Buy Used Car
Complete step-by-step checklist to buy used car covering acquire vehicle history and define total cost budget, and essential action items.
Acquire vehicle history
Get history report (Carfax) to check accidents and service
Define total cost budget
Include insurance, title fees, and repair costs in budget
Hire mechanic for inspection
Have independent mechanic inspect car before purchase
Test drive on highway
Check engine noise, brakes, steering, and AC on road
Verify title ownership
Ensure title is clean and matches seller ID papers
Check tire tread depth
Inspect tires to verify they won't need immediate replace
Negotiate price offsets
Ask for price cuts based on mechanic repair estimates
Verify emissions test status
Ensure vehicle has passed recent state smog tests
Check fluid condition logs
Look at engine oil and transmission fluid colors
Draft bill of sale document
Ensure both parties sign purchase invoice with date
Inspect undercarriage rust spots
Check exhaust and frame for severe rust structural damage
Verify keys and fobs counts
Confirm how many working key fobs are included
Verify all dashboard codes cleared
Plug in OBD2 scanner to verify no hidden error codes exist
Test heater and air controls
Confirm climate systems respond instantly to temperature
Verify odometer reading matches history
Ensure odometer values align with registration service logs
Check vehicle alignment on road
Check if steering pulls when hands are released gently
Verify spare wheel is present
Confirm spare wheel is mounted under boot and tools are in spot
Review registration transfer rules
Verify documents needed to transfer title DMV records
Clean interior ventilation filters
Plan to replace cabin air filters to prevent odors
Record mileage at purchase date
Confirm start mileage with insurance agent for policy logs