What is a Good Deal when Buying a Used Car? (How to Buy a Used Car)

Learn how to call the owner of a used car, figure out what the car is worth, run a free VIN number check, and many other tips and tricks. If you see a used car for sale on the side of the road and want to know if it is worth going for a test drive, I go though all of the things you want to do before you go on the test drive. This way you wont waste your time and so you don't get ripped off!

Episode 1: The "Side of the Road Inspection":
Episode 4: Interior & Exterior Inspection:
Episode 5: Test Drive and Negotiation:

Link to the FREE downloadable ChrisFix Used Car Inspection Checklist:

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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. ChrisFix assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. ChrisFix recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ChrisFix.

[f.ferenc]

buy an endoscope, stick it down in every hole and start making sounds like "hmmm..." and "ho boy..."
Price will drop fast..

[lfakerson]

How about this: Chris makes an app with his voice asking the questions and you just play it.

[miaclaire]

"Dont get emotional". I cry, can't help it

[justhamza]

Without haveing a dad I love YouTube cause it’s like a parent. I mean I have mom who is the best but YouTube is a good place to learn

[phanthomboy]

Another good tip is to never go alone. Bring a friend! They might spot things you might miss, and its just safer as well.

[hackermaniaa]

Add blinker fluid to the list, it's very important and can save your life.

[ryanpease]

i am a teacher showing these videos to my high school students taking Financial Algebra. real life math! thank you!

[guillen]

STUFF TO LOOK FOR WHEN INSPECTING A USED CAR

Outside of the car-
•look at all the body panels and make sure they're the same color. If one is rusted, all should be rusted.
•go around the car and look ar the reflections for any bumps
•look at all the glass/mirrors
•make sure both front tires come from the same company and both back tires come from the same company and make sure they are the same size.
•check that all 4 rims are the same. And that there are no scratches, dents, etc. Can be expensive to fix.
•check how deep the threads of the tires go woth a penny.
•turn wheel, run ur hand evenly flat around the wheels. If its bumps, that means its not aligned or parts are worn out, making it thousands to repair.
•open and close all doors/trunk/etc and see the alignment on the sides of it
•look under car and see if theres any oil leakage/rust
•look at the break discs. If shiny, its been running which is good. If rusty or not shiny, its been sitting which is bad.

Interior-
•check transmission fluid. (Yellow cap, should be red.) smell it to check if its not burnt
•check engine oil, check smell
•check brake fluid. If its low, then brakes are worn out. If full, ur good.
•check overall engine, make sure the cables are good, no rust
•check antifreeze. Should be a nice color.
•check for any scratches/broken plastic or ripped rug.
Finally-
test drive it in the city and highway.
•Check if its straight or shakes at all.
•Listen for sounds
•make sure to do a high acceleration test and a high breaking test
•turn both ways fully, hear for noises

[iiXboxLiive]

VIN number = vehicle identification number number

[Falney]

When my mum was looking for a new car she found a used 13' VW Golf she loved. I am glad I went with her though. While I didn't know about this checklist, I went through most of these points anyway and found out that it had missed it's 70k miles service and timing belt change. I managed to knock about $3k off the asking price of $7k (We are in the UK here)


The reason I got so much knocked off is because it is about 750 to get it done at our local VW garage and we also needed to put new tires and the breaks needed to be completely replaced.


Did the breaks my self thanks to a Chris Fix vid, but wasn't confident enough to tackle the belt.

[Vincent-xdne]

Omg I can't believe I watched this like 4 years ago and was like "I will need to know this when I get my first car" and I just got mine a few days ago, I followed all the steps and I got a great deal! It is insane how much information you put in your videos! I got my dream first car because of following these steps, keep up the amazing work Chris!

[technospear]

Seem's an honest seller because they wouldn't usually tell you about issues that have existed and that they have been fixed ...they usually try to make it look perfect as possible

[lunv]

I’ve watched this video when it first came out just for fun, but now I’m getting serious on buying this used car. The owner asked for $3500 but I got it down to $2500 thanks to you. Very helpful tips and very in depth video on what to look for. Thanks again Chris, looking forward to future videos!

[Bronsons]

I like your voice. You seem like you'd make a good friend.

