Buying a used car comes down to checking six things closely: the vehicle history, open recalls, the exterior and interior condition, how it drives on a real test drive, a pre-purchase inspection, and the paperwork before you sign.
Skip any one of these steps, and you risk finding out about a problem after you've already driven off the lot. Here's how to work through each one.
None of these steps takes more than a few minutes on its own. Together, they give you a full picture of the car's condition and history before you commit any money.
Used Car Buying Checklist at a Glance
Start With the Vehicle History Report
A vehicle history report tells you about past accidents, title problems, and how many owners the car has had. Many of our CARFAX one-owner used vehicles come with that history already available, which takes some of the guesswork out of shopping.
If you're buying from a private seller, the Federal Trade Commission recommends pulling a report yourself through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System before you hand over any money.
Check for Open Recalls
A used car can carry an open safety recall that was never fixed by a previous owner. You can check any vehicle for free using NHTSA's recall lookup tool, just enter the VIN and you'll see any open recalls tied to that specific car.
An open recall isn't necessarily a dealbreaker, but it's something to get resolved quickly, usually at no cost to you through a manufacturer's service department.
How Many Miles Is Too Many for a Used Car?
There's no strict cutoff. A well maintained Nissan or Hyundai with full service records can still run reliably well past 100,000 miles, while a neglected car with far fewer miles can bring more problems.
Instead of focusing only on the odometer, weigh mileage alongside the car's age, maintenance history, and how it performs during your inspection and test drive.
Inspect the Exterior and Interior
A close visual inspection can reveal a lot before you even start the engine.
- Rust and undercarriage condition: Montana winters and road salt can speed up rust, so check the frame and wheel wells closely.
- Panel gaps and paint mismatch: uneven gaps or slightly different paint shades can point to a prior collision repair.
- Tire tread and wear pattern: uneven wear across tires can signal alignment or suspension trouble.
- Interior wear versus mileage: heavily worn seats and pedals on a car with low reported mileage are worth asking about.
- Dashboard warning lights: any active check engine or system light deserves an explanation before you buy.
Take It for a Real Test Drive
A quick spin around the block won't tell you much. Give the car a real workout before you decide.
- Cold start: if possible, start the engine cold to listen for any unusual noise on startup.
- Highway speed: drive fast enough to check for vibration, pulling, or wind noise.
- Braking: test firm stops in a safe area to feel for pulsing, grinding, or pulling to one side.
- Steering and handling: take a few turns to check for looseness or unusual resistance.
- Climate control: run the heat and AC, since repairs there can be costly in a Montana winter.
Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection
Even a car that looks great can hide problems a trained technician would catch. Our service center can perform a full inspection before you commit, and it's especially worth the small cost on a private-party purchase where there's no dealer standing behind the sale.
Review the Paperwork Carefully
Every used car a dealer sells is required to display a Buyers Guide that spells out the warranty terms and states if the car is sold as-is. Read it closely before you sign anything.
Confirm the out-the-door price in writing, including any fees, and ask directly about what's covered if the car still has remaining factory coverage or certified pre-owned protection.
Extended warranties and add-on packages can be genuinely useful, but there's no need to decide on the spot. Take a moment to review what each one actually covers before adding it to your monthly payment.
Where to Start Your Search in Missoula
Once you know what to look for, browsing gets a lot easier. Start with our full used inventory, or narrow things down right away with our CARFAX one-owner vehicles if a documented history is your top priority.
FAQ: Buying a Used Car
What's the most important thing to check on a used car?
The vehicle history report and a pre-purchase inspection together catch the most serious problems, including accident history, title issues, and hidden mechanical trouble.
Should I buy a used car from a dealer or a private seller?
A dealer typically offers a Buyers Guide, some level of inspection, and sometimes a warranty. A private sale can be cheaper but usually comes with less protection if something goes wrong after the sale.
How do I know if a used car has been in an accident?
A vehicle history report is the most reliable source, but panel gaps, paint mismatches, and uneven tire wear can also hint at prior damage during a close inspection.
Is it worth paying for a pre-purchase inspection?
Yes, especially on a private sale. The cost of an inspection is small compared to the cost of an expensive repair you didn't see coming.
What documents should I bring to buy a used car?
Bring a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and financing pre-approval if you have one. If you're trading in a vehicle, bring the title or loan payoff information as well.
Can I return a used car if I change my mind?
It depends on the dealer and the specific sale. There's no federal requirement for a return period on used cars, so ask about the dealer's return policy before you sign.
Is a higher mileage used car ever a good deal?
It can be, especially if the price reflects the mileage and the service records show consistent maintenance. A documented history often matters more than the number on the odometer alone.
Want help working through this checklist in person? Browse our used inventory and stop by our Missoula showroom, where our team can walk through any vehicle's history and condition with you before you decide.
