What to look for when buying a car
I am getting a car soon, what are some things I should look out for?
View hidden comment
Expert Comments
When you're starting to look for a car, look up reviews on that car on sites such as Edmunds, KBB, and NHSTA to see how it compares to other vehicles. Look up the car to compare pricing between the makes and models you're interested in. Call 3-4 mechanics, including the dealership’s service center, to ask about the maintenance schedule and what the cost is.
When you're looking at a car, check the odometer to see how many miles it has. Take it out for a test drive to check the alignment, tires, lights, electronics, and gear shifting, and ensure they're all working properly. Check the oil and fluid levels to make sure they've been maintained. Look for tears, stains, burns, or other damage in the vehicle's interior to make sure it's been taken care of and maintained.
Most importantly, make sure the car feels "right" for you. Are you excited? Do you love it? Does it fit your lifestyle needs?
View hidden comment
When you're looking at a car, check the odometer to see how many miles it has. Take it out for a test drive to check the alignment, tires, lights, electronics, and gear shifting, and ensure they're all working properly. Check the oil and fluid levels to make sure they've been maintained. Look for tears, stains, burns, or other damage in the vehicle's interior to make sure it's been taken care of and maintained.
Most importantly, make sure the car feels "right" for you. Are you excited? Do you love it? Does it fit your lifestyle needs?
Reader Comments
Looking up cars is all about in your opinion and also importantly the rating! Like lets say a Toyota you really will like that car but the reviews and rating will say or this car has no space, uncomfortable seats! But! Doesn't mean you should stop looking for one! Find a different Toyota car weather a truck or a bigger one or medium. In these brands like Jeep, Mercedes and all they have different types of models in them! Either they can be small, big or as a truck, looking like a jeep and you sorts like that. Also check cost to by the way and choose your money wisely for you new car, Importantly! Good luck searching for your new car! :)
View hidden comment
What’s on your mind? Ask anything.
Get advice and feedback from experts and wikiHow readers just like you.
Ask a Question
More Forum Discussions
Ask a Question
Trending Discussions
What are the best ways to get cheap gas?
What tips and tricks do you use to get cheaper gas? Where do you normally fill up your tank and what do you do to save the most money?
Read More
Advice needed. How much car can I afford?
How do you figure out exactly what you can (or should) spend on a car? My clunker is probably going to die soon and I’m about to go car shopping, but I don’t really trust the dealer to level with me when it comes to the financing. I’m not sure if I’m going to buy new or used, and I’ve never taken financing out so I’m not totally sure what I should budget? Anyone got any tips or guidance on how you figure this kind of stuff out? It’s sort of overwhelming. For context, I want to know how much car can I afford based on a salary of about 50k.
Read More
What's good mileage for a used car​?
I’m in the market for a used car. I’ve never bought one before, but my old man is a strictly new car buyer, so he’s not going to be much help. Is there any kind of rule regarding how old a car should (or can) be if you’re buying used? What about mileage? Is there a “sweet spot” where the deals tend to be really good on the mileage front? I guess I’m just looking for guidance on how to think about buying a used car when it comes to maximizing the value for my money, the lifespan of the car, and any potential maintenance costs. Thank you everyone!
Read More
