How to Spot a Good Deal on a Used Car

Buying a used car can feel like a gamble—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re browsing online listings or visiting local dealerships, the trick is knowing what makes a car actually worth the price.

In this article, we’ll break down the red flags to watch out for, the green flags that signal a great deal, and some handy tips to help you feel confident before signing anything.

1. Start with a Price Benchmark

Before anything else, you need to know what the car is really worth. Use tools like Kelley Blue Book (KBB), Edmunds, or even Facebook Marketplace to compare prices for the same make, model, year, mileage, and condition.

If the asking price is way below the average, don’t get too excited just yet—it could be a steal, or it could be hiding problems. And if it’s priced too high, you’ll want to be ready to negotiate.

👉 Pro tip: Our Car Loan Calculator can help you see how different prices and interest rates would impact your monthly payments.

2. Check the Mileage-to-Age Ratio

Mileage tells you a lot about how much life a car might still have. On average, a car is driven about 12,000–15,000 miles per year. If a 5-year-old car has over 100,000 miles, it’s been driven hard. If it only has 25,000 miles, it might’ve been rarely used—which can also have its own issues (like battery wear or dried-out seals).

The sweet spot? A car with average mileage, regular use, and a strong maintenance record.

3. Always Get the Vehicle History Report

Never skip this step. Services like Carfax or AutoCheck can show you if the car:

• Has been in accidents

• Has a salvage or rebuilt title

• Was used as a rental or fleet vehicle

• Has had regular maintenance and ownership changes

A clean report doesn’t guarantee perfection, but it’s a solid layer of protection. If a seller hesitates to share one, that’s a red flag.

4. Look for Signs of Regular Maintenance

Ask for service records or look for oil change stickers, tire receipts, or dealership stamps in the owner’s manual. A well-maintained car will usually drive better, last longer, and save you money down the road.

If the car has skipped major services—like a timing belt replacement or brake changes—factor that into the cost. You’ll likely be paying for it soon after purchase.

5. Inspect for Cosmetic and Mechanical Clues

A few scratches or dings? No big deal. But misaligned panels, mismatched paint, or odd noises under the hood can signal something more serious.

Even if everything looks fine, always take the car for a test drive. Pay attention to:

• How it handles at different speeds

• Braking smoothness

• Engine noise

• Strange vibrations or warning lights

If possible, get a trusted mechanic to inspect the car before you buy. It might cost you a bit upfront—but it can save you thousands.

6. Watch for Dealership vs Private Seller Differences

Buying from a dealer might come with a warranty or return window, but it can also mean higher prices due to overhead. Private sellers are often cheaper, but there’s usually no guarantee if something goes wrong.

Either way, make sure everything is clearly documented—no handshake deals.

7. Be Ready to Walk Away

The best mindset? Be willing to walk if things don’t add up. There are plenty of used cars out there, and rushing into a purchase is when people get burned.

Take your time. Ask questions. And trust your gut.

Final Thoughts

A good used car deal isn’t just about the lowest price—it’s about value. When you find a car with fair mileage, a clean history, and regular upkeep, that’s when you’ve found a winner.

🚗 Ready to Shop Smarter?

Use our free Car Loan Calculator to see what your monthly payments could look like, or check out more tips on buying and maintaining your car in the blog. Drive informed, not overwhelmed.