Don't Buy a Used Car Without Checking These 13 Things First

While there's nothing quite like driving a brand-new automobile right off the lot, Americans tend to prefer pre-owned cars. In an average year, used cars account for approximately three out of every four vehicle sales. It's easy to see why, as buying a used car can save a good amount of money, both upfront and in the long term. You'll be able to save money on car insurance and find a few other perks of a gently used vehicle.

However, buying used can also be risky. A shiny exterior and a fresh detailing job can easily hide the problems that end up costing you a fortune in repairs. But if you learn how to spot signs of trouble before making a purchase, you'll avoid costly mistakes.

To help you avoid a lemon, we're arming you with 13 detailed car inspection checks to use the next time you're on the used-car lot.

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The first thing to do when checking out a used car, before you even pop the hood, is to get a vehicle history report.

You can purchase these reports online from a variety of sources. Their contents combine registration data, accident reports, and service records to give you insight into the car's history. Red flags to watch out for include a salvage title or a history of multiple accidents.

Cars that have been damaged in a flood often experience persistent electrical and mechanical issues. Evidence of flood damage can be identified by musty odors, water stains on the upholstery, and rust in unusual locations, such as under the seats or inside the trunk. Silt or debris in the glove compartment is another major red flag.

Frame damage can make a car seriously unsafe to drive. Hints of problems can be found in uneven panel gaps or doors that don't close properly.

Also, pay attention to any unusual vibrations that arise during a test drive, as this can be an indicator that the car's frame is unstable.

It goes without saying that a healthy engine makes for a healthy car. To evaluate an engine, pop the hood and check for leaks, worn belts, or cracked hoses.

Once the engine is running, listen for any knocking, hissing, or other noises. Also, check the oil dipstick; milky or sludgy oil can indicate serious — and costly — problems.

Some engine problems aren't immediately obvious. Be suspicious of an engine bay that appears too clean on an older car, as it may be an attempt to conceal evidence of past repairs.

If you see new parts on an otherwise old-looking engine, it could be a sign of a recent (and possibly botched) repair job.

Transmission repairs are notoriously expensive. For some used cars, the price of parts and labor for a new transmission can easily exceed the vehicle's value.

During your test drive, pay extra attention to how the car shifts gears. Hesitation, jerking, or clunking sounds are all warning signs.

Your safety and comfort depend on a car's brakes and suspension. A couple of quick checks can help you assess their reliability.

First, the brake pedal should feel firm, and the car should stop in a straight line without making any grinding noises. To test the suspension, take a few moments to push down on each corner of the car. It should bounce back without any excessive movements.

Tires can reveal a lot about a car's maintenance history. For example, uneven tread wear can point to alignment or suspension issues.

Put on your detective hat and check for clues, such as the tire's manufacturing date, which is a four-digit code on the sidewall. Tires older than six years may need to be replaced, even if they still have good tread.

Rust can be more than just a cosmetic issue, as it corrodes a car's frame and compromises its structural integrity.

To uncover hidden signs of rust, inspect the undercarriage, wheel wells, and the bottom of the doors or rocker panels. Use a small magnet to check for body filler, which is often used to hide rust.

Odometer fraud is a rare but real concern. To verify the mileage, compare what's on the odometer with what's listed in the vehicle history report. Also, look for signs of wear and tear that don't match the mileage. For example, a car with low mileage shouldn't have a heavily worn interior.

Modern cars are equipped with an impressive array of electronics. However, repairs to these systems can be both time-consuming and expensive. Test everything you can before you make a purchase.

This includes the lights, air conditioning system, power windows, locks, and the infotainment system. Also, check for blown fuses, as they may indicate a recurring electrical issue.

A failing catalytic converter can negatively impact engine performance and reduce fuel economy. Repairs and replacements are often very expensive.

A "rotten egg" smell from the exhaust is a classic sign of a bad catalytic converter. Other symptoms include poor acceleration and a persistently lit "check engine" light.

An exhaust leak can be hazardous, as it allows carbon monoxide to enter the cabin.

Listen for loud or unusual noises from the exhaust. You can also do a visual inspection — when the car is cool — for any holes or loose connections in the exhaust system.

As the saying goes, new cars can depreciate "as soon as you drive them off the lot." While this isn't exactly true for all makes and models, there's no denying the tremendous value of a mechanically sound used car. The only catch is that you must thoroughly inspect it to ensure it is actually a good value.

Taking the time to do these 13 checks can eliminate some financial stress down the road. But if you're not comfortable evaluating a used car yourself, some mechanics offer pre-purchase inspection services. The fee for such an inspection is small in comparison to the potential losses you might incur by purchasing a used car with a troubled history.