Used Car Buying Guide [Certified]
Take it on local streets and the highway. Does it pull to one side? Does the brake pedal feel "mushy"?
Test every button. AC, heat, windows, sunroof, and the infotainment system. 6. The Professional PPI
All-wheel drive? Fuel efficiency? Enough room for three car seats?
Remember to budget for sales tax, registration fees, and an initial "peace of mind" maintenance fund (oil change, new wipers, etc.). 2. Narrow Your Search
Always check the date code on the tires. Even if they have plenty of tread, tires older than six years are often considered unsafe due to dry rot.
Ensure the title is "clean" and the seller has the right to sell it. If buying from a private party, meet at a bank or a "Safe Exchange Zone" at a local police station.
This is the most important step. Spend the $100–$200 to have an independent mechanic look at the car on a lift. They will find things you can’t see, and their report is your best tool for negotiating the price. 7. Close the Deal
Take it on local streets and the highway. Does it pull to one side? Does the brake pedal feel "mushy"?
Test every button. AC, heat, windows, sunroof, and the infotainment system. 6. The Professional PPI
All-wheel drive? Fuel efficiency? Enough room for three car seats?
Remember to budget for sales tax, registration fees, and an initial "peace of mind" maintenance fund (oil change, new wipers, etc.). 2. Narrow Your Search
Always check the date code on the tires. Even if they have plenty of tread, tires older than six years are often considered unsafe due to dry rot.
Ensure the title is "clean" and the seller has the right to sell it. If buying from a private party, meet at a bank or a "Safe Exchange Zone" at a local police station.
This is the most important step. Spend the $100–$200 to have an independent mechanic look at the car on a lift. They will find things you can’t see, and their report is your best tool for negotiating the price. 7. Close the Deal