When we asked the automotive world experts if buying a car secondhand is a good idea, they all enthusiastically agreed for many various reasons.
"Buying a used car is a great way to save money. Purchasing a CPO (certified pre-owned) is the wisest choice, depending on your budget. You get the warranty and leave the depreciation to the first owner," says car coach Lauren Fix.
"Buying used can save you thousands—cars lose value fast in the first few years, so someone else takes that hit for you," seconds car flipper and content creator Lucky McNamara. "If you know what to look for, a used car can be just as reliable as new. Plus, your money goes further—you can often get a higher-end model for the price of a basic new one."
However, buying a car secondhand can cost you more if you're not careful, notes motoring journalist Juliet McGuire.
Therefore, according to automotive expert Amelia Dalgaard, aka Motorhead Mama the biggest signs to look out for when looking to buy a car secondhand are the following:
- Ensure the vehicle has been well maintained (CarFax and maintenance reports are good, but if you can bring it to a mechanic, even better).
- Ensure it hasn’t been damaged in a fire, flood, or accident.
- Ensure the car you’re buying is indeed that vehicle—check the VIN.
"Start with the basics: accident history, odometer tampering, rust, title status, and whether the seller seems sketchy or avoids questions. I always check the CarFax and look for inconsistencies like a “low miles” car with worn-out pedals or steering wheel. Also, if it’s a crazy good deal, there’s usually a reason," adds McNamara.
"Make sure that what is being sold to you is, in fact, what you think it is. A big one is a car being in an accident, and it being hidden from you. You can always tell if you look carefully at the paintwork. Any discoloration or uneven tones usually means the car has been in an accident," McGuire additionally warns.
Meanwhile, Fix suggests having someone with knowledge and experience check out the car before buying it.
"Buying a used car online or from a lot, means that you should be smart and have a certified mechanic check out the car. Typically, the warranty is passed and they have higher mileage. Beware of flood-damaged cars, they can be dangerous to your health, have no warranty, and safety features will not work properly."
Lastly, we couldn't let the automotive experts go without asking them to share about the weirdest car listings they've ever seen. Surely, they've got to have witnessed lots of them.
"Oh man, this list is so long," Dalgaard says, confirming our suspicions.
"But the weirdest are the people who 'KNOW WHAT THEY’VE GOT' and want 'NO LOW BALL OFFERS', especially when I know that what they think they have is a fraud. Usually, that comes in the form of a 3-series BMW trying to pass itself off as an M3 with a badge from eBay," she jokes.
