Before you buy a used car, you need to check for these issues.

Before you buy a used car, you need to check for these issues.


May 26, 2025 | Peter Kinney

Before you buy a used car, you need to check for these issues.


Check Before You Regret

Your cousin’s friend swears it’s a “great deal”. And you want to believe him. But don’t do it before bringing in a mechanic who will find hidden flaws that don’t become your problem down the line.

Car Inspection

Absence Of Maintenance Records Raises Reliability Concerns

Check the glovebox—empty, huh? When a car comes with no maintenance history, it’s like adopting a pet with zero vaccination records. You just don’t know what’s brewing beneath the surface. Records show oil changes and reveal patterns like late brake replacements, skipped timing belt changes, and ignored transmission flushes. 

Best way to keep track of your Vehicle MaintenanceBest way to keep track of your Vehicle Maintenance! by South Florida Gearheads

Advertisement

Inconsistent Panel Gaps Suggest Previous Collision Repairs

Stand beside the car and follow the body lines. Notice how one door sits tighter than the other? Panel misalignment tells a story, and it often involves a collision, some quick cosmetic fixes, and a seller praying you don’t look too closely. A factory-built car maintains symmetry. 

Inconsistent Panel GapsHow to Get PERFECT PANEL GAPS on Your Project by Eastwood Company

Discolored Carpets Or Upholstery Hint At Flood Damage

Flood-damaged cars often sneak into markets after major storms and hurricanes. While the seller might shampoo the carpets and toss in a fresh air freshener, water leaves behind rust and a musty legacy no cleaner can hide. Electrical gremlins love wet wiring; don’t invite them home. 

Car CarpetsHow To Super Clean the Interior of your Car (Carpets & Headliner) by ChrisFix

Excessive Wear On Pedals And The Steering Wheel Indicates High Usage

Here’s a truth bomb—low-mileage cars shouldn’t look like a taxi. Leather cracking, rubber worn flat, pedal grooves gone, and buttons smudged beyond recognition are all signs that this ride’s seen more miles than the odometer wants to admit. Watch for signs that don’t add up, because numbers lie, but textures tell the tale.

Changing the pedal rubbers Changing the pedal rubbers on your car yourself – DIY: Do it yourself quickly and cheaply by Jan's technic channel

Advertisement

Unusual Engine Noises During Startup Signal Potential Mechanical Issues

Turn the key. Now hush. Engines speak a language of their own, and when they complain during startup, it’s rarely about the weather. A healthy engine purrs, but bad timing chains, dry valve lifters, or worn bearings will grumble. Don’t let the seller distract you with fast-talking. 

Honda City 2007 Engine ReplacementHonda City 2007 Engine Replacement | Old Engine Worn out by Mobeen Mughal

Visible Rust On Undercarriage Compromises Structural Integrity

Crawl under—yeah, seriously. Grab a flashlight and look at the frame, axle, suspension arms, and exhaust lines. Rust kills structural integrity and eats through brake lines. Snowbelt states like Michigan and New York are notorious for salty roads that create rust buckets in disguise. 

Car Rust How to Fix Rust on Your Car by Scotty Kilmer

Mismatched Paint Tones Indicate Possible Body Repairs

Color mismatch screams “body shop”. This trick hides dings and full-on fender benders. Aftermarket paint rarely matches OEM tones perfectly, regardless of the technician's skill. If you can spot it, you’re seeing a piece of the car’s real history

tinkering and painting Deena car tinkering and painting Vellore by Deena car tinkering and painting Vellore

Advertisement

Dashboard Warning Lights Remaining On Point To Unresolved Issues

Sellers might reset lights before your visit, but persistent ones signal deeper problems—bad oxygen sensors, failing catalytic converters, even transmission faults. You can’t legally register or pass inspection with them glowing. And no, your cousin’s OBD scanner won’t magically fix it. Warning lights are your roadmap to avoid regret.

