Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Car

With the average price of a new car now around $48,641, hitting record highs every year since 2022, consumers are turning to the used car market.

Not only does this save money, but the quality of cars over the past few years has improved, which means they can last longer.

There are a lot of questions that need to be addressed before purchasing a pre-owned vehicle. Here are some suggestions on what to ask when buying a used car.

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What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

First, ask yourself what you can afford, what kind of car you want and what you need it for. A car used primarily for commuting to school or work will check different boxes than one you plan to take on a cross-country adventure.

Once you’ve narrowed down the kind of car you want, you can research prices. If you are going to need a loan, start investigating loan options and try to get approved for one before you select a car.

The AAA Auto Buying Program makes it easy for members to search for cars in their area, get discounts and apply for an auto loan all in one place.

What Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Car

When is the best time to buy a used car?

The best time to buy a used car is before you need it, advised John Paul, AAA’s Car Doctor. When your car is dead in the driveway is not when you want to start looking.

“It sounds corny, but buy with your head, not your heart,” Paul said. “You need to decide if your next car is a need or a want. Too often people buy a car they want at a too-good-to-be-true price only to find out that it’s a used car because it has problems.” 

If you are buying from a dealer, sometimes prices drop before next year’s models come in.

Do I need insurance before buying a used car?

You almost always need insurance before buying a used car or any other car. Most banks require proof of insurance before approving a loan and a dealer requires insurance to complete the sale and register the car. You might be able to buy a car from an individual without insurance, but you will still need insurance to register it.

Get covered with AAA Auto Insurance.

What’s the best mileage for a used car?

Lower mileage is always better, and the average car today racks up between 12,000 and 15,000 miles per year, noted Paul. So, it would not be unusual for a 10-year-old car to have 150,000 miles on it.

Used Hondas and Toyotas usually are solid buys, Paul added, and he has had good luck with 8 to 10-year-old Mazda 6s.

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How to buy a used car?

You can purchase a used car from a dealer, an individual or a website. There are pluses and minuses to buying from an individual or buying from a dealer, Paul noted. While buying a car from an individual is usually cheaper, the car does not come with any warranty, and you should have a mechanic look it over before you commit to it.

Visit your nearest AAA Approved Auto Repair shop. Members can save up to $75 per visit — that pays for your membership!

Also read the title carefully with private sales to make sure the name on the title is the person who owns the car. If it is in someone else’s name, that person could be a car flipper and not really a private seller, according to Paul.

Used cars purchased from dealers are more expensive, because they usually are prepped and the price may include other fees, but usually the cars come with a warranty.

Dealers offer certified pre-owned cars, meaning they have gone through more extensive inspections and may have some new parts, such as tires or brakes, so they have an almost-new feel. Not all certified pre-owned cars are the same, Paul cautioned. Some offer more features, are better maintained and have different levels of certification.

What to check when buying a used car?

• Keep an eye out for signs a car was damaged by floods. With so much flooding recently, more cars that were underwater may be on the market and can have a long list of problems. Red flags include a musty or moldy smell, damp carpets, rust in hidden places and condensation in the headlights. “Flood damaged cars can be money pits,” warned Paul. A car history reporting service can tell you about any vehicle damage. 
• Overall wear and tear. Make sure everything works, from the windows to the radio to the climate control. 
• The car’s mileage should match its physical condition. A low mileage car should have pedals with little or no wear, the seats should be clean and the carpets should not be worn. If it is a sedan, look in the trunk, and if it is an SUV, inspect any storage compartments for signs of possible leaks. Whenever in doubt, have the car inspected by a reputable repair shop.
• When you take it for a ride, the car should be free of noises, drive straight, shift easily and stop smoothly without pulling to either side. 
• No warning lights should be on, and that includes the check engine, ABS, airbags-SRS lights. Any lights could signal expensive repairs in your future. 

Should I buy an extended warranty for a used car?

Whether you should buy an extended warranty for a used car depends on several factors, including the car’s age and mileage. The older the car, the greater the chance it could need a major repair not too far down the road, which an extended warranty will likely cover. On the other hand, extended warranties often require a large payment up front and not every major repair is covered.

Get a quote for an extended warranty with AAA.

What do I do after buying a used car?

After you buy a car and get it home, read the owner’s manual and follow the advice of your repair shop to keep it in the best possible running condition, Paul advised. Keep up with the maintenance and keep it clean.

“If you take care of your car, it will take care of you,” Paul said.

Find affordable rates on used cars with AAA Auto Loans.

Are you considering a used car for your next vehicle? Tell us in the comments.