[elaubile]

This is a fantastic series of videos on buying a used car. I used these strategies for a recent purchase at a dealership, and although they didn't budge on the price (deep in the middle of the chip shortage), I got them to include new tires (even though the existing ones were okay), a new battery, and a brake fluid flush. The checklist is priceless.

[FrederickCp]

In some places you can meet in a police department parking lot if the person seems real shady or if you are scared.

[JonnyDIY]

i totally had anxiety while you were on the phone with the owner haha

[zaz]

Love how Chris sticks to the subject and keep the information coming! No chit chat and unnecessary dragged out information about other semi- related things! Nice channel!

[chelseawhite]

hey Chris! Just wanted to give you an update and also a HUGE thank-you!! I went into this process badly needing to know what to do with no clue how to start and what to look for, and nervous I was gonna get overcharged or stuck with something awful when I don't have much money to start with. These vids were empowering; they gave me the know-how to approach this process with confidence. Your checklist is also a phenomenal tool, thanks so much for making it available for free!! By the time I found a solid side-of-the-road car I already knew what to look for and what I needed to ask the owner. The one I picked should last me for at least a few years, and it wouldn't have been possible without your resources.
Anytime in the future I have any doubt on how to handle anything car-related, the first thing I'll do is come back to your YouTube channel, and I'll also point anyone I know who's stuck with these problems to you too.

[bryansage]

Cris.

I think these vids are going to be very helpful to a lot of folks.

I responded to your last video. Again My father has sold, managed, and owned car dealerships my entire life (I'm 50). I have worked in the industry. So I have a lot of first hand experience. All of the points you make are valid and useful information.

Additionally I would advise your viewers:

Dress down, It's a mistake not to look underneath the car (I absolutely lay on my back and look underneath. Looking for fluid's, exhaust condition, CV boots, ect . . . Also this is another opportunity to put that paper towel you suggested to use. If you see fluid, touch it with the paper towel. That may be the only way to tell if it's oil, brake fluid, condensation, ect. Bringing an old cardboard box to lay on is never a bad idea.
Inspect rims for damage, they may be a red flag for suspension issues. push top's and sides of tires looking for play.
Look for mismatched body/door panel seams, and mismatched paint (faded/shiny/color) these may indicate non reported damage or repair.
This often is missed. Look to see rims, hubcaps, from driver side match passenger side. (easy to overlook and makes me look stupid)
Temper your expectations when negotiating. If the paint is not perfect on a ten year old car, get over it. If the car wont make it through the week in the current condition (cracked windshield, bald tires, damaged exhaust. Negotiate that you expected not to incur immediate expense and car should be safe to drive.
Ask for consideration if your research indicates an expensive scheduled service or repair is required or imminent. Often this is what pushed the seller to put the car on the market. It's not likely the seller will "Belly up to the bar" and pay for the repair. But just as often they will acknowledge this burden and possibly split the cost, or share the burden. This is especially true if they did not initially disclose that information. Research, as you suggested is king.
If you have a wife or child with you. Use
that as an excuse to do a more detailed examination. "I want to teach my boy what to look for" ect.
Every car seller in the history of car sells, will tell you they have two or three other buyers lined up. If you feel rushed like you have to buy now. Walk away, you don't. This is where bad decisions and regret are born. I promise unless this car has some rare historical significance (first off the line in 1964&1/2). You will fall in love with another car within a week, at worst a month. If you are buying for spouse or child. DON'T LET THEM FALL IN LOVE!
Respectful and polite. Your not trying to make a new friend (In fact I advise not to buy used cars from friends). There is going to be some polite small talk ect . . don't let that distract you. You absolutely should be friendly and considerate. Just don't let that overwhelm your diligence.
I know your next video will be the "Test Drive". I would like to make a couple of suggestions for that.

Only turn the radio on to see if it functions properly. Then shut it off.
Drive in town, stop and go, bumpy roads. Then highway. Windows up, and windows down listening for noises.
Reverse and forward.
Look under the hood and under the car (after the ride). You will be able to see fresh leaks best then.
If it's winter, turn on the AC. If it's summer, turn on the heat.
Roll up and down ALL windows.
Keep up the good video's Kris. I am not much of a wrencher but have been using your video's more and more often, to save myself money and do DIY myself.