for those who want to avoid the steep depreciation curve and invest their savings in other priorities.

Buying one, though, requires a keen eye, meticulous attention to detail, and knowing what to check when buying a used car.

In this article, we've put together some tips on things to check when buying a used car so you can confidently shop for pre-owned cars and get the most bang for your buck.

Research and Prepare

Already got your eye on a particular make and model? Look up info on common issues, recalls, typical mileage expectations, safety ratings, and overall reputation. 

Look for dealerships with a good reputation, positive reviews, and a history of customer satisfaction.

You can also look for private sellers who have taken good care of their vehicles and can provide detailed maintenance records and vehicle history. 

Upon going to see the vehicle, you may want to bring a flashlight, some microfiber cloths, and some car diagnostic tools to help you with your inspection.

Car Body

Look for visible damage on the body panels, paint, glass, and lights. Check the tires for any signs that could indicate suspension or alignment issues as well.

In one of their videos, Deboss Garage master mechanic Rich Bosch talks about the basics of what to look for when you’re buying a used car before deciding if it’s a steal or not.

“First thing you want to do is don’t buy it at night, take a look at it in the daylight. You want to see it in good sunlight and you want to be able to compare panels to each other to make sure that they all look uniform.”

Examine the body panels for signs of rust, dents, or paint discrepancies. Run your hand along the surface to detect any irregularities.

As mentioned in one of our previous articles on how to keep your car rust free, 

“Beyond aesthetics, rust in cars is a problem that affects passenger safety...Frame rust is considered a critical problem because it affects the structural integrity of the chassis and can lead to serious traffic accidents.”

Inspect the windshield and windows for chips, cracks, or pitting. Such damages, no matter how small, may cost you a lot in replacements later on.

Check the headlights, taillights, and turn signals to make sure they're functioning correctly.

See if there are any damages like cracks in the tread rubber or signs of curb rash on the wheels. Check the tires for tread depth and uneven wear patterns that may indicate over or under-inflation, and other problems. 

Adequate tread depth is crucial for maintaining traction, handling, and safety on the road, especially in wet or slippery conditions. Tires with insufficient tread depth may be more prone to hydroplaning and have reduced grip, increasing the risk of accidents.

That being said, a tire tread depth gauge, like the Milton S-448 Tire Tread Depth Gauge, is the most accurate tool you can have with you. It will help you ditch the guesswork and determine the remaining tread depth of your tires with precision.

Inside the Cabin

 

This is the part of the car you’ll be spending the most time in so it’s very important to get a good feel of it. Inspect the upholstery, seats, seat belts, interior trim, dashboard, and controls for any signs of deterioration. 

Look for signs of fading, cracks or peeling, wear and tear, fraying, thinning, stains,  rust, corrosion, loose or broken parts, electrical malfunctions, and unpleasant odors. 

Seats

Sit in the seats and assess the cushion firmness and support. Excessive sagging or compression may indicate worn or damaged seat foam, which could compromise comfort and support during long drives. 

Make sure that the driver’s seat can be adjusted to a comfortable position and that the adjustments hold firm.

See that all seats are securely attached to the vehicle's floor structure and that there is no excessive movement or flexing when they are occupied.

Inspect the headrests for proper adjustment and positioning. The top of the headrest should ideally be level with the top of the occupant's head to provide adequate protection in case of a rear-end collision.

Safety Features

See if the seat belts work well; make sure that they latch securely and retract smoothly without twisting or tangling.

If equipped, test the seatbelt tensioner to ensure it functions correctly in the event of a collision. Ensure that there are no frays or cuts in the belt material.

Inspect the airbag cover on the steering wheel and the passenger-side dashboard to ensure they are intact and have not been tampered with or replaced.

Any signs of damage, such as cracks, scratches, or mismatched colors, could indicate that the airbags have been deployed or improperly replaced.

If the vehicle is equipped with side airbags, make sure that the seats are compatible with these safety features. Some aftermarket seat covers or modifications may compromise their effectiveness in a crash.

If applicable, inspect child safety features such as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH), rear door child locks, and rear window locks to ensure they are functioning properly. 

Dashboard

Evaluate the quality of the dashboard trim and materials, including the dashboard cover, trim panels, and accents. Look for signs of wear, fading, or peeling, especially in areas exposed to sunlight or frequent contact.

Inspect the instrument cluster, which includes the speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and warning lights. Turn the ignition key to the "on" position without starting the engine and see if all warning lights illuminate briefly and then turn off.

