08/25/2026
Buying a Used Car? Check These First! 🚗
Found a used car you love? Before you hand over the keys—and your money—take a closer look!
Here are a few important things to check:
🔎 Vehicle History: Check the VIN for accident history, title status, mileage, flood or salvage history.
🔧 Mechanical Condition: Have the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, exhaust, and other major components inspected.
🚘 Exterior: Look for rust, dents, mismatched paint, or signs of previous repairs.
🪑 Interior & Electronics: Test the seats, windows, lights, buttons, switches, and other features.
🛞 Tires: Check tread depth and look for uneven wear, which could point to alignment or suspension issues.
🛣️ Test Drive: Listen for unusual noises and pay attention to braking, steering, acceleration, and transmission shifting.
📋 Maintenance Records: A well-documented maintenance history can tell you a lot about how the vehicle was cared for.
📄 Title & Ownership: Make sure the seller has the proper title and documentation.
🧰 Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection: An independent inspection by a trusted mechanic can uncover problems you may not notice during a test drive.
💰 Compare Prices: Research similar vehicles based on year, mileage, condition, and features to make sure you're getting a fair deal.
A little extra time and a professional inspection before you buy could save you from a lot of unexpected repairs later.
Thinking about buying a used car? Bring it to Dickerson Automotive for a pre-purchase inspection before you buy!