What should I check after buying a used car?
Immediate Safety and Maintenance Checks
Start with the safety essentials: tire tread depth and pressure, brake pads and rotors, all lights, and the battery terminals. Check fluid levels for oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer. Look for leaks under the car after it sits overnight.
Inspect belts and hoses for cracks or fraying, and listen for unusual noises when starting or driving. If the car came with maintenance records, compare them to the current mileage to see what's due next.
- Tire tread (use a penny test) and pressure
- Brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid
- Battery age and terminal condition
- Oil, coolant, and other fluid levels
- Belts, hoses, and visible leaks
Paperwork and Legal To-Dos
Make sure you have the signed title, bill of sale, and any warranty documents. Transfer the title and register the car with your state's DMV within the required time frame, which varies by state (often 10 to 30 days).
If you bought from a private seller, check for open recalls using the NHTSA website by VIN. Also confirm the odometer reading matches the title and any inspection forms.
- Signed title and bill of sale
- Title transfer and registration deadlines
- Insurance coverage before driving
- Open safety recalls by VIN
Mechanical Inspection and Tune-Up
If you didn't have a pre-purchase inspection, get one now. A mechanic can spot issues like worn suspension parts, failing wheel bearings, or pending trouble codes. Expect to pay $100 to $200 for a thorough inspection, depending on your area.
Based on mileage and records, consider a tune-up: new spark plugs, air filter, and maybe a transmission fluid change. Many used cars need at least an oil change and new wiper blades right away.
- Pre-purchase or post-purchase mechanic inspection
- Scan for diagnostic trouble codes
- Replace air filter and spark plugs if due
- Check suspension and steering components
Common mistakes
- Assuming the car is fine because it passed a quick test drive; many issues only show up after a few days of driving.
- Skipping the title transfer and registration, which can lead to fines or legal problems later.
- Ignoring the owner's manual maintenance schedule; it lists what actually needs attention at your mileage.
