Tips for Buying a Car

Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission

The Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission offers this step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a used car. It's crucial to ensure you're getting the best value for your money by assessing the car's condition thoroughly.

Pre-Purchase Inspection

Before purchasing a used car, conduct a thorough inspection. Start by checking the car yourself to eliminate vehicles with obvious defects. Then, have a reputable mechanic perform a detailed examination to identify any underlying issues.

Checking Tires

  • Inspect for Wear: Tires worn in one spot may indicate the need for balancing, alignment, or improper air pressure. It might also suggest a bent frame or weak shocks.
  • Shake Test: Hold each tire firmly and shake. Any clunking may indicate a wheel bearing or suspension joint needing repair.

Shocks and Struts

  • Bounce Test: Press down hard on the corners of the front and rear fenders. The car should spring up and settle quickly. Excessive bouncing suggests the need for new shocks.

Frame and Body

  • Visual Inspection: In daylight, look for paint differences, crumples in the metal, or rough finishes.
  • Paint Overspray: Check edges of the trunk area, inside doors, and under the hood. Repainting does not necessarily mean the car was in an accident.
  • Door and Hood Alignment: Open and close doors, trunk, and hood several times to ensure they latch securely without obstruction.
  • Frame Examination: Inspect the frame for any signs of welding or bending.

Brakes

  • Pedal Test: Place your foot on the brake pedal and hold. If it sinks to the floor, the car may be unsafe to drive.

Car Controls

Verify the functionality of all controls:

  • Defroster
  • Heater
  • Lights
  • Horn
  • Wipers
  • Radio
  • Air Conditioner
  • Parking Brake
  • Windows
  • Hood Release

Safety Items

  • Check Head Restraints and Safety Belts: Test these several times to ensure they are operational, as they are crucial for safety.

Test Drive Checklist

While test-driving the vehicle, pay attention to the following:

  • Start Engine: Listen for unusual noises (knocks, grinding, hissing).
  • Idle Quality: Observe if the engine idle roughly.
  • Driving Performance: Note if the engine stalls or runs rough. Watch for blue smoke from the tailpipe, knocking sounds, or power loss.
  • Temperature Gauge: Ensure it does not read hotter than normal.
  • Brakes: Look out for pedal sinking, pulsations, or grinding noises.
  • Transmission: Monitor for clunks, choppy shifts, or clutch slippage.

Upon returning from the test drive, check for:

  • Engine Diesel Effect: If the engine continues to run after being turned off.
  • Re-Starting Difficulty: Any issues with restarting the engine.
  • Fluid Leaks: Inspect under the hood for any signs of leaks.

If you observe several issues from the above checklist, reconsider purchasing the vehicle.

Final Steps

  • Ensure the car passes an emissions test in counties where required.
  • Make sure all necessary repairs are documented on the purchase contract before signing.

Additional Resources