• Used cars can be a great deal. However, a little vigilance is necessary to make sure you do not end up regretting that new set of wheels. Ask the advice of someone you trust and have the car looked at by a qualified mechanic before buying it. After checking the car out, don't forget to take it for a test drive.
  
  

Mileage

• Check the miles on the car. This can be accomplished by looking at the odometer. The British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA) says the average distance on a car per year is 18,000 to 20,000 km, or about 11,000 to 12,000 miles. To better assess the age of the car, look at the rubber on the pedals and the car's upholstery.
  
  

Body of the Car

• Check the sides of the car's body for signs of repainting. Recent body work may indicate recent trauma for the car, which you may want to inquire about if the seller hasn't indicated any recent accidents. Check the body doors and wheel openings for rust. Even if there is no rust evident, there may be paint cracks, which may indicate hidden rust. Check the tires for excessive wear. If they need to be replaced soon after purchase, the cost of new tires will have to be calculated into your budget for the car. Press down on all four corners of the car. The corners should not bounce. If they do, there may be issues with the shock absorbers. Roll the windows up and down, check all the locks, and make sure all the doors open and shut with ease.
  
  

Interior of Car and Engine

• Remove the radiator cap when the engine is cool and check for leakage. Confirm that there is little or no corrosion on the engine, radiator, and battery. Ensure the engine's fluids are filled to an appropriate level and there is no leakage. Inside the car, check for missing knobs and breakage. A musty smell inside the car or signs of dampness may also be signs of internal leaks. When test-driving the vehicle, check the steering and suspension.
  
  

Make and Model of Car

• Check out the make and model of the vehicle for its reliability. Consumer Reports provides an excellent list for buyers to use when assessing the quality of the vehicle (see Resources). Check to see if there have been any recalls or safety bulletins involving the make and model. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recall and safety information available on its dedicated website (see Resources).
  
  

Warranty

• If buying a car from a dealer, check to see if the car comes with a warranty or is sold as-is with no guarantees of the car's condition. If, despite your due diligence, the car turns out to be a lemon, you want to know if you can return it or get it repaired at no additional cost.