10 Things to Check Before Buying Any Used Car
Buying a used car is one of the smartest financial decisions most people will ever make — but it can also be one of the riskiest. While a shiny paint job and a smooth test drive might look convincing, there are plenty of hidden problems that can turn your “great deal” into a money pit. The good news? Most of these issues can be spotted before you buy if you know what to look for.
Here are ten things every buyer should check before signing on the dotted line.
1. Exterior Condition
Walk around the car slowly. Do the body panels line up evenly, or are there noticeable gaps? Uneven spacing often means accident repairs. Look at the paint under good light — mismatched shades can signal that a door or fender was replaced. Rust is another deal-breaker, especially around wheel wells, rocker panels, and the bottom edges of doors. What looks like a tiny bubble today could be a costly repair tomorrow.
2. Tires
Tires tell a story about how the car has been treated. Uneven wear usually points to suspension or alignment problems, which can add up quickly in repair costs. Don’t forget to check the tire’s age: look for the DOT code on the sidewall. Anything older than six years, even if it looks fine, is due for replacement.
3. Lights and Lenses
Turn on every light: headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights. Cloudy or yellowed headlamp lenses are common and can cost $150–$300 to restore or replace. More importantly, burnt-out bulbs or non-functioning lights can signal electrical issues hiding deeper in the system.
4. Under the Hood
Pop the hood and check the basics. Are the fluids at proper levels and relatively clean? Oil that looks thick and black or coolant that’s low could suggest neglect. Belts and hoses should be free from cracks or fraying. A quick glance can reveal whether you’re looking at a car that’s been cared for or one that’s been run into the ground.
5. Undercarriage
If possible, crouch down and look underneath. Fresh undercoating may look protective, but sometimes it’s sprayed on to cover rust. Leaking oil or transmission fluid should be a red flag. If you see bent or dented metal under the car, it might have bottomed out on curbs or worse.
6. Interior Wear and Tear
The interior should match the mileage. A car showing 60,000 km but with worn-out pedals, sagging seats, and a shiny steering wheel probably has more miles on it than advertised. Water stains on the carpet or headliner can suggest flooding or leaks — both of which are expensive to fix and can cause long-term electrical nightmares.
7. Electronics and Accessories
Test everything. Power windows, door locks, the radio, air conditioning, heater, and infotainment system. Electrical gremlins are common in older cars, and while some are minor annoyances, others can run into thousands of dollars to fix. Don’t assume a “small issue” will stay small.
8. Suspension Check
Push down on each corner of the car. If it bounces more than once before settling, the shocks or struts are worn out. During a short test drive, listen for clunks or rattles over bumps — these are often signs of worn suspension components, which can add up fast in parts and labour.
9. Brakes
Brakes are safety-critical, so don’t skip this step. During your drive, pay attention to how the brake pedal feels. If it pulses, the rotors may be warped. A squealing or grinding noise could mean the pads are worn down. A full brake job can run anywhere from $400 to $1,000 depending on the vehicle.
10. Vehicle History and Known Issues
Even the cleanest-looking car can hide problems that only show up later. Always check for open recalls through the manufacturer’s website. Beyond that, research the specific make, model, and trim for known issues. For example, some engines are notorious for timing chain failures, while certain transmissions have well-documented problems that appear at specific mileage ranges.
This is where AutoLens comes in handy. Instead of piecing together information from forums and YouTube, you can see a clear breakdown of the most common failures, when they happen, how much they cost, and whether they’re DIY-friendly. It’s like having a cheat sheet for the exact car you’re about to buy.
Final Thoughts
Spending 20 minutes with a careful eye can save you thousands down the road. Combine this checklist with a detailed AutoLens report, and you’ll walk into any used car deal with the confidence of a seasoned mechanic.