Buying a used car is one of the biggest purchases most families make, and a little preparation goes a long way. Whether you're shopping with us or anywhere else, run through this checklist before you sign anything.
Before you visit
1. Set your all-in budget
Know the total you're willing to spend, not just the monthly payment. Include taxes, title and registration, insurance, and a cushion for maintenance. Our guide on how much car you can afford can help.
2. Get pre-approved or know your financing options
Knowing what you qualify for before you shop keeps you focused on cars that fit. You can apply for financing online in a few minutes.
3. Check the vehicle history report
Look at the vehicle history report for:
- Accident and damage reports
- Title problems such as salvage, rebuilt, or flood titles
- Number of previous owners
- Odometer readings over time (they should only go up)
- Service records, if available
Many listings, including ours, link to a history report right on the vehicle page.
4. Look up open recalls
Enter the VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls to see if there are unrepaired safety recalls. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer for that brand.
On the lot: the walk-around
5. Inspect the body and paint
Walk around the car in good light. Look for mismatched paint, uneven gaps between panels, and overspray on trim. These can be signs of past body work.
6. Check for rust, especially underneath
Chicago-area winters and road salt are tough on cars. Look at the wheel wells, rocker panels below the doors, door bottoms, and the underside. Surface rust on some parts is normal; rust holes or flaking on the frame are not.
7. Look at the tires
Check the tread depth (the penny test is a quick start) and look for uneven wear. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension issues. Mismatched brands on the same axle are worth asking about.
8. Look under the hood
You don't need to be a mechanic. Look for leaks, cracked hoses, corrosion on the battery, and check that the oil looks clean rather than milky or gritty.
9. Check the interior
Test every button: windows, locks, mirrors, A/C, heat, seat heaters, the radio, and the backup camera. Sniff for musty smells, which can signal water leaks, and look under the floor mats for dampness.
The test drive
10. Start it cold if you can
Some problems only show up on a cold start. Listen for unusual noises and watch for warning lights that stay on.
11. Drive it the way you'll use it
Take it on local streets and on the highway. Notice whether it:
- Pulls to one side
- Shifts smoothly
- Brakes straight without grinding or vibration
- Makes clunks over bumps
- Feels steady at highway speed
12. Consider an independent inspection
For extra peace of mind, have a trusted mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection. A reputable dealer won't object.
Before you sign
13. Understand the total price
Ask for an out-the-door price that includes the vehicle price, documentation fee, taxes, and title and registration. At Carselect we show the price, documentation fee, and filing fee right on every vehicle page, so there are no surprises.
14. Read the financing terms
Look at the interest rate, the loan length, the total amount financed, and the total you'll pay over the life of the loan. Make sure there are no add-ons you didn't ask for.
15. Review every document
Make sure the VIN on the paperwork matches the car, the numbers match what you agreed to, and there are no blank spaces. Ask about any warranty or service options in writing, and take copies of everything.
| Stage | What to check |
|---|---|
| Before you visit | Your budget, financing options, the vehicle history report, and open recalls |
| The walk-around | Body and paint, rust underneath, tires, under the hood, and every interior feature |
| The test drive | Cold start, steering, shifting, brakes, and highway behavior; consider an independent inspection |
| Before you sign | The out-the-door price, the loan terms, and every document |
Print-friendly summary
- Set an all-in budget
- Know your financing options
- Review the vehicle history report
- Check for open recalls
- Inspect the body and paint
- Check for rust underneath
- Check the tires
- Look under the hood
- Test every interior feature
- Start it cold
- Test drive on streets and highway
- Consider an independent inspection
- Get the out-the-door price
- Read the financing terms
- Review every document before signing