If any warning lights remain illuminated, they may indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed. For example, if any warning lights related to the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) system light up on the dashboard, it may indicate potential issues with brake performance. 

Test the functionality of various controls and switches on the dashboard, including those for the headlights, windshield wipers, turn signals, climate control, and audio system.

Make sure all switches operate smoothly and that there are no signs of damage or malfunction.

Test the functionality of electrical components such as power windows, power mirrors, and power seats (if applicable). All switches and controls should operate smoothly without any electrical issues.

If the car is equipped with an infotainment system, test its functionality by navigating through the menus, adjusting settings, and testing audio playback.

Check for any issues with the touchscreen responsiveness, audio quality, or connectivity features such as Bluetooth and USB ports.

Inspect the air vents on the dashboard to ensure they are intact and functioning properly. Test the airflow direction and adjust the vents as needed to ensure adequate ventilation throughout the cabin.

Storage compartments or cubbies on the dashboard should be clean and should operate smoothly and securely.

Odors

Listen to your nose if you smell anything weird as such can be telltale signs of leaks, issues with the electrical system, mold, or mildew. If you smell something burning, that could mean electrical problems. 

If it smells like mold or mildew, the car may have been exposed to heavy rain or flooding. To check for moisture issues, a moisture meter like the Performance Tools PTW89718 Digital Moisture Meter can be a handy tool.

Under the Hood

 

Now, pop the hood and delve into the heart of the vehicle. Start the engine and listen carefully for any strange noises. As Rich Bosch mentions in the video above, 

“Listen for any noises, anything that ticks, or knocks, or squeaks, or squawks. It’s a warning sign that that’s probably gonna cost you money.”

Observe if there are any signs of leaks, corrosion, or loose components. Check the oil level and condition, as well as the belts and hoses.

Fluids

Check the transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid for proper levels and signs of contamination. 

The transmission fluid should be pink or red and clear. Dark or burnt-smelling fluid may indicate a problem and should be inspected by a professional.

Fresh brake fluid is usually clear or slightly yellowish. Dark or cloudy fluid may indicate contamination and should be replaced.

The coolant should be brightly colored (usually green, pink, or orange) and free of debris or oil contamination.

The power steering fluid should be clear or slightly amber. Dark or cloudy fluid may indicate contamination or degradation.

Battery

Inspect the battery terminals for corrosion and check the battery's age and condition.

Measure the battery's voltage by using a multimeter. Make sure to turn off the engine before doing so. According to research firm J.D. Power:

“...the multimeter display should show a reading of 12.2 to 12.6 volts (full charge). This voltage range means the battery is in good condition for starting the vehicle. If the measured reading is less than 12.2 volts, the battery’s resting voltage is weak, which means it most likely needs to be charged or replaced.”

Next, perform a load test to assess the battery's ability to deliver power under load. To do this, you can use a battery load tester like the ATD Tools 5488 100 Amp Battery Load Tester. 

A battery load tester applies a load to the battery and measures its voltage drop. A healthy battery should maintain its voltage under load. If the voltage drops significantly during the test, the battery may be weak or failing.

Exhaust System

Look for signs of rust or damage in the exhaust system, including the muffler, catalytic converter, and exhaust pipes.

Start the engine and observe the exhaust smoke coming out of the tailpipe. Ideally, there should be minimal smoke, and it should be clear or slightly translucent.

Excessive smoke, especially if it is dark, blue, or black, could indicate engine problems, such as burning oil, coolant leaks, or fuel combustion issues.

Are there any unusual odors or smells coming from the exhaust? A strong smell of exhaust fumes inside or outside the car may indicate a leak in the system, which can be hazardous due to the presence of carbon monoxide. 

A sweet smell could indicate a coolant leak, while a burning smell could suggest oil or other fluid leaks.

While the engine is running, listen for any unusual noises coming from the exhaust system, such as rattling, hissing, or banging sounds.

These noises could indicate loose or damaged components, such as a loose heat shield, a damaged muffler, or a cracked exhaust manifold. 

Inspect the catalytic converter for signs of deterioration. Look for dents, cracks, or rust on the converter housing, and see if it is securely mounted to the vehicle. 

A malfunctioning catalytic converter can cause reduced engine performance, increased emissions, and may trigger the check engine light.

Carefully inspect the exhaust system for any visible leaks or escaping gases. Use a piece of paper or cardboard to gently cover the tailpipe momentarily while listening for any changes in engine sound or feeling for pressure buildup. 

