I am constantly trying to improve the used car buying process. On this site, I cover a lot of advice like test driving a used car, how to inspect a used car, and, questions to ask a used car dealer. Let’s take a step beyond that excellent advice and look at some offbeat tips folks might not consider before buying a used car. Just like in horror stories, things that go bump in the night rarely presage a happy ending.
- If you bump any part of your anatomy getting into a used car, (including things like your head, shoulders or hips) don’t buy it. You’re going to do it again and again and wonder why the heck you bought the car in the first place.
- Leave your reading glasses in your pocket when test driving a used car. You know you’re going to forget them eventually. Can you work the controls without your glasses?
- Now, you never bring the kids when testing a used car because they divert your attention. However, you need to figure out your child’s kick distance between their booster seat and the back of your seat. Otherwise, get used to the thump, thump, thump.
- Does your cell phone have a home? Keep in mind it should be some place where you can charge it and the phone stays secure during a sudden stop. Otherwise your cell phone turns into a flying missile.
- Where is your water bottle going to go? On long trips, I typically put two cans of Diet Coke next to me in the cup holder, which leaves no room for my wife’s water bottle. (Yes, she is the wiser of the two by far.) Where is your significant other going to put a water bottle if you’re a selfish SOB like me?
- Google the name of the private seller. See if there is any untoward behavior involving his or her use of a car in the past. Also, you might find mentions of off-road awards or local drag strip race wins.
- It’s common advice that you should walk away if a deal sounds too good to be true. Do the same if the deal is too bad to be true. Somebody’s just trying to rip you off because he or she perceives ignorance on your part. Heck, you read this website. You’re not ignorant.
- Picture yourself driving this car. Does it make you smile or cringe? Don’t buy it just because it makes you smile, but don’t buy it if it makes you cringe. There are too many disappointments in life. Don’t be ashamed of your car.
- Set the driver’s seat where you like it. Hop in the backseat and see if there is much legroom. This is only important if you like to carry other adults – and you like other adults. If your world revolves around you, don’t worry about passenger comfort. Even though I’m a selfish SOB (see above), I do worry about my passengers’ comfort.
- Are you a packrat? Where are you going to put all your stuff? Don’t bring your clutter with you, but visualize where your gym bag is going to live, if the passenger footwell can hold a week’s worth of fast food bags, if there is space for the kids’ coloring books, etc.
Bonus Tip
Here’s a bonus tip – never buy a used car where your mechanic finds hay during the pre-purchase inspection. Amazingly a friend of mine did this. He’s been fairly lucky with the car, but hay usually means one thing. The car’s been driven through a hay field.
