Buying a used car is a smart way to avoid the massive "new car" depreciation hit, but it requires a detective's eye to avoid inheriting someone else’s mechanical nightmares.
Insert a penny into the tire tread (head down). If you see all of Lincoln’s head, the tires are bald and will cost you hundreds to replace immediately.
Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty. You need to be a skeptic: buying a used car for dummies
Look for "Salvage" or "Rebuilt" titles, which indicate the car was once declared a total loss.
Pay at least 20% upfront to avoid owing more than the car is worth. Buying a used car is a smart way
A car with documented oil changes every 5,000–7,500 miles is "gold".
Never buy based on a shiny photo alone. Use the 17-digit to run a history report through services like CARFAX or AutoCheck . Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty
Check under the oil cap. A "milky" or "frothy" residue can indicate a blown head gasket—a major engine killer. How to Inspect a Used Car to Avoid Costly Repairs