10 essential tips to buy a good used car

When you buy a used car, you need to consider your car loan, what kind of car is right for you, and if the car you’re buying is safe to drive! This article will guide you through the checks you need to make to ensure you drive off a good used car!

Read more: Red flags when buying a car

Check the gaps between body panels

Factory fresh cars typically have uniform, small gaps between body panels. However, in the event of an accident, if the panels are repaired and reinstalled, these gaps may become uneven. During the repair process, material is often shaved off to smooth out the damage and spray paint the area. Carefully inspect and take a closer look for any discrepancies, such as uneven gaps, mismatched paint or visible damage shown in the above photo. If the dealer didn’t disclose this in the vehicle’s history or records, it’s time to head for the door as the car may have other hidden damages that could lead to costly repairs down the road.

Every Carro Certified car is inspected with our 160-point inspection and the report is transparently displayed on our website so you know the history of every car. We then refurbish it to be As Good As New, so you can shop for cars with peace of mind.

Check the tyre’s condition

Car tyres are expensive. So before you decide to commit to a car, check the tyres or your wallet might take a serious beating. Here’s how:

Find a four-digit number on the tyre’s side that represents the week and year of manufacture like in the picture below. 2823 means the tyre is dated to the 28th week of 2023. Ensure the tyres of the car you want to buy are not older than 3 years, which is about half the tyre’s lifespan.

The threads on your tyres provide the grip needed to keep your car safely on the road. Without sufficient threads, your car could skid or slide, especially in wet conditions. Thankfully, tyres come with built-in wear indicators that help you determine if the tyre is still roadworthy. If you can’t find the wear indicators, use a ruler to measure the thread and ensure they are at least 3 mm deep. Anything less and you will have to change your tyres soon after buying the car!

Read more: Car tyre symbols

Read more: SUV tyres: a hidden cost?

Check the seat belts

Seatbelts can protect you in more ways than one — they can protect you from buying a car that had a major accident. To check, pull the seatbelt all the way out until the tags are visible. Look for the date of manufacture and compare it to the car’s year of production. If the seatbelt is much newer than the car, it could indicate that the car may have been in a major accident. Additionally, signs of dampness, mould, mud, or water stains, may suggest flood damage.

At Carro, we ensure all our cars have 0 major accidents, fire and flood damage so you can be confident in your purchase.

Cold start the car

A cold start is a great way to assess the condition of the car’s engine. To ensure you get to witness a true cold start, arrive early to your appointment before the dealer has a chance to warm up the engine. You will then be able to observe if the engine starts smoothly or requires a jumpstart.

Read more: How to jump start a car

When the engine starts, listen for any irregular noises and pay attention to the exhaust. For example, if you see blue smoke, it’s a sign that the engine is burning oil – definitely a reason to look for a new car.

Test the alignment

If possible, perform this test in a safe, enclosed area with a flat surface. Drive straight at a low speed, then gently apply the brakes until the car comes to a complete stop. If the steering wheel pulls to the left or right during the stop, it’s a sign that the wheels are out of alignment. This issue suggests the car may not have been properly serviced before the test drive and could indicate deeper mechanical problems. In such cases, it is best to walk away.

Test the brakes

After checking the alignment, it is time to test the brakes. Gently apply the brakes at different speeds to assess their responsiveness. They should feel firm and precise, not “spongy” or pulling to one side. Be cautious if you hear a metal-on-metal noise or notice a burning smell, as these are clear signs that the brakes may need immediate attention or replacement.

Check the engine cap

For this check, you might need the help of a professional mechanic after the test drive. Engage the parking brake and turn the engine off. Since the engine might still be hot, carefully use a towel to remove the oil filter cap.

Depending on the car model, you should be able to see the engine’s inner workings once you open the cap. If the parts look shiny and clean, it’s a good sign the engine has been well taken care of. However, if you spot rust, sludge or black carbon deposits, the car has not been maintained well — a major red flag.

Read more: How to check car fluids

Check for visible signs of leaks

Much like the engine cap check, this inspection should be done after the test drive to catch any leaks that may have been cleaned up beforehand.

There are 2 key areas to check for leaks: the car’s underbody and under the engine. For the underbody, use your phone to record the transmission and lower part of the engine to get a clear view. Under normal conditions, this area should be completely dry. Damp spots are a strong indicator of an oil leak.

The second area to check is the engine itself. Look for splashes, stains or colourful residue – all clear signs of leaks and potential underlying issues. Avoid cars with leaks like these as you may need to pay for a new radiator or even an engine overhaul.

The smell of burnt oil

Even if you don’t spot a visible leak, your nose might catch one! If you smell burnt oil when you pop the hood, it’s a clear sign that there is a leak somewhere in the engine. This smell usually indicates underlying engine issues, and it is best to walk away from a car like this to avoid costly repairs down the road.

Buy a Carro Certified car

At Carro, every car undergoes our thorough 160-point inspection, so we know everything about it. Using this information, we fully refurbish the car until it is As Good As New. We also display all the imperfections so you know exactly what you’ll be driving home in. We also guarantee no mileage tampering, major accidents, fire, and flood damage so you can have peace of mind.

Read more: 3 tips to buy a Carro Certified car

Browse our inventory of Carro Certified pre-owned cars that are As Good As New for the car that is right for you. If you change your mind, our 5-day money back guarantee ensures you get your cash back, no questions asked. Don’t wait! Book a test drive today!