What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

If you are in search of a dependable and affordable pre-owned vehicle, you may be a bit overwhelmed by the car shopping process. You want to make sure you are getting a great deal on a reliable vehicle, but you don’t know what to ask when buying a used car. Because of this, you may be wondering what to look for when buying a used car. Fortunately, the team at Lee’s Summit Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram is here to help. We’ve created a guide covering what to look out for when buying a used car, as well as things to check when buying a used car to make sure you’re not getting surprised, so you can feel confident in your decision.

Things to Check When Buying a Used Car

Before you narrow down your decision and select a vehicle for the roads of Kansas City and Blue Springs, you need to know what to look for when buying a used car. Below, we have created a list of key areas of consideration when looking for a new-to-you vehicle as well as what to ask about when buying a used car:

1. Check under the hood – Pop open the hood of the vehicle to make sure there is no debris that could hurt the performance of the vehicle.
2. Listen to the engine – While the hood is open, start the car so you can hear how the engine sounds.
3. Check the tires – Check the tread depth of the tires to ensure that it meets safety recommendations. It is also a good idea to look for uneven wear patterns, which can be an indication that other issues may be present.
4. Look for damage to the exterior – Check the vehicle from top to bottom for scratches, dents, rust, etc.
5. Perform an inspection of the interior – Check for damage to the upholstery, carpet, seats, and dashboard.
6. Look at the odometer – It is important to know how many miles a vehicle has on its odometer. Think about how long you plan on driving this vehicle around Independence.
7. Check for leaking fluids – This is another area that could indicate an issue with the vehicle. If a vehicle is leaking water, it could simply be condensation from the A/C system. However, if the fluid is a different color other than clear, you will want to know the root cause of the leak.
8. Set up a test drive – The best way to see if a vehicle is right for you is to take it for a spin. See how it handles, find out whether the controls are placed intuitively, and make sure the seats are comfortable for long drives around Lee’s Summit and beyond.

Learn More About Things to Check When Buying a Used Car

Now that you know what to look for in a used car, as well as what to ask about when you’re buying a used car, you can start your shopping journey with Lee’s Summit Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram. Peruse our current inventory online, then stop by in person to take your favorites for a spin. Remember to also check out our used car specials for added savings. Contact us if you have any questions.