How to Inspect a Used Car For Red Flags and Not Get Scammed

In this video Josh reveals 8 RED FLAGS to look for when shopping for a used car. These are things most buyers won't think to look for but could mean BIG EXPENSES looming in the near future. If you check for these issues you could save yourself from buying a lemon.

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Complete Used Car CheckList:

Model Research:
Common defects and problems
Basic maintenance costs and intervals
Repair costs
Aging price point
Features and options

Exterior:
Body condition dents, rust, scratches, etc.
Look for uneven panels or mismatched paint
Doors, hood and trunk easy or difficult to open and close
Tire tread condition and wear
Same-branded tires
Light function and condition

Interior:
Signs of moisture or water damage
Unusual or offensive smells
Overly worn or torn upholstery
Seat adjustment equipment
Instrument cluster function and condition
Controls and switches working properly
Roof or top condition and signs of leaking

Under the Hood:
Belts and hoses
Radiator
Underside of the hood for signs of fluid
All the fluids (level and color)
Leaking underneath the car.
Oil color should be a warm brown.
Transmission fluid (smell/color)

Test Drive:
Dash light functions
Highway and city streets
Climb and descend hills
Unusual vibrations or noises
Transmission shifts smoothly
Smooth and appropriate power
Brake stopping power and regularity
Heat/AC function
Smooth Idle
Exhaust color

Final Steps:
Mechanic inspection
Vehicle History Report
VIN matches legal documents
Title/Seller name match
Clean title
Physical Title

[growing]

0:30 Overview
0:40 Body match, dents, cosmetic dmg
1:06 Paint, hidden color
1:40 Tires
2:36 Hood.. Fluids
2:44 Coolant
3:52 Engine Oil
4:47 Transmission fluid
5:50 Test Drive
5:58 Instrument Panel, Dashboard Lights
6:37 Engine light.. ODB scanner reading
7:31 Airbag light
8:03 mileage, parts needing replacements
9:35 Seeing transmission gear shift problems
10:04 AC system
10:31 Unnecessary mods customs

[FZMello]

Something not mentioned: smell the dipstick, oil filler cap and filler hole if you can get to it. I recently passed up a Mustang GT because the oil reeked of gasoline. This can indicate bad compression/ oil scavenging rings, and/ or bad valves and valve seats, allowing fuel/air mixture into the oil galleys of your engine, accelerating wear throughout the entire engine.

[michaelspinks]

I'd call this good advice, though oddly I always suggest bringing someone you trust along when you look a vehicle over. Your less likely to be bullied, rushed, and an extra set of eyes is handy, even if they're not car experts. I try and pick friends with a good BS meter first, and mechanically inclined second.

[starr]

Great video. Very much needed. I was scammed by a used car dealer before and now I’m about to purchase another vehicle on my own. No one showed me these things and unfortunately I have no men in my life. Thanks for helping me

[ChickenSaladRimjob]

I would also add look under the car for any bad rust, check the steering to the the full extend left and right. Turn on as many accessories as you can while stressing the steering, this should put the highest electrical load on the car and maybe reveal some problems. Also look at the shocks and struts for leaks and rust, look at the ball joints. Look at the rotors. Do some hard breaking, check that the abs is working. Check the panel gaps for evenness. Check the passenger side floor for any dampness.

[willardroad]

Terrifically helpful material. I am the (retired) managing editor of an auto magazine, and producer of a syndicated automotive radio show (remember them???). I can state with absolute certainty that this advice is solid. I would add: SMELL CHECK... if the interior smells like mold, WALK AWAY. Pull up the carpet. Do you see water damage or residue? WALK AWAY.

[IdhharMKassim]

This guy is all about expensive repairs, love it 😀

[solebrth]

Good job covering all the main things that keep the car in good running order, very professional! !!

[efrainguevara]

great video man! I just bought mine yesterday for 4000 USD with 93k Miles on it. No noises at all, plus the owner got installed a brand new the power steering system.

[frozenhouse]

I've been working at a body shop for a bit now and extra tips I learned was if you're painting the door, it's better to take off the mirror and belt molding (the trim at the bottom of the window) for a better paint job in the end. The mirror can get in the way, and if you're unlucky, the clear coat could stick in that gap between the door and the belt molding.

[erbenton]

I keep a spreadsheet on all my maintenance and repairs that includes date, mileage and a good description (and cost) of what was done. It really makes it easy to keep up with things and provides an easy way to look back to see just what and when something was done. Put your VIN at the top for easy reference as at times you will need that info. You can also include a macro to tell you when your next oil change is due if you separate oil changes from repairs by column

[cqjppcy]

This is the best video on Youtube...I don't know why it doesn't have millions views. The only thing I would add is about how to check for flooded cars but I guess there is no flood in Hawaii.

[barbarah]

Extremely helpful video. You are so professional in your voice and in your information. Thank you.

[petervilla]

This is the the video I am sending to friends and relatives who are or will be buying a used car BIG THANKS.

[TomBleecker]

Excellent video. I would add to tires to check the DOT numbers that will tell you the year and week that tire was manufactured. Sometimes the tread looks great, but the tire is ten years old because the car was garaged or not driven much. Tires over five years need to be replaced, regardless of the tread depth.

[ThisIsMyYoutubeName]

Few things to add.
Do a background check on the owner of the used car dealership. Look at carpets for water stains and smell for odors. You can decide on if you want to purchase a history report or a carfax, but don’t put much faith in the accuracy. Highly suggest buying an OBDII, a $40 one will do. And do not ever sign anything that states “as is”. Everything he says is true! You need to really search for damages. If they claim it’s never been in an accident and the seals aren’t aligning, RUN!

[Asad-NBT]

Subscribed 😊.... Thank you for making such informative and enjoyable videos, where one can learn a lot of new things.... Keep up the good work brother 👍👍

[musthavechannel]

Great great video.
Specially the part that tells us about dash lights fraud. Thanks

[shutterguy_dude]

Very informative video. Im on a market of used car and all tips really makes sense. Thanks for this content and will keep this in mind when im hunting for used car. 👌

[johngraham]

My friend bought a used 2013 Honda civic from dealership with 98, 000 miles on it for $10, 000 and paid $800 for registration and taxes. Since then he is spending money on the car every month. He changed engine mounts one month, next month he changed VTEC solenoid, MAP sensor, cleaned MAF sensor. next month he said transmission not shifting smooth he changed transmission oil 3 times 3 quarts every time, transmission solenoids, then he changed tensioner, serpentine belt, then water pump, Chaned brakes, rotors, he did valve adjustments, now he said timing jumped by 2 teeth. HELL of a time. Waste of time. Buy brand new, use for 90000 miles sell and get new one. No used car.