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You might want to ask the seller or salesperson questions like, “Does this car have any issues you know about?”  If you’re dealing with a private seller, you might ask, “Why are you selling the car?”  The answers may help you learn more about the car and what you can expect if you buy it. Sites like Carfax and AutoCheck are useful for searching vehicle history reports.  Just enter the vehicle identification number to find information regarding a specific car.  This information can help you piece together a more comprehensive picture of the car’s history, including who the previous owners were and whether the vehicle has any liens against it. Check the car’s odometer, too.  Vehicle history reports should show an odometer reading that is less than its current reading. There are a number of elements that you should check before buying a used car with cash.  For instance, pop the hood and look for leaky or oil-splattered engine parts.  Check the tires.  If they’re bald, express your concern and ask the seller if they would consider fitting the car with new tires before you purchase it. If the seller disallows such an inspection, it is likely because the car has some hidden problem.  If your independent mechanic finds a problem with the vehicle, bring it to the attention of the seller.  If they say they didn’t know about it (and if the issue is not a deal breaker for you), use the issue in your negotiations later to obtain a lower price for the vehicle. If the car is a certified pre-owned vehicle, it has already been inspected and has a warranty, so there is no reason to take it to a mechanic. Giving the used car a test drive is the best way to determine if it really is the car for you.  During your test drive, evaluate the car’s performance.  Ensure that the seats are comfortable and easily adjustable. Test the heat, air conditioning, headlights, and blinkers. Determine the ease of driving.  The brakes and steering wheel should be responsive. Look for warning lights on the dash panel. Check for blind spots by adjusting the rear-view mirror and side mirrors appropriately. If your test drive doesn’t go well, consider refocusing your energies on buying a different car on your list. Vehicle service records will show when the car was last serviced, and when it ought to be serviced again.  If the car has missed a tire rotation or oil change, insist on that the seller provide one before you purchase the vehicle. Private sellers probably won’t have vehicle service records on hand.  Get the car looked over by a mechanic to ensure that it is in good condition.
Ask the seller questions about the car’s performance and history. Check vehicle history reports to learn more about the car. Look the car over. Have the vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic. Test-drive the car. Ask to see service records.