What To Look For When Buying A Used Vehicle
July 16, 2025
Buying a used vehicle for personal use or even for work purposes can involve a lot of research and time spent looking for the right vehicle at the right price and in the right condition. When looking for a used vehicle, it’s always important to do your research.Determine which vehicle type, brand and model is right for you and what you plan to use it for. Once you’ve decided on a vehicle and begin to narrow down your search, it’s important to keep in mind a few key steps to make sure the car or truck you’ve chosen is a safe investment.
The Test Drive
When it’s time for the test drive, many people opt for a short drive taking the car around the block to make sure it runs and drives properly. Buying a used vehicle can sometimes present challenges whether the seller is aware of them or not. Always test drive a used vehicle under varied road conditions, up hills, on highways and in traffic to ensure that the vehicle runs well in all conditions. Pay attention to the noises the vehicle makes, its responsiveness, braking power and the operation of interior electrical components like windows, locks and the stereo. Observe the dashboard for any indicator lights that could reveal issues with the vehicle’s engine or performance. Consider driving the vehicle with the radio off to better listen for any unusual sounds. Pay attention to how the transmission feels and shifts between gears. There should be no noticeable jerks or hesitations.
Overall Cleanliness
A good sign that someone has put a lot of care and attention into their vehicle is its overall cleanliness. Take a look at the interior of the car in “hard to reach” places, as well as the exterior door seams and wheel wells. If these areas are clean, it can be a good indication that they are maintained on a regular basis, and the car wasn’t hastily cleaned for your viewing. A vehicle with a clean interior and exterior shows that the previous owner took pride in ownership and likely extended those practices to routine maintenance. While this isn’t a sure indication of how the car or truck will perform, it’s a good starting point that is easy to observe.
Perform a thorough inspection
If the car or truck you are buying is going to be your lifeline for getting you around on a daily basis, a thorough inspection is a must. Take your time to ensure the vehicle is in good working order, shows signs of being well-maintained, and has no lurking maintenance issues that could leave you stranded. If you are unsure about what you should be looking for when performing a used vehicle inspection, continue reading. A lot can be gleaned from a few simple checks and observations. Always remember that Chabill’s Tire and Auto Service is on your side. If you are in need of a second opinion, our expert maintenance staff can perform used vehicle inspections to give you confidence in your used
vehicle purchase.
Check the fluids
Proper vehicle maintenance (which includes maintaining fluid levels) is critical to ensuring a vehicle continues to run and drive smoothly. While you may not be able to check all fluids without the help of a mechanic, checking to ensure that engine oil, radiator coolant and washerfluids are at the correct levels is a good step in gauging how well the vehicle has been taken care of. When inspecting fluid levels, also note the cleanliness of the fluid to help you gauge if there are any underlying issues.
Engine coolant should be a transparent neon green color with no evidence of cloudiness or debris. Any debris or cloudy appearance could indicate possible damage in the radiator, coolant lines or contamination from another source in the vehicle’s cooling system.
Engine oil should be between the “full” and “add” indicator marks on the dipstick, preferably on the fuller side. The oil itself should be dark in color. Any cloudiness, debris or discoloration of the oil can indicate possible engine issues or an overdue oil change. When checking the oil, keep a clean rag handy. Pull out the dipstick, and wipe it clean. Insert the dipstick back into position, fully seating and tightening it. Pull out the dipstick the second time, and perform your check. This ensures a clean reading of the oil level when the vehicle is stationary with no misreading due to oil movement from recent driving.
Inspect the tires
Buying a full set of new tires after purchasing a used vehicle can be unexpected and costly. When purchasing a used vehicle, check the tires carefully. Note tread depth, uneven tire wear, and cracked or aged tires. The tires of a vehicle can tell you a lot about its condition. Tires showing excessive or uneven wear can be a sign that the vehicle has issues with alignment, other components or signs of a previous accident. If the tires don’t look to be in good shape, use this as a negotiation tactic to improve the price in your favor.
Check for rust
While a car’s body may be rust-free, the underlying frame and components may tell a different tale. The frame and other components of a car or truck are more directly exposed to harsh road conditions, taking impact from rocks, dirt and debris while having a less durable protective coating. This tends to lead to rust, which is difficult to fix and often continues to spread. While every vehicle likely has some form of rust on its frame and undercarriage components, it is up to you (the buyer) to gauge whether the amount of rust is excessive or acceptable.
Get a professional opinion
Vehicle inspections aren’t everyone’s expertise, but they are at Chabill’s Tire and Auto Service. When looking for a used vehicle, it’s your right to get a professional opinion. Have the car or truck inspected by a trusted professional mechanic to ensure there are no hidden issues or large maintenance items that may pop up after purchasing the vehicle. Chabill’s Tire and Auto Service can perform used vehicle inspections to help give you confidence in your purchase. Our full vehicle inspections can tell you if there are maintenance issues, repairs to be completed, or if the vehicle is unsafe or unfit to drive altogether. If you’re in the market for a used vehicle and need an expert on your side, contact Chabill’s Tire and Auto Service today.
Maintenance First
Once the deal is finalized and the vehicle is in your possession, it’s always good to bring the vehicle to your local mechanic for a thorough checkup and basic maintenance. This helps provide you with a fresh starting point, and it can reveal any unknown maintenance issues that can be dealt with quickly. Chabill’s Tire and Auto Service is your one-stop shop for all things vehicle maintenance and tires. We handle simple vehicle maintenance to extensive repairs, including car and truck alignments, engine and exhaust repairs, brake repairs and replacement, and more. We also carry a large range of new tire and rim options for cars, trucks and trailers, including brands like Michelin®, Goodyear®, Bridgestone®, Continental®, Firestone®, Pirelli®, Cooper®, BFGoodrich®, Yokohama® and Hankook®.