9 Top Tips for Inspecting a Used Car Before You Buy

Are you in the market for a used car? If so, don’t go searching for your new vehicle until you’ve read this comprehensive guide. The key to purchasing a quality used vehicle is to do your research ahead of time; by understanding how to spot potential problems, you can avoid buying a car that needs costly repairs. In this post, we offer several tips to help you feel more confident in your buying decision so you can find a used car that you’ll love. 

1. Inspect the Vehicle Carefully

Even the most well-cared-for cars are susceptible to external damage, and while chips and small dents are considered part of normal wear and tear, there are several things you should watch for. 

Check the External Body 

Take a close look at the external body of the car to identify any scratches and dents. Also, check for any signs of rust— while small areas of rust can be fixed, any bubbling or cracking on the paint surface might indicate severe rust damage. When rust spots are left untreated for a long period of time, they spread and can eventually eat holes in the body of the car.

Check the Windows

Inspect the windows carefully for any chips and cracks. While chips are common in windshields, they are usually only a problem if they are in your direct field of vision; however, cracks will worsen over time, and you’ll eventually have to face the cost of replacing the glass. 

Also, take the time to open each door and inspect the seals for tearing or signs of rot to avoid any water damage in the future.
 

2. Open Up the Hood

Even though you may not be familiar with the engine of a car, it’s worth opening up the hood to take a quick peek. Are there any signs of leaks, corrosion or cracked hoses and belts? Inspect the oil and transmission dipsticks for discolouration, and note that the oil should be light brown and the transmission fluid should be pink or red. Transmission fluid that’s dark brown or black is a sign that you may need a transmission fluid change or flush, which can add to your maintenance costs.  

3. Check the Tires

While tire tread is a good indicator of how soon you may have to replace your tires, it can also highlight other more serious concerns. If the tires show an uneven wear pattern, this may indicate that the car has bad alignment, which can be caused by steering issues or bad suspension, which are more serious problems that are costly to fix. 

4. Take a Test-Drive

When you’re examining a used car at a dealership, it’s always best to take the car for a test drive. Give yourself at least twenty minutes to get a good feel for the car and try to test it in the city and on the highway if possible. 

5. Does the Car Have All the Features You Want?

Modern-day vehicles are kitted out with a multitude of features, so when you’re looking for a used car, it's essential to be specific about what you want. 

Does the car have an audio system for you to connect your phone and enjoy cruising along the highway to your favourite tunes? What about Bluetooth so you can talk to your friends hands-free as a matter of safety? If you’re used to driving a car with a backup camera, you might be uncomfortable driving a car without one. How about heated seats to warm up your body from the winter chill? 

While none of these features are essential, it’s important to consider what you want from your next vehicle.  When you’re used to having them, it might be difficult to do without them. 

6. Are There Service Records?

Look for a car that has been well maintained and one where you have access to the service records. Cars that undergo routine maintenance, as specified by the manufacturer, are likely to hold up better and have fewer problems in the long run than cars that haven't been properly serviced. 

If you’re purchasing a newer model vehicle, check to see if there are any remaining warranties on the car. An existing manufacturer's warranty can be passed onto the new owner, or alternatively, you can purchase an extended warranty for added peace of mind. 

7. Has the Car Been Involved in Any Accidents?

While minor scrapes to the surface of the car are no cause for concern, be wary of cars that have been involved in a serious collision. You can find out if the car has been involved in a serious accident by checking out the CARFAX report. 
 

8. Check the Carfax Report

Most dealerships that list their cars online provide a CARFAX report that outlines the vehicle's history. The report will outline any accidents the car has been involved in, along with major damage the vehicle may have sustained. It also lists open recalls for the car and may provide service records so you can gauge how well the car has been maintained. If you are purchasing a vehicle from a private dealer, you can check the CARFAX report by entering the vehicle identification number (VIN) for the car. 

9. Get a Professional Inspection Before You Buy

One way to gain peace of mind as to the quality of your potential new car is to get a pre-purchase inspection; a professional mechanic will examine the vehicle thoroughly to identify existing problems, assess for issues that could develop later, and ensure that any previous damage has been properly fixed.

The Benefits of Purchasing a Vehicle from a Used Car Dealership

When you finance a used car through a dealership, most lenders will require the dealership to conduct a thorough inspection to gauge the quality and functioning of the car being purchased. This way, the buyer and lender have peace of mind and are confident that the vehicle is in good working condition. Reputable dealerships will also try to resolve issues if you encounter any mechanical problems immediately after buying. 

Finding a Reputable Used Car Dealership

It’s no secret that used car dealerships have gained a bad reputation over the years. While some dealerships may be guilty of shoddy practices, there are so many more that pride themselves on helping their customers find great cars at affordable prices. 

Get recommendations from friends or check out the company’s online reviews. Company reviews are a great way to find out how other customers rate the quality of the cars on offer and the level of customer service offered by the dealership. 

How to Get Financing for Your New Car

If you’re looking for a car loan to finance your new vehicle, it’s possible to get a car loan through the dealership. Insta Auto Solutions's finance department works with multiple lenders and will help you secure a loan.

Getting a Car Loan with Bad Credit

You don’t have to have excellent credit to qualify for a car loan. We work with lenders that provide several options for financing a car with bad credit. These bad credit car loans are ideal for individuals who won’t qualify for a loan from traditional institutions such as banks or credit unions, including individuals who have claimed bankruptcy, students, and newcomers to Canada with little credit or no credit history.  

The main difference between these bad credit loans and traditional loans is the loan terms and the car loan interest rates. When you have a limited credit history, you may have to pay high interest rates. 

How to Get Pre-Approved for Your Car Loan Today

If you’re interested in securing a loan for your new car, you can come into our dealership or apply online today. Most lenders will ask for the following documents before approving your loan.

• Proof of ID - A Canadian-issued driver's license.

• Proof of address - Bank statements or utility bills with your name and address listed.

• Proof of employment - A letter of employment or several months of pay stubs.

• Proof of income - Several months of bank statements or pay stubs.

If you have any questions about applying for a car finance loan or improving your credit, give our finance department a call. 

Refinancing a Car Loan with Bad Credit

When you’ve done your research and found a great used car you’d like to purchase, you’ll be more confident about your buying decision. At Insta Auto Solutions, we sell quality used vehicles that have been thoroughly inspected—.browse our large selection of vehicles today.