Be careful not to touch hot exhaust components to avoid burns.

OBD2 Reader

Using an On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD2) reader when buying a used car can provide valuable insight into the vehicle's condition and can help you avoid potential surprises or costly repairs down the road.

An OBD2 reader can scan the vehicle's onboard computer system for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). These codes indicate specific issues or malfunctions with various components and systems, such as the engine, transmission, emissions, and more. 

Identifying any stored DTCs can alert you to potential problems that may need further investigation or repairs.

Suspension Inspection

 

A healthy suspension ensures a smooth and stable ride, but it's one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked.

As with all of the previous car parts mentioned, begin by visually inspecting the suspension components. Corrosion and leakage are always bad signs.

Check the shock absorbers or struts for oil leaks as this could indicate worn-out components.

Bounce Test

Next, perform the bounce test (aka "bounce and stop" test) by pressing down firmly on each corner of the car and releasing.

The vehicle should rebound smoothly without excessive bouncing. If it continues to bounce or feels spongy, there could be worn-out shocks or struts.

Steering and Handling

Take the car for a test drive and observe its steering response and handling. Take note of anything that might indicate suspension issues or alignment problems such as vibrations, pulling to one side, or instability.

Sit in the driver's seat and grasp the steering wheel firmly. The steering wheel should be centered and straight, with minimal deviation to one side or the other.

If the steering wheel is off-center or crooked, it may indicate misalignment or steering system issues.

Pay attention to the effort required to turn the steering wheel, especially at low speeds and when parking.

Turn the steering wheel from side to side while the car is parked or stationary; the steering should feel light and responsive, with consistent effort required across the steering range. 

If the steering feels unusually heavy or stiff, it may indicate a problem with the power steering system or steering components.

Test the brakes by applying firm, steady pressure to the brake pedal while driving at various speeds.

The brake pedal should pulsate or vibrate slightly and the car should come to a smooth and controlled stop without pulling to one side or experiencing excessive brake fade or vibration. 

If the car pulls to one side or the brakes feel spongy or unresponsive, it may indicate brake or alignment issues.

ABS Sensor Pinpoint Tester

As mentioned earlier, ABS warning lights triggered on the dashboard may indicate potential issues with safety and brake performance. 

ABS sensors monitor wheel speed, detect changes in wheel rotation while braking, and ensure that the ABS system can effectively adjust brake pressure as needed to prevent wheel lockup. This is where ABS sensor pinpoint testers come in. 

An ABS Sensor Pinpoint Tester connects to the vehicle's ABS system and retrieves data from each ABS sensor to assess their functionality and performance as the wheels rotate. 

If an ABS sensor pinpoint tester detects no abnormalities during the diagnostic testing process, it usually means that a car's ABS sensors and related components are functioning properly and that the vehicle has been well maintained.

Vehicle History and Documentation

Get to know the vehicle better by requesting its maintenance records and service history. 

Take note of its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN); it’s a unique code that serves as a specific identifier for the vehicle and is used for registration, tracking recalls, insurance coverage, and history checks.

According to CARFAX Canada, 

“Make sure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the right side of the vehicle’s dashboard when you’re looking through the windshield from outside of the vehicle. It can also be found on the inside of the driver’s side door, near where the door latches.”

Professional Inspection

Finally, if you're still uncertain about conducting the inspection yourself, consider hiring a professional mechanic to perform a comprehensive evaluation.

A trained technician can identify potential issues that may not be apparent to the untrained eye.

By using this used car checklist as a guide and equipping yourself with a few tools, you can make a vastly more thorough inspection leading to a well-informed decision.

The Right Tools, All in One Place

Purchasing a used vehicle is an investment, so why not make the most out of it by getting the right tools that will help you pick the perfect ride, as well as maintain its condition? 

Visit MPR Tools & Equipment and get everything you need from the best brands in the automotive industry. 

We also offer personalized customer service, our Price Match Guarantee, plus shipping is on us if you order over $150 worth of items. 

Happy car hunting!

Sources:

https://www.goauto.ca/tools-resources/understanding-car-depreciation

https://mprtools.com/blogs/news/car-diagnostic-tools

https://mprtools.com/blogs/news/how-to-keep-your-car-rust-free

https://www.basilcars.com/check-tire-tread/

https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/how-to-test-a-car-battery-with-a-multimeter

https://www.carfax.ca/resource-centre/articles/how-to-inspect-your-cars-interior-and-exterior

https://mycardoeswhat.org/safety-features/anti-lock-braking-system/