File:Scudo dashboard.JPGSchumi4ever, Wikimedia Commons

Uneven Tire Wear Suggests Alignment Or Suspension Problems

Run your hand across the tire tread. If it feels more scalloped than a steak knife, that’s alignment hell or a bent suspension. Uneven tire wear reveals misalignment or broken control arms. One wheel off-balance can destroy tires and prematurely wear out joints. 

uneven tire wearWhat causes uneven tire wear? by Toyota Maintenance

Strong Odors Inside The Cabin May Mask Underlying Issues

Odors inside a used car often hide the truth, and they could stem from mold, leaks, smoke damage, pet accidents, or even flood history. A good sniff test reveals whether the vehicle lived a clean life or partied too hard with its last owner. 

Mold in carGetting Rid Of Terrible Mold In My Car With White Vinegar by retrorestore

Advertisement

Inoperative Air Conditioning Or Heating Systems Reflect Neglect

If the AC blows warm air or the heater wheezes, it’s evidence that the HVAC systems were not regularly checked. A busted blower, bad compressor, or leaky refrigerant lines signal that the previous owner ignored comfort and maintenance alike. Even worse, HVAC failure may hint at deeper electrical issues.

Air ConditioningHow Does Car Air Conditioning Work? by History of Simple Things

Cracked Or Chipped Windshield Compromises Visibility And Safety

A windshield does more than block bugs; it’s part of your car’s structural safety system. Cracks weaken it, especially in rollover accidents. And tiny chips? They grow fast, with expansion or contraction. Even an impact can break them. Insurance claims or not, replacing a windshield can set you back hundreds. 

File:2015-01-29 08 11 14 A cracked windshield in Elko, Nevada.JPGFamartin, Wikimedia Commons

Non-Functioning Lights Indicate Electrical System Issues

Click the indicators. Flip the high beams. Does everything light up like it should? If not, beware. Burnt bulbs are standard, but multiple failures scream electrical gremlins. Persistent lighting issues like brake lights and turn signals often relate to faulty wiring or a weak alternator.

File:Car Light Through Fog.jpgRaghav veturi, Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

Delayed Gear Engagement Points To Transmission Wear

Smooth, immediate gear engagement is transmission 101. Sluggish shifts could mean worn clutches, low transmission fluid, or failing solenoids. Transmissions are engineering marvels and repair nightmares. A rebuilt unit can cost more than the car’s value. If it hesitates now, imagine what it’ll do when you’re late for work.

File:Cambio H.jpgA7N8X, Wikimedia Commons

Unresponsive Brakes Suggest Worn Components Or Fluid Issues

Soft brakes can mean old fluid, worn pads, warped rotors, or even a failing master cylinder. Braking distance is your life insurance on the road, so don’t compromise. If a test drive leaves you gripping the wheel with clenched teeth, turn around and thank the brakes for warning you in advance.

File:Brake pads.JPGAmm105, Wikimedia Commons

Excessive Exhaust Smoke Indicates Engine Problems

Start the engine. Watch the tailpipe. White hints at coolant burning—bad head gasket alert. Blue? Oil’s sneaking into combustion chambers. Black? Fuel’s flooding the system. Clean-burning engines run nearly smokeless. Anything else is a billboard-sized red flag. Don’t let anyone sell you the “it’s just cold outside” story. 

File:Automobile exhaust gas.jpgRuben de Rijcke, Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

Loose Or Worn Suspension Components Affect Ride Quality

If you hear clunks over bumps or feel a wobble, that could be the suspension waving a white flag. It may mean that the struts, ball joints, and bushings are all worn out. A car should glide, not rock like a canoe in a storm. 

File:Independent rear suspension AWD.jpgHustvedt, Wikimedia Commons

Faulty Power Windows Or Locks Reflect Electrical Neglect

Press every window switch. Click all the locks. Power accessories stop working when window motors seize or circuits corrode. These components tell you how much love (or lack of it) the car’s seen. If you’re forced to crack a window by hand, it’s neglected. 

Window SwitchPumpmeup, Wikimedia Commons

Signs Of Rodent Infestation Under The Hood Pose Wiring Risks

Lift the hood, and if you spot chewed insulation, you might be looking at a rodent infestation. Rodents adore engine bays because they are warm and full of chewable wires. Once they move in, they gnaw through everything chewable, which is trouble.

