5 Things to Check Before Buying Your First Used Car
Buying your first used car is one of those rites of passage that feels both exciting and a little terrifying. I remember mine like it was yesterday - a silver sedan with shiny tires, a clean interior, and a price that seemed too good to be true (spoiler: it was).
Back then, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I relied too much on looks, trusted the seller too easily, and rushed through the process because I didn’t want to miss “the deal.” If you’re about to buy your first used car, I hope this helps you avoid the same mistakes. These are the five things I really wish someone had told me before I signed the papers and drove off.
Don’t Judge a Car by Its Shine
When you show up to check out a car and it’s sparkling like new, it’s easy to get swept up in the moment. You picture yourself driving it with the windows down, music on, freedom in the air. But pause right there, because a shiny car doesn’t always mean a healthy car.
Sellers know that first impressions count. Detailing a car (inside and out) can make it look flawless on the surface but have serious issues under the hood. Don’t let a fresh wax job distract you from what really matters. Look for rust in the wheel wells or under the car. Check the tires for uneven wear, which could signal suspension or alignment problems. Peek under the hood even if you’re not a car expert - just looking can sometimes reveal leaks or strange smells.
Always Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection
I cannot stress this enough: Never buy a used car without having it inspected by a mechanic! I didn’t do this the first time because the seller seemed honest and even let me test drive it around the block. Everything seemed fine. Two weeks later, I was stuck on the side of the road with a blown radiator and a $600 repair bill.
A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) typically costs between $100 and $200. It might feel like an extra expense, but it’s worth every penny. A mechanic can check things like the engine, brakes, suspension, fluids, and transmission (stuff that’s impossible to evaluate from a quick test drive or visual inspection alone)
Check the Used Vehicle’s History
This is one of the easiest steps to overlook, especially when you're eager to make a deal. But a vehicle history report can save you from major regrets. It tells you things like whether the car’s been in an accident, if it has a salvage or rebuilt title, how many owners it’s had, and whether the odometer reading is legit.
You can get a report from services like CarFax, AutoCheck or GoodCar. Some sellers will offer one upfront, which is great, but if not, you can purchase it yourself for about $25–$40.
This report helped a friend of mine avoid a total disaster. She was about to buy what looked like a dream car (low mileage, great price), until the report revealed it had been in a serious flood. Hard pass.
Know the True Cost of Ownership
When I bought my first car, I only thought about the upfront cost. I had just enough saved for the car itself, but I hadn’t budgeted for all the other stuff that comes with owning a vehicle. Insurance, registration, regular maintenance, fuel, and those surprise repairs - they add up fast.
Do a little homework. Check how much insurance will cost for the specific make and model. Look into its average fuel economy and reliability ratings. And if it’s an older car, find out how expensive parts and repairs are. Some models are notorious for costly issues, and if you're not prepared, those expenses can be overwhelming.
A car that seems like a steal at $4,000 might actually cost you $2,000 a year in upkeep. Sometimes it’s worth spending a little more upfront for a car that’s cheaper to maintain in the long run.
Don’t Rush - Sleep on
This is where I really messed up. I felt so much pressure to make a decision quickly. The seller said someone else was interested. The car had just been posted. “It’ll be gone by tomorrow,” he told me. So I panicked and said yes!
Rushing into a car purchase rarely ends well. Take your time. Ask all the questions. Write down anything that feels off, and then go home and think. If it’s still available the next day and you feel good about it, great. If not, another car will come along - seriously, they’re not as rare as sellers want you to believe.
As Donad Trump said: ‘’Deals work best when each side gets something it wants from the other’’
Your first used car doesn’t have to be perfect but it should be safe, reliable, and something you feel confident driving. Trust your gut, do your homework, and don’t be afraid to walk away if something feels wrong. This is a big step toward independence, and it’s worth doing right.
I learned a lot from my mistakes, and now I get to pass that hard-earned wisdom on to you. Take it, use it, and may your first car be the start of many great adventures (and zero surprise repairs)
Patrick Peterson
Patrick's BIO: Patrick has been with GoodCar for six years, after previously working as a professional vehicle appraiser. He spent years inspecting used vehicles and evaluating post-accident damage. Now, as an auto enthusiast, content manager, and editor at GoodCar, he brings that hands-on experience into creating practical, data-backed content that helps drivers avoid costly mistakes and make smarter car-buying decisions.
