A Mechanic’s Guide to Buying a Used Vehicle

Buying a used vehicle can be a smart way to save money, but it can also come with a few unknowns. A car may look great sitting in a driveway or on a dealership lot, but that does not always tell you how it has been maintained or what repairs could be waiting around the corner.

Before making a decision, there are a few things worth slowing down and looking at closely.

Walk around the vehicle and look for anything that seems inconsistent. Uneven tire wear, mismatched paint, unusual gaps between body panels or areas that appear to have been repaired can all be signs that deserve a few more questions.

Tires can tell you quite a bit. If the tread is wearing much faster on one edge than the other, it may point to an alignment or suspension concern. If one tire looks noticeably newer than the rest, it is worth asking why it was replaced.

Then take it for a proper test drive.

Turn the radio off and listen. A clicking sound while turning can sometimes point to a worn CV joint. Grinding or squealing while braking may mean the brakes need attention. A clunk over bumps could be related to suspension components, while vibration through the steering wheel may be connected to the tires, wheels, alignment or suspension.

Pay attention to how the vehicle feels too. Does it pull to one side? Does the steering feel loose? Does the car shake at certain speeds? These are all things worth mentioning during an inspection.

Your nose can give you clues as well.

A sweet smell may indicate leaking engine coolant. A burning-oil smell can sometimes be connected to oil leaking onto a hot engine component. A strong fuel smell deserves attention and should never simply be brushed off. A musty smell inside the vehicle may be a sign that moisture has been getting in, which could mean anything from a small leak to previous water damage.

Even if you are not particularly comfortable under the hood, there are still things you can look for. Check for wet or oily areas around the engine, damaged hoses, corrosion around the battery or fluids that appear unusually low. Look underneath the vehicle after it has been parked for a few minutes as well. A few drops of clear water from the air-conditioning system can be normal, but oily, colourful or strong-smelling fluid should be investigated.

Maintenance history can also tell you a lot.

Ask whether service records are available and whether regular maintenance has been completed. A higher-mileage vehicle that has been consistently cared for can sometimes be a better purchase than a lower-mileage vehicle that has been neglected.

Mileage is only one part of the story.

It is also worth asking about accident history and previous body work. Look for paint that does not quite match from one panel to the next, overspray around trim or unusually uneven panel gaps. Repairs are not necessarily a reason to walk away, but you should understand what happened and how the vehicle was repaired.

One of the most valuable steps you can take before purchasing a used vehicle is to have it inspected by a trusted mechanic.

A pre-purchase inspection gives a technician the opportunity to look at things the average buyer may not be able to see, including the condition of the brakes, steering and suspension components, fluid leaks, tire wear, the underside of the vehicle and diagnostic trouble codes stored in the vehicle’s computer.

At Pittao’s AutoCare & Alignments, we always encourage drivers to ask questions before they buy. Taking a little more time upfront can give you a much clearer picture of the vehicle before it becomes yours.