Used Car Buying Guide: What to Look for Before You Buy
Used Car Buying Guide
Buying a used car should feel exciting, and knowing what to check can make the process much more comfortable. This used car buying guide from McGrath Family of Dealerships walks you through the details that matter: your budget, vehicle history, maintenance records, inspections, and the test drive. Start here whether you’re shopping for a used car, truck, or SUV in Iowa.
Start With Your Used Car Budget and Must-Haves
Before comparing used cars for sale, decide what you’re comfortable spending. Include the purchase price, taxes and fees, insurance, fuel, and room for maintenance. If you’re financing, consider both the monthly payment and the total cost of the loan.
Our car affordability guide helps you build that budget. You can also explore used vehicles priced under $15,000 or use our payment calculator to compare estimates.
Next, separate your must-haves from the extras. Seating, cargo space, drivetrain, and towing requirements can help narrow the search. Heated seats and a particular paint color might help you choose between otherwise similar vehicles.
Review the Vehicle History Report
A vehicle history report can help you understand a used vehicle’s past. Look for reported accidents, title brands, mileage entries, ownership changes, and previous rental or fleet use. Compare the vehicle identification number, or VIN, with the vehicle and its paperwork.
A history report is one piece of the picture. Some damage, repairs, and maintenance may never be reported. A clean report doesn’t replace a physical inspection, and an accident entry deserves a closer look at what happened and how the vehicle was repaired.
Ask questions about anything you don’t understand. A gap in the record is a reason to investigate, rather than a complete answer about condition.
Ask for Maintenance and Service Records
Mileage matters, but maintenance helps explain those miles. Look for a pattern of care that follows the manufacturer’s schedule for that vehicle.
Useful records include:
- Oil and filter changes at appropriate intervals.
- Tire replacements, rotations, and alignment work.
- Brake inspections and repairs.
- Required transmission, coolant, and drivetrain services.
- Major repairs, with invoices describing the work.
- Completed recall repairs and other documented updates.
Use a Used Car Inspection Checklist
You don’t need to be a mechanic to notice things worth asking about. Start with a walkaround, then have a qualified technician evaluate the vehicle more thoroughly.
| Area | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Body and paint | Uneven panel gaps, mismatched paint, damaged glass, and signs of corrosion. |
| Tires | Uneven wear, cracks, tire age, and appropriate matching tires for the vehicle. |
| Cabin | Water stains, unusual odors, damaged seat belts, and controls that don’t work. |
| Under the hood | Visible leaks, damaged hoses, and fluid conditions that need professional evaluation. |
| Undercarriage | Frame or structural corrosion, damaged components, and leaks. Have a technician inspect safely on a lift. |
| Electronics | Warning lights, cameras, climate controls, windows, locks, and infotainment. |
Ask for the dealership’s inspection results and whether you can arrange an independent pre-purchase inspection. A vehicle history report and a dealer inspection serve different purposes from a technician’s evaluation of current condition.
Make the Most of Your Used Car Test Drive
A test drive should help you learn more than whether you like the seats. When possible, ask to experience a cold start and drive on a route with a mix of lower and higher speeds.
Pay attention to smooth acceleration, predictable braking, steering response, and transmission behavior. Mention pulling, shaking, delayed engagement, unusual noises, or warning lights. Try parking and reversing so you can judge visibility and size.
Before heading out, pair your phone while parked and try the climate controls. Check rear-seat access and cargo space. For a used pickup, confirm the cab and bed configuration in person. For AWD or 4WD, ask how the system operates and follow the owner’s manual when testing it.
Ask These Questions Before Buying a Used Car
Vehicle Condition & Coverage
- What inspection and reconditioning work has been completed?
- Are maintenance records or repair invoices available?
- Are there open recalls, and what is their status?
- Does the vehicle have modifications or aftermarket equipment?
- Is it sold as-is or with a warranty, and can I review the written coverage?
- Which certification program, if any, applies to this VIN?
Pricing & Financing
- What is the full out-the-door price, including taxes and fees?
- Which optional products are included in the quote?
- If I finance, what are the APR, term, amount financed, and total payments?
Read the Buyers Guide and purchase documents, and make sure any agreed repairs or promises appear in writing.
Understand Used Car Certification and Warranty Coverage
Manufacturer certified pre-owned, McGrath Certified, and McGrath SmartBuy are different programs. Their inspections, coverage, and eligibility requirements aren’t interchangeable.
Explore our manufacturer CPO guides, McGrath Certified guide, and McGrath SmartBuy guide. For help choosing a purchase category, read new vs. used vs. certified pre-owned.
Research the Used Models on Your List
Model-year changes can affect engines, safety features, seating, and ownership costs. Start with our vehicle research hubs, then explore our used Chevrolet Silverado 1500 guide, used Ford F-150 guide, or used Toyota RAV4 guide.
Used Car Buying FAQs
What mileage is too high for a used car?
There isn’t one mileage cutoff that works for every vehicle. Compare maintenance history, age, condition, prior use, and upcoming repairs. A lower odometer reading doesn’t tell the whole story.
Should I get a used car inspected even if the history report is clean?
Yes. A history report shows information reported to its provider. An inspection evaluates the vehicle’s current mechanical and structural condition.
What should I bring to a used car test drive?
Bring your driver’s license and ask the dealership about any additional requirements. Your phone, a list of questions, and measurements for important cargo can also be helpful.
Shop Used Cars in Eastern Iowa With McGrath
McGrath Family of Dealerships helps used car shoppers across Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha, Marion, Dubuque, Iowa City, and Davenport. Tell us what you’re looking for, and let our team help you compare vehicles, review your trade, and work through financing options. Financing is subject to credit approval.
