A wash, wax and fresh coat of paint can go a long way, but the truth is when you're shopping for a used car you'll need to look beyond exterior appearances to really do your homework. Not all used cars are created equal, and despite a dealer's or seller's best intentions, sometimes a car's history can make it a less-than-ideal option. Knowing what to look for when you're in the market can help you uncover details that can inform your decision and save you money and headaches down the road.
Study your history
No, not your wars and presidents and important dates, though they're probably important to. The history you want to concern yourself with while car shopping is that of the vehicle in question. Specifically, you'll want to know its service history. Most dealers can provide Carfax reports detailing any major repairs that have been performed, giving you an idea of the sort of damage the car has taken.
Paint yourself a picture
It may sound strange, but your car's paint job can tell you lots about some of its repair history. Especially in instances where there's no service history for you to reference, you'll need to break out your magnifying glass and detective hat as part of your evaluation. MSN Autos recommended looking for what's called overspray – excess paint spatter you may notice on the car's trim, tires or wheel wells. This can be a red flag pointing to recent or hastily conducted repairs, and should be taken into account.
Telltale tires
Pay attention to the tires when you're inspecting a used car. A car's tires can also point to other potential problems over and above poor air pressure. Uneven tread can be indicative of improper alignment or suspension. Similarly, if you notice a car's tires are mismatched, this should give you pause – according to MSN Autos it can be a key indicator that tires have been replaced after the car received collision-related bodywork.
Respectable inspectables
Here's a riddle: Would you rather pay a handful of cash now, or dish out a lot later on? You may be tempted to write a mechanical inspection off as an unnecessary additional expense, but think of it as buying peace of mind against future maintenance headaches.
When it's time to shop for a used car, head to NJ State Auto Auction. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, and an in-house finance team ready to help you afford the used car of your choice.