The 10 Most Expensive Things to Ignore on a Used Car
A used car rarely goes wrong because of the price alone. More often, the problems were there all along, and the buyer just didn't look closely. Often the warning signs were small and easy to dismiss. A scuffed bumper is annoying. A skipped timing belt service can cost far more. Here are ten things we'd look at before you sign anything.
1. The Vehicle History Report
A CARFAX report shows reported accidents, title problems, and service visits. A flood or salvage title is a deal-breaker for most buyers, and you'd never know without the report. Every vehicle sold through Clicklane, our online buying platform, comes with a free CARFAX, so check it first.
2. Maintenance Records
Ask for the receipts. Timing belt work, transmission fluid changes, and coolant service are the jobs people skip, and they show up later as big bills. No paperwork doesn't always mean trouble, but it does mean you're guessing.
3. A Pre-Purchase Inspection
An inspection costs a lot less than one surprise repair. Our service centers offer diagnostics, and our technicians are factory-certified and use genuine parts. If a seller won't let a mechanic look at the car, that tells you something too.
4. Tire Age
Everyone checks tread depth. Few people check their age. Look at the four-digit DOT code on the sidewall. The last two digits give the year, and the two before that give the week. Tires that are six years old or older often need replacing even when the tread looks fine, because the rubber cracks from the inside out.
5. Brake Noise
Squealing usually means the pads have worn down to their indicators. Grinding means you waited too long. A pulsing pedal often points to warped rotors. Any of these can turn a routine brake job into a bigger one.
6. Dashboard Warning Lights
A check-engine light doesn't always mean an emergency, but it's never something to drive around for weeks. Ask for the codes to be read before you buy. Our service team can do that, and the codes tell you where to start asking questions.
7. Open Recalls
Enter the VIN into the manufacturer's recall lookup. Open recalls are usually repaired at no charge by a franchised dealer for that brand. We keep a recall information page on our site if you want a quick starting point.
8. The Battery
A 12-volt battery that's getting weak often shows up on a cold morning. Ask how old it is. Hybrids and EVs have a large high-voltage battery, and replacing one is expensive, so ask whether there's any battery service history on the car.
9. The Total Loan Cost
Monthly payment is the number that gets talked about. Total cost is the number you live with. A 72-month loan can look comfortable and still cost noticeably more in interest than a shorter one. Clicklane's lender marketplace lets you compare offers from several lenders in one place, so you can see the full picture.
10. Your Trade-In Payoff
Find out what you owe before you negotiate. If the loan balance is higher than the trade's value, that difference doesn't disappear. It gets rolled into the new loan. Clicklane's instant appraisal includes payoff information, so you'll know where you stand before you commit.
Why Choose Nalley
Nalley has served Atlanta since 1918, with 15 dealerships and service centers across the metro. You can shop in person, buy online through Clicklane, or sell or trade in your current car without buying from us. Whichever way you go, you'll get the history, the condition, and the total cost in writing before you drive it home. Browse current inventory at nalley Cars.