9 Clear Signs You’ve Found a Used Car Worth Buying

Buyer's remorse can be brutal. And in today's economic climate, when new and used cars are being impacted by inflation, tariffs, and lower consumer confidence, it pays to look for signs that a used vehicle is a solid purchase, just like you would shop around for a new insurance company to get the best deal.

But just how do you know that you've found a vehicle worth purchasing? Here are 10 green lights to look for to feel more confident that you've found a smart deal.

Finding a used car at a fair price could mean you should snatch it up. And it's important to make sure that it matches the market value.

To do so, you can check sources like Kelley Blue Book to see what other drivers have paid for the same vehicle. It may also be helpful to visit a few dealers before settling on a used car to make sure you're scoring the best deal in your area.

Also, keep in mind that if a deal seems too good to be true, that's likely because it is. If the price is much lower than the market value and what you're seeing at other outlets, that particular car could have hidden issues.

You don't want to be surprised by the past of a used car, which means it's critical to find out the history of the vehicle before you agree to purchase it.

As a first step, you can run the vehicle identification number (VIN) through CARFAX or a similar platform. This can show you a vehicle history report with information like the car's history and any past damage.

Cars with multiple accidents or other damage may have ongoing problems that could cost you money and time to fix. So if the vehicle you're considering is accident-free, it could be a worthy purchase. This gives it a higher resale value, too.

If your dealer doesn't want to let you conduct a pre-inspection of the car before you purchase it, then you may want to consider going somewhere else. It may be a sign that there's something to hide about the car.

You can be upfront with the dealer that you want to have a pre-inspection before you finalize the purchase. A reputable seller won't have an issue with a mechanic inspecting the car, and this can give you some assurance that the vehicle is reliable and worth purchasing.

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If you find an affordable used car and it has low mileage, consider that another sign you've found a vehicle worth buying.

Lower mileage may mean less wear and tear on the vehicle. There's a good chance the car is in a solid condition, will have a longer lifespan, and won't require as many costly repairs.

Just keep in mind that more mileage isn't necessarily a dealbreaker. Look at the miles relative to the car's age, and remember that the average car is driven nearly 15,000 miles per year.

Taking a look at a car's ratings and rankings on trusted sites is a fairly easy way to gauge the used car you're considering.

Various online platforms can tell you the pros and cons of the used vehicle model and year you're considering. Also, consider things like whether consistent rating issues are listed. You can avoid buying a used car that turns into a costly mistake by considering these factors before settling on a purchase.

This may sound obvious, but you should make sure the used car you're considering actually has the features you value most in a vehicle. For instance, if you need room for kids or sporting gear, you likely don't want to buy a small car with little cargo space. That's true even if it's a great deal.

When looking at ratings and rankings, also check for safety details and ensure the used car has the safety features you want. Paying a little more for a vehicle that has features you need can be worth it, and it could save you from buying another car in the near future because you can't do without those things.

It probably goes without saying, but you should take a used car for a test drive before purchasing. Doing so could save you from costly purchases down the road with repairs.

While on the test drive, listen for odd sounds from the engine, brakes, or transmission. If you don't hear any obvious problems, it could be indicative that there are no underlying issues, which could lower the risk of major repairs.

While you're on a test drive, let your nose lead the way. If you notice a musty smell, do a little bit of digging. It could be a sign that the car has flood damage or leaky windows. This could mean some costly repairs if you buy the car.

If there are no strange smells, that's another green light that the vehicle is safe to purchase.

Many people assume their options are very limited when it comes to guarantees on used cars. However, this isn't always the case. It's worth exploring your options to see what protections are available.

If you're offered a warranty or guarantee, such as a pre-owned warranty or return policy, it could be a green sign that the purchase is low-risk. It could also save you money in the future on repairs, especially if it has a valid portion of the original new car warranty.

One of the smart money moves for car owners is to look for certain signs before you agree to buy a used vehicle. This may include test driving the car and checking online ratings before you make the purchase, but either way, you should always take steps to ensure the vehicle is in good condition.

You may also wonder how much to save before you buy a used car. While this can depend on several factors, one general guideline is to save up for a down payment of at least 10% for a used vehicle.