{"id":28465,"date":"2025-05-16T11:58:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-16T19:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.spokeo.com\/compass\/?p=28465"},"modified":"2025-05-16T11:58:03","modified_gmt":"2025-05-16T19:58:03","slug":"what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-used-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.spokeo.com\/compass\/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-used-car\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Stay Safe When Buying Your Car"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Whether your new ride rolls up to the driveway with a big novelty bow on top or you\u2019re just browsing around between work and downtime, buying a new car can be exciting. Brand new wheels mark a truly special occasion, especially as Americans fall on the more frugal side of long-term car ownership \u2013 insurance company The Zebra<\/a> estimates that we keep our cars for about 8 years, on average.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s a big commitment, isn\u2019t it? For most, car purchases come second only in importance and price tag to home purchases, so it\u2019s vital that you steer clear of red flags and common scams (more so on the used car end, but it never hurts to be mindful when shopping new) to ensure that you start your journey off on the right foot. Or the right tire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mechanical Warning Signs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So, what are possible red flags or signs of a scam when buying a car? Let\u2019s start with the lifeblood of any vehicle: the engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t have to be a mechanic to know that the most alarming warning signs start here, and you don\u2019t have to be a mechanic to spot them, either. In this case, your ears are your best friend. Knocking, rattling, or strange vibrations are sending you a message, and that message is, \u201crun.\u201d Trust your nose, too \u2013 burning odors may indicate engine problems, while moldy or mildewy scents are often a sign of HVAC issues or water damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other bad omens<\/a> include telltale signs of leaks under the car, rust-colored coolant, dented underbody components, and joints that are leaking or seeping grease.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re close to buying or have just purchased a vehicle and are still under the protection of local lemon laws, it\u2019s never a bad idea to spend the $100 or so and bring your new sled to a trusted mechanic for a general inspection, just to make sure everything is above board. If the seller objects to such an inspection, consider that bad juju. Do your research on automotive recalls<\/a>, as well; if the model you\u2019re considering has a history of any major recalls, ensure that it\u2019s been addressed in its service history.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peep the Cosmetics, Too<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When buying a car, you want to be absolutely sure to get a detailed, officially endorsed report of its history (such as a Carfax report) that includes everything from maintenance records to accidents. But alongside this report, you can also use your own two eyes to spot potential issues. Exterior blemishes <\/a>like inconsistent paint or texture, rust spots, ratty tailpipes and misaligned body panels or gaps between those panels may indicate that the seller is trying to hide a history of accidents or major repairs, or they may simply hint at a generally poor condition. It\u2019s a little tougher to spot, but any signs of tampering with the car\u2019s VIN are a big no-go.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While high mileage isn\u2019t always a deal-breaker (though very high mileage on a newer vehicle does raise suspicion), inspecting the cosmetic condition of the car can help give you an idea of how the car has been cared for over its lifespan. Aesthetic clues such as excessive interior wear, worn-out seats, or peeling interior features can indicate a car that\u2019s been driven hard. As a general rule of thumb, the previous owner\u2019s care habits \u2013 and adherence to the manufacturer\u2019s recommended maintenance schedule \u2013 can be just as important as miles on the odometer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Legal and Sales-Related Red Flags<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On the list of what to look for when buying a used car, a Carfax, AutoCheck, National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, or similar report and a complete, legit title should be at the top of the list of green flags. Titles with a \u201csalvage\u201d or \u201crebuilt\u201d status<\/a> may indicate hiccups down the line, as well as lesser resale value and significantly lower insurance payouts in the case of a total loss; they\u2019re not the end of the world, but you\u2019ll need detailed info on what caused the status. Consider it suspect if the seller isn\u2019t upfront about these statuses, too. Incomplete maintenance records can also be a warning sign that the car hasn\u2019t been properly maintained, or even that the odometer has been tampered with (a common form of auto sales fraud).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On that report, make sure maintenance records line up as closely as possible with the manufacturer\u2019s recommended maintenance schedule for the model (which you can easily Google if the car doesn\u2019t include the original manual), and that the VIN on the reports and title matches the physical VIN on the car itself. If major repairs have been done, a thorough explanation from the seller is the absolute bare minimum you should expect. If any liens are currently placed on the vehicle, make absolutely certain that they\u2019re released before you close the deal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For most dealers, the Federal Trade Commission requires the disclosure of warranty details and known vehicle issues, and if you negotiate changes during the sales process, those must legally be reflected in the sales contract. Long story short? Make sure any offers of money-back guarantees, returns, warranties, or ongoing service arrangements are put down in writing rather than relying on a word and a handshake.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Common Scams<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Not only do you need to know what to look for when buying a used car at the lot (or the website) in terms of mechanical, legal, and person-to-person red flags, but you also need to protect yourself from scams that intend to rob you of more than just a high-quality ride.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While prices that are too good to be true, wildly fluctuating price adjustments, excessive finance charges, and pushy salespeople are definitely red flags in the general sense, don\u2019t forget to keep a keen eye on more specific scams<\/a>, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n