Buying a used car can be somewhat of a daunting task. It’s difficult for the average person to know what signs to look out for and avoid. However, professionals know exactly what looks good and what doesn’t. Luckily, a professional mechanic shared one helpful tip to assist in making the best decision and explained to “walk away” if this is something you notice.
Advice for Buying a Used Car
A TikTok user, @jackofallbeards, posted a video in which he features a Jeep for his example. “This is a 2015 Jeep Cherokee, 159,000 miles. You’re gonna see a lot of vehicles like this on the market right now,” he says. “It’s not the vehicle in specific, but something that it has that—I want y’all to look out for oil on the dipstick. Near perfect, super clean. That itself is not a red flag.”
The 2015 Jeep appears to be in working condition. However, as shown by the mechanic, the used car has a major problem. Accordingly, one that might make it a more costly used car down the road. In the video, he demonstrates his point by giving viewers a chance to see the oil dipstick. “You see how it strings? That means they put some super thick stuff in here.” He shares. “If you ever see the oil get stringing off the oil cap like that, run away.”
@jackofallbeards notes while the used car sounds like it starts without any problems, “She needs a motor,” he says regarding the Jeep. In a follow-up video, the mechanic further explains his belief that the previous owner “used a thicker oil to fix an issue which might have been a quick fix but has left an underlying problem.”
Generally, buying a used car should be more cost-effective than buying a brand-new car. However, a used car has had previous owners. To feel confident in buying a used car, one also has to have confidence that the previous owners used the utmost diligence in caring for the vehicle. @jackofallbeards isn’t the only mechanic or car professional to share some invaluable advice regarding the purchase of a used car.
Others Weigh In
One car enthusiast shares that buying a used car should never happen without a professional inspection from an independent mechanic shop. They explain that if a seller refuses, it’s likely a “lemon car“.
Meanwhile, another sound piece of advice is to view the cars in daylight only. The reason is that it’s harder to see things like dings and scratches or mismatched paint at night. Next, inspect the bolts on a used car because if they “look like there’s been a wrench on them” or the paint is chipping, it could indicate that something major was replaced.
@jackofallbeards Cant stress this enough…. Do your research and befriend a knowledgeable and HONEST mechanic! #carbuyingtips #carsales #dealershiplife #junk #certifiedshitbox #iykyk ♬ original sound – Jackofallbeards
“Remove the door lining rubbers. The ones on the door, not the car body. Especially the rear ones. You’ll find hidden rust over here. Even the current owner won’t be aware of it. If it’s a rear-drive car, unplug the differential. Check if it’s filled with oil. If it’s a front-wheel drive, check that the drive shaft rubber bellows are in good condition.” They continue, concluding: “A lemon would be packed with grease. This grease make[s] the transmission noiseless. You’ll be surprised how many used cars are sold this way.”
Another person discloses that a used car should have good tires. In contrast, if the tires are cheap or a weird brand, then it likely indicates the rest has been maintained using low-cost parts and “shoddy workmanship.”
Use Caution in Selecting a Car Dealer
Meanwhile, someone else offers advice that should be accounted for before seeing the used car in person.
“Curbstoning. It is an illegal practice where a (usually small, usually shady) dealership will pretend to be a private seller. Private sellers face less scrutiny and have different legal requirements than a dealership, so a shitty shop may try to pass off the sale of a salvaged or otherwise undesirable vehicle as a private sale to avoid scrutiny.” They disclose. “If you’re going to look at a private sale and they tell you to meet them at a small dealership, red flag. If they claim they are selling it on behalf of anyone not physically present, red flag.” They add, further sharing: If they ask you to make the check out to anyone but the name on the title, red flag. If you Google the contact information listed by the (supposedly private) seller and it turns up multiple ads for other vehicles, major red flag.”
Shared Opinions on a Used Car
Another person offered a perspective that aligned with @jackofallbeards, but gave a more in-depth explanation. “Pull out the engine oil stick. Feel the oil. If it’s grainy, then the piston rings are bad. If the oil is black it means exhaust gas is leaking into it. Oil can get “spoiled.” So Smell it. If it smells awful then the car has not been used [in] a long time.” They share, offering a few more useful tips. “Check the coolant. It should be a clear green. If it’s curdled, it means the engine is getting overheated regularly. Lift all mats. Raise the inner carpets. It is normally a press-button type fit. Check for rust.” They added.
Other tips include ensuring the engine hasn’t been “pre-heated” before a test drive, thoroughly checking the used car’s history, and avoiding dealers with questionable ratings or reviews from other customers. Lastly, always insist on seeing the car in person before agreeing to buy, so, you know you’re getting exactly what you want. Buying a used car is always a gamble, and with the rising cost of new and used cars, it doesn’t hurt to have a more in-depth understanding of things to look for and avoid.