What should you pay attention to when buying a used car?

[KennedyLynn]

Precautions for buying a used car: 1. Choose a reliable channel: Currently, the used car trading market is one of the most secure channels for used car transactions. The used car trading market has two main characteristics: first, it is supervised by government departments, ensuring higher operational and transactional standards; second, it offers one-stop services, handling everything from the transaction to the transfer process, making it very convenient. 2. Choose an appropriate mileage: Due to the phenomenon of odometer tampering, many people believe that mileage is not reliable. However, in the absence of tampering, mileage is a significant factor in selecting a car. For mid-to-low-end models, cars with a mileage of 50,000 to 70,000 kilometers generally have good condition. For high-end models, even if the mileage exceeds 100,000 kilometers, there is usually no major issue. However, nearly new cars with less than 10,000 kilometers are often traps. 3. Choose a used car with both good condition and price: In the used car market, there are usually multiple vehicles of the same model with varying conditions, some even with similar conditions. Therefore, after finding a used car you like, don’t rush to buy it. First, compare it with other similar models in similar conditions to find the one with the best combination of price and condition before making a purchase.

[SanWillow]

Last time I accompanied a friend to the used car market and spent half a day there, realizing there's a lot to learn. First, you need to carefully walk around the car several times, checking for color differences or signs of repainting, and tap with your fingers to listen to the sound of the metal. Remember to pull open the rubber seals to inspect the weld points—factory welds are neat like fish scales, while later repairs are messy. Sit inside and test all the buttons; power windows and air conditioning must work properly, and don’t forget to crouch down and check for rust under the seats. After starting the engine, open the hood and listen—it should run smoothly without shaking, and the exhaust shouldn’t emit blue or black smoke. It’s best to take it for a spin to feel if the gear shifts smoothly and if the steering wheel shakes during hard braking. Only after all these checks pass should you discuss the price—never let a cheap deal blind you into bringing home a problematic car.

[VanRhett]

My old Camry was a second-hand purchase, and honestly, accident cars are the most troublesome. When inspecting, bring a flashlight to check the hidden corners of the engine bay—look for signs of tampering on the engine mount screws. If the front frame rails are wrinkled, it's definitely been in a crash. Lift the trunk mat to see if the spare tire well is clean; rear-end collisions often cause leaks here. Don’t just test-drive on smooth roads—find a rough patch and listen for strange noises from the chassis. If the steering wheel keeps pulling to one side, there’s definitely an issue with the suspension. Squeaky power windows? The guides are likely worn out and need replacing. Don’t fully trust the odometer—check the wear on the accelerator pedal and brake discs. I’ve seen pedals worn through at just 80,000 km. Spending a hundred bucks to check maintenance records is totally worth it.

[CoraFitz]

When buying a used car, the key is to understand the three major components, with the engine and transmission being the most critical. The cold start is especially important—if the starter motor runs for more than three seconds, there's an issue. Water dripping from the exhaust pipe is normal, but white smoke is a red flag. If the car shakes like a massage chair when you press the brake in D gear, be wary of worn engine mounts. During a test drive, shift between second, third, and fourth gears—if the jerking feels like being kicked in the back, it's a bad sign. Inspecting the chassis on a lift is essential: leaking black oil from the CV joint or loose steering rods are safety hazards. Don’t panic over surface rust—focus on the frame rails and suspension arm welds. Minor rust spots can be treated, but structural rust holes mean an instant rejection. For the battery, check the production label—if it’s over three years old, it’s time for a replacement.

[MacMax]

To save money, you need to be smart and thoroughly check the vehicle's history. Nowadays, mobile apps can check insurance records—focus on whether there have been large claims. Avoid cars with deployed airbags, no matter how cheap they are. For maintenance records, pay attention to major repairs on the engine and transmission; minor scratches don’t matter much. Actual mileage is crucial—tampered odometers will reveal the truth within half a year. The safest bet is buying a car from a friend who knows its history or from a reputable used car dealer offering a warranty. For private sellers, check the registration certificate for the number of ownership transfers—cars handled by four or five owners are likely in poor condition. Don’t hesitate to negotiate; if you find minor issues, slash the price by 30% and keep some budget for maintenance like fluids and tires.

[SanBraxton]

When viewing the car, it's recommended to schedule in the morning for better lighting—paint scratches won't escape the sun. Bringing along a car-savvy buddy is the most reliable approach; two pairs of eyes are less likely to miss details. Before transferring ownership, remember to check for traffic violations—don’t take the blame for the previous owner. The contract must clearly state no flooding or major accidents—handwritten clauses are more effective than printed pages. Don’t rush to pay the full amount upfront; hold back some final payment until after the ownership transfer is complete. Stay calm and decisive—if you encounter a meticulously repaired car, no matter how tempting, walk away. Safety always comes first. Finally, Japanese cars are recommended for their reliability—their chassis rubber components can last five years without issue, while older German cars may leak oil to the point of driving you mad with repairs.