How to Buy a Used Car Now

Safety Equipment
In recent years, a growing number of new cars have included advanced safety and driver assistance (ADAS) technology as an option, if not standard equipment. That means used cars are more readily available with features ranging from automatic emergency braking (AEB) to adaptive cruise control. Among those features, Consumer Reports highly recommends AEB with pedestrian detection and blind spot warning if they’re available.

“We think it is worth the extra effort to ensure your next car has these key safety features,” Fisher says.

Strong Reliability
Narrow your field down to models that stand out for reliability in CR’s surveys. But remember, every pre-owned car has its own history of use—and sometimes abuse—so it’s always a good idea to have any used vehicle you’re considering inspected by a trusted mechanic before buying it.

“Having a trusted mechanic inspect any used car you’re considering buying is a good way to ensure that it will be both safe and reliable in the future, says John Ibbotson, CR’s chief mechanic.”

Age
The average age of cars on the road in the U.S. is more than 12 years, and CR can help you find the most reliable among them. For something with lower mileage that’s been well-maintained, you might check certified pre-owned (CPO) listings for cars that are just off-lease. But you can also find great value in cars that are 3 to 5 years old and older.

If you’re looking at older, higher-mileage models, make sure they have the safety features you want, and that they’re models known for reliability. It’s also a good idea to look at the car’s value using CR’s Car Value Estimator to make sure you’re getting a fair price.

“Try not to get stuck with something that’s going to be worth less than the amount you owe on the loan in a few years,” Fisher says. “Paying too much now could mean that the car will depreciate faster as time passes.” (Read: “The Best High-Mileage Cars and How to Find Them.”)

Search Online
Look at websites like the CR Used Car Marketplace and TrueCar, a CR partner. If you’re willing to buy from an individual rather than a business, you can find listings on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Be prepared to act, because sellers aren’t likely to hold on to cars very long in this market. “Deals might disappear fast, so you may need to move quickly,” Fisher says. “But don’t rush so fast that you overlook important details and end up with a purchase you regret.” (Read: Should You Buy a New, Certified Pre-Owned, or Used Car?)

Buy Out Your Lease
Almost all lease contracts come with a buyout clause, so consider buying the car you’re leasing when the term ends. One of the reasons to consider going this route is that you may be looking at a much larger down payment and higher monthly payments to lease a newer version of the same car. Although the average price of a new car is down slightly since last year, it’s still more than $47,000, possibly much higher than the last time you signed a lease.

“You’ll be able to maintain the level of features and comfort you’re used to and might have to give up if you bought another new car at today’s prices,” Fisher says.

Choose a Less Popular Model
As always in recent years, SUVs and pickup trucks are very popular, which means there will be fewer of them that current owners will want to part with. You’re likely to find better availability—and maybe even a deal—on less popular models, such as sedans, hatchbacks, front-wheel-drive SUVs, and EVs.

“Auto manufacturers increased EV production substantially over the last few years, but demand hasn’t quite kept up, so there are some bargains out there,” says Fisher. “And with a new tax credit for used EVs under $25,000, you can save an additional $4,000.”

Compare Offers
Determine a budget looking at both the monthly and overall costs, and get a preapproved offer from your bank or credit union before you go to the dealership. If the dealership can’t beat the offer, you can be confident that you secured a good loan rate. “Walking into a dealership with your financing already set up gives you a big leg up in the negotiations,” Fisher says.

Be Wary of Extended Warranties
Extended warranty programs generally aren’t worth the money: On average, it costs less to pay for repairs out of pocket than to buy a plan that you might never use, or that won’t cover certain types of repairs. If you can’t purchase a used car that’s still covered by its factory warranty, your best bet is to buy a model with a good history of reliability or consider a factory-certified pre-owned vehicle, which will include a modified extension of the car’s original manufacturer warranty.

If you decide you want to buy warranty coverage, say, for a gotta-have model with a dubious reliability record, make sure you know what the plan does and doesn’t cover.

“Most people are better off saving for unexpected repairs because extended warranty contracts contain complex legal language that can be difficult to understand,” says Chuck Bell, programs director for CR’s advocacy division. “Also, dealers can mark up warranty coverage at different rates for different people.”

Don’t Lease a Used Car
There are significant financial risks to leasing a used car, including the potentially high cost of repairing a vehicle you don’t even own. On the off chance you do lease a used car, try to get one still under factory warranty or consider purchasing extended warranty coverage if there aren’t a lot of exclusions. It’s also possible to take over someone else’s lease through a company like Swapalease. In that case, the car is likely to still be under warranty and have a better maintenance history.

Check the Car’s History
Reports from Carfax or another reputable vehicle history reporting agency can reveal a car’s accident history and whether it has been serviced regularly. (Most cars in CR’s Used Car Marketplace have history reports, and CR members can see reliability and owner satisfaction ratings right in the listings.)

Walk Around the Car
Visually inspect the car on a dry, sunny day to see imperfections and potential problems better. Eyeball the underside for rust, fluid leaks, and signs of collision repair. Turn every knob and press every switch to make sure everything works as it should. Take some time to inspect the infotainment system and any touchscreens. If you smell mildew, the car may have been in a flood or there may be a leak somewhere, which could mean unseen water damage. 

Take a Test Drive
Before you even start driving, make sure the car is sized appropriately to meet your needs, that the seats are comfortable, and that its controls won’t drive you crazy. While driving, look for visible exhaust smoke, check for any abnormal vibrations, and smell for burning fluids. After driving, check under the car for oily leaks, keeping in mind that if the air conditioning is on, there will be a puddle of clean water under the car.

Get a Mechanical Inspection
This advice is so important that we think it’s worth repeating: If you can, have the car inspected by your mechanic or, in a pinch, a friend skilled at auto repair. Unless the car is covered by a warranty or service contract (and even then), any problems it has are yours once you drive it home. (Learn more about how to inspect a used car.) If you’re buying a used EV, have the battery health checked (how to do this varies widely by manufacturer, so it’s a good idea to research it before you look at a particular model).