LogFAQs > #931120872

If you're buying from a dealer, they should provide you a Carfax report. It will tell you if the vehicle has been in any reported accidents, how many previous owners, if it's a prior lease return/fleet vehicle/rental (typically try to avoid those), if it's been totaled for some reason (flood, etc).

If buying privately, you may want to ask the seller to provide a Carfax, or get one for yourself. They're not expensive but if your budget is tight and you can convince the seller to provide it, do so. Some private sellers will have one ready for you when you come look for the car.

Don't be shy with the test drive. If you intend to drive the vehicle on the highway regularly, take it on the highway. Dealers will sometimes recommend a route for you, just politely tell them you want to get a feel for the car on the highway/on a stretch with lots of stoplights... whatever you think your daily use will be, try to get a feel for it.

Don't put down a deposit unless you want the car 100%. Some dealers will try to pressure you ("We can't promise we'll hold the car...") but there's a million cars out there for you to buy, and a deposit is a pressure tactic. Fuck that noise.

If you have a mechanic you trust, have them check out the car. Some dealers will allow you to have a mechanic look at the car, but if they hassle you about it tell them you're not interested and see if they take the bait. If you buy the car before your mechanic looks at it, make sure you have it looked at before your return/lemon law (if applicable) window is up.

Avoid frame damage or excessive rust/rot.

Ask for a maintenance history.

Those are a few tips, if I think of more I'll post them.

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