File:Opossum discovered in engine compartment, March 2015.JPGN3362, Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

Aftermarket Modifications May Compromise Vehicle Integrity

See that giant spoiler? Oversized wheels? Blinking interior LEDs? Mods can scream personality, but they often hide a lack of factory care. Aftermarket parts—especially cheap ones—can throw off suspension geometry and stress mechanical systems. When a vehicle’s been tuned to death, reliability often dies first. 

Big WheelsBig Wheels & Paint Truck, Car, & Bike Show Bradenton, FL: Big Rims, Amazing Cars, Mexican Flag Day by Cuzzintruck

Inconsistent Tire Brands Or Sizes Affect Handling And Safety

Walk around and peek at all four tires. Are they from the same brand? Same size? No? That’s a red alert. Mixing tires may seem harmless, but it reduces traction and brake response. Mismatched sets can mess with your anti-lock brake system and traction control. 

File:2019 Toyota Corolla Icon Tech VVT-i Hybrid 1.8.jpgVauxford, Wikimedia Commons

Evidence Of Odometer Tampering Raises Trust Issues

Zero in on the odometer—but don’t stop there. Compare it with service stickers, tire wear, and even the seat sag. If the car says 45,000 miles but the driver’s seat looks like it survived Mad Max, you’ve got a problem. Tampering happens more than you’d think; be aware.

File:Jeep Odometer.jpgSav127 at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

Missing Or Incomplete Title Documents Complicate Ownership Transfer

Ask for the title, then scrutinize it. Suppose there is any missing information with the explanation of “Lost” paperwork, don’t buy it. Titles are car birth certificates; they prove identity, history, and ownership. No matter how “great” the price looks, no title means no registration and potentially no legal claim. 

car documentsHow to change the title on car documents by Way

Unusual Vibrations During Acceleration Indicate Drivetrain Issues

Accelerate steadily and feel the floorboard. Is there a rumble or shake that creeps in around 40 or 50 mph? It could be worn CV joints or bad motor mounts. Vibrations during motion are rarely cosmetic, and they signal parts fighting to stay aligned. 

Driving CarTenasan, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Seller's Reluctance To Allow Independent Inspection Suggests Concealed Problems

Propose a mechanic’s inspection. If the seller balks, you should bolt. A legit owner with nothing to hide will say, “Sure, no problem”. But someone who avoids third-party eyes is often hiding something, and it’s probably not minor. Most “great deals” that come with a clock are time bombs.

Check Used CarHow to Check Used Car Before Buying - DIY Inspection by Scotty Kilmer


READ MORE

He didn't become Formula One's best designer by accident. Adrain Newey used his incredible intellect, talent, and vision to change the sport forever.

In the competitive world of Formula One, a man's vision has consistently translated into championship-winning cars. Here is a look at the outstanding career of Adrain Newey, one of the sport’s most successful designers.
December 12, 2024 Jane O'Shea

The Most Famous Cars In The History Of Cinema

What makes a movie or series cooler is a car that steals the spotlight! Ride along with us as we cruise through cinema history's most iconic rides—each with a story as thrilling as the films they starred in.
December 19, 2024 Jane O'Shea

Cars The Public Absolutely Hated

Have you ever had a car that you weren't too crazy about? Sure you have. It was probably your first one. Let's go over some of the cars that the American public also absolutely hated. Did your car make the list?
December 19, 2024 Jack Hawkins
Supercar FB

Supercars That Defined The 21st Century

It’s the 21st century, and some people still say there’s no practicality in supercars. But this era has given us cars that defy this statement by sporting remarkable practical features along with their stylish appeal.
December 16, 2024 Miles Brucker

In 1976, Racing Legends Niki Lauda And James Hunt Fought An Epic Formula One Battle That Changed Racing Forever

In the decades-long history of Formula One, one season was so intense it ended up on a Hollywood script.
December 19, 2024 Miles Brucker

The Strangest Firsts In Car History

There have been a lot of strange “firsts” throughout car history—but the inspiration behind many of these innovations is far darker than people know.
December 19, 2024 Mark Schilling