It is factually impossible to just look at a used car and know whether or not it runs well or is a total lemon. Unfortunately, many people don’t take the time or effort to thoroughly inspect a used vehicle, either because they don’t know how to go about it or they are too trusting.

One thing to keep in mind is that even if you know the seller, they may not be aware of potential problems that the vehicle has. It’s not uncommon to purchase a vehicle that is previously owned and end up having to make extensive repairs within a few months because things have just worn out. You’ll be far better off getting an inspection before you buy and saving a lot of money in the long run. It will let you know what to expect and even if you decide to go ahead with the purchase, you should make sure that the price reflects the problems that you’ll have to deal with after you buy.

You have two options for vehicle inspections, do it yourself or get a professional to check the car for you.

Doing Your Own Car Inspection

If you are fairly knowledgeable about vehicles, you can probably do your own inspection. It’s a good idea to be familiar with engines, though, if you plan to do this. Otherwise, look at getting a friend who is either a mechanic or very mechanically able to help you out when you go to check out a used car.

Visual Inspection: Take a look at the car, both outside and inside, as well as under the hood. Is there any damage to the vehicle? Minor issues like scratches and some small dents are fine, but if there is more obvious damage, major dents, rips, or peeling paint, keep in mind that these signal bigger problems that will need to be fixed. Keep an eye out for signs of a previous collision that could have caused bigger problems like a twisted frame.

Inside, make sure that the dashboard and upholstery is in decent shape. Ripped or cracked interiors can be very costly to repair and chances are you won’t want to just leave them as is. Also look to make sure that there are no exposed wires or rust damage.

Test Drive: Taking a car for a test drive is essential if you are going to be sure it’s worth buying. When starting the car, notice if it starts smoothly or needs extra gas to start up and stay running. This could indicate problems if you need to pump the gas to keep the car running.

It’s also a good idea to try shifting gears if you are in a manual transmission vehicle, since this is where many problems occur. Don’t just drive around the yard, take the car out on the road and get up to speed. This will give you an idea for how the clutch works and how smooth the gears are. In many older cars, this can get a bit jerky, but in general, it shouldn’t be difficult to shift and there should be no grinding.

Other Checks: Test the lights by turning them on and off, including the turn signals. These aren’t major problems, but dim or flickering lights could indicate a battery problem or a faulty connection that will cost more to repair than just a new bulb.

Having a Professional Inspection Done

Not everyone has the expertise to do their own used car inspection. If you aren’t confident in your abilities to diagnose a potential problem, it’s a good idea to get a professional mechanic that you know and trust to go along and take a look at the car you are thinking about buying.

A mechanic should do all of the checks mentioned above, but may also do more extensive testing. Using the right tools, a mechanic will be able to check electrical currents and other important areas of the vehicle to give you a very complete picture. He will also be able to tell you if there are any potentially dangerous problems and what will most likely need to be replaced in the near future.

Buying a used car is cheaper than a new one, but it is still a big investment. Not only are you purchasing a car, you’re putting your faith in it to carry you and your family safely. This is the main reason you will want vehicle inspections done before you buy, to ensure that the vehicle is one you can safely drive. However, it isn’t the only reason.

Whether the seller knows of issues with the car or not, the price may be too high for the state the vehicle is in. Once you’ve had a thorough inspection done, you’ll know whether or not the asking prices are fair. Finding the flaws can give you a bargaining chip for lowering the price of the used car, as well. Not only this, but you’ll know more or less what kind of money you’ll be sinking into the car in the near future . . . giving you a better idea of whether or not you are willing to make this kind of investment after all. It pays to know what you’re getting into.