Buying a New-to-You Car

By Cassie Johnson

Tax returns are arriving, and maybe you’re contemplating spending Uncle Sam’s loot on a new set of wheels. New cars are in short supply and dealerships may not have the make or model you want. A new-to-you car may be the answer. Whether it’s a second vehicle for yourself, or the first car for your teen, we have some insider tips to help make sure you don’t drive away with the lemon of the lot.

Look past the internet

You can find just about anything online, but a truthful car report isn’t always one of them. Sites like CARFAX are popular but not necessarily 100% accurate. These sites rely on information reported to them – typically by owners, car dealerships, and insurance companies. Anything unreported goes undocumented, meaning it won’t appear on the report. CARFAX may be a good place to start, but don’t rely on it as your only source.

Check the tires

Tires are a good place to start when looking at a car. Their condition could give you a hint about prior maintenance or use. New tires can be expensive and add to the cost of the vehicle. If you see any cracks in the tread or sidewall areas, or notice steel wires sticking out, new tires are inevitable. If wear is worse on the edge of the tire, it could indicate an alignment problem. You can find helpful videos on how to measure tire treads on YouTube or familyhandyman.com

Listen to the car (and your gut)

If the tires pass your inspection and you get inside your potential new vehicle to start it up, listen carefully. Do you hear any squealing, clicking, knocking or thunks? This could mean anything from belts needing replacement to worn spark plugs. If the check engine light comes on, don’t ignore it. We often think it might merely be a sensor, but the issue could be anything from a minor loose fuel cap or an expensive catalytic converter. If you hear noises that make you nervous or question the vehicle's reliability, chances are it wasn’t meant to be.

Take the test drive

“A test drive is your opportunity to listen to the vehicle,” advised Mike Harlan, owner of Harlan Automotive of Paducah and Murray. “Does the engine run smoothly, the transmission shift well? Are the brakes or steering responding immediately? Do the brakes squeal or feel mushy? If you hear any grinding metal sounds, chances are the brake pads are worn out.”

This is a kid’s dream come true – push every button…. one at a time, of course. You want to make sure all of the electrical and computer elements work accurately. This includes moving the side view mirrors with the controls on the door.

“Don’t forget to try the turn signals, wipers, and interior lights,” Harlan said. “If it’s not raining or dark, sometimes buyers forget those steps. No matter the weather, turn on the heat and the air conditioner to make sure both of them work. Open the glove box and all the doors – do they all latch properly? Check the vehicle thoroughly – even the sun visors!”

Call the experts

Take the vehicle to a mechanic you trust for the most thorough report. A professional pre-buyers inspection goes past the quick joyride.

“A mechanic will test drive on a route that includes potholes and hills to check suspension problems and engine performance issues,” Harlan told me. “Afterwards, the vehicle is raised on a lift to look for visible rust spots. Anything we can physically touch, such as brake lines and suspension components, should be thoroughly inspected for issues. Ask your mechanic about using a scope to see if the car has any stored data or codes within its system. Fluid levels are also an essential part of an inspection. Make sure your pro looks at the oil condition and checks for any leaks. If the seller is hesitant about you taking the car to your mechanic, consider it a caution light. More than likely, there’s an underlying reason why they are against it. If there are necessary repairs, talk to the seller about repairing them before purchasing it or lowering the price to cover the costs.

Warranty Worries

Have you had one of those dreaded automated phone calls: “Your car’s extended warranty is almost expired”. While there are some good aftermarket warranty companies, not all of them are worth the cost. Some, but not all, warranty companies are accepted at your local mechanic. Even if they are, the warranty does not usually cover the full price of the repairs. Do extensive research before making your decision.

“Read the warranty information twice, making sure to pinpoint what the warranty company does not cover,” advises Harlan. “There’s a fine line between what they will and will not pay for. Being unaware of the specifications is what hurts customers the most.”

You don’t have to be pit crew certified to find a quality, safe pre-owned vehicle. Having a student driver myself, I understand the importance of ensuring your child is safe on the road. Do your research, talk to your mechanic, and be patient. Don’t let the search overwhelm or intimidate you. In the end, you will be relieved to have a trustworthy method of transportation. 