Buying a Vehicle
Before You Go Shopping
Look at your budget and decide how much you can afford up-front and over time. Don't forget about insurance, parking, gas, tolls, and repairs.
Get preapproved for a loan. Knowing the rates will help you compare shops across financial institutions. Using your own bank or credit union gives added protection if something goes wrong.
Research the car's value.
Kelley Blue Book to find out the average price of the car you plan to buy and trade in.
At the Dealership
Beware of "bait and switch" advertising. Ads that promise savings, rates that are too good to be true, or cars that aren’t actually available when you get there are illegal. If you feel pressured, walk away.
Examine the car carefully.
What to look for
Examine the vehicle in bright daylight. Look carefully at the body for signs of collision damage or rust. Check the paint and vinyl top, sides, or trim for signs of wear or damage. Check all lights, lenses and mirrors for cracks or other damage.
Look inside the vehicle for signs of wear or damage that may reduce its value, such as splits or holes in the upholstery. Make sure all seat belts are in place, and in good working condition. Look under the rugs or mats for dampness or water damage, which could mean there are body leaks.
Open the trunk or rear hatch and check for leaks. Examine the spare tire, taking it out if necessary. Make sure the jack and lug wrench are there.
Examine the engine compartment for signs of rusted metal around fenders, oil leaks, or excessive dirt on the engine. These can be signs of high mileage. Look at and feel rubber parts such as fan belts and radiator hoses. If they are hard, cracked or too soft, they should be replaced.
Make sure the exhaust emissions control systems are intact and working.
Start the vehicle when the engine is cold and listen to make sure it runs smoothly when cold. While the engine warms, check the dash gauges and all inside and outside lights. Make sure the heater, defrosters, air conditioner, windshield washer and wipers work properly.
If the vehicle is properly registered, you may choose to take it for a test drive. The engine should accelerate smoothly, and the transmission should shift without hesitation, roughness or loud noises. Drive the vehicle on a straight, flat surface, and let go of the steering wheel for a moment to see if the front wheels follow a straight track without pulling to either side. When braking, there should be no unusual noise, vibration, or pulling to either side.
Your test drive should include stop-and-go driving on local streets and driving at highway speeds, over a variety of surfaces and several hills. Note how well the vehicle runs and handles. Also, check to see if the engine overheats.
If you are satisfied after the test drive, have the vehicle raised on a lift or jacks. Examine the condition of the brakes, tires, front and re
Get a vehicle history report at vehiclehistory.gov, take a test drive, and have an independent mechanic check the car. If the dealer won’t let you, walk away. Be sure to check the condition of the engine, tire wear and any sign of an accident. Compare the odometer reading to the bill of sale and
Beware of fake certified pre-owned automobiles. When shopping for a certified pre-owned automobile, make sure you know the specific criteria for certification, obtain proof that the car you are interested in purchasing meets the criteria, and receive documentation of any promised warranties.
Know your rights. Read Used Car Consumer Bill of Rights, which must be provided to you before you sign a contract. Download a copy in other languages below.
Say no to "add-ons" and options. Paint and fabric protection, rust-proofing, extra security systems, extended warranties, etc. are cheaper when bought separately. Ask for your monthly payments with and without the extra options. Before you sign a contract or pay any money, make sure no extra fees have been added and don’t buy anything you don’t want.
Don’t negotiate based on a monthly payment. Negotiate the best price for the car at the lowest interest rate and for the fewest number of payments. Don't believe dealers who say you must finance through them.