Used Car Shopping: Everything You Need To Know

So, you’re in the market for a pre-owned vehicle… I want to help.

While I advocate and highly recommend used car shopping, many families I talk to have reservations. The idea of buying a family car that’s already clocked some miles can feel daunting.

I always get the same questions in my one-on-one car consultations: How do I know I’m getting a good deal? What should I be looking for when touring the car? Will there be anything wrong with the car?

Let’s answer all these questions (and more) by breaking down everything you need to know when going used car shopping.

Before Hitting The Dealership, Narrow Down Your Car Choices

The first step to entering the dealership with confidence is to narrow down the features your car needs. Every family is unique and has certain must-haves, but here is a starter list of what I recommend to families I work with:

Top Family Car Features I Recommend:

• Upgraded technology and safety features
• Appropriate car seat hardware for your desired setup
• A spacious 2nd-row bench (or Captain’s Chairs if you prefer)
• Two large seats in the third row
• Easy 3rd-row access
• Middle head restraints
• Solid trunk space

I know what you’re thinking: Can a used car have a majority, if not all, of these features?

Not always.

You'll need to prioritize which features are more important than others.

If you’re looking to find some of the best used cars for families, check out my posts - Family Cars for Under $400 a Month and Family Cars for Under $600 per Month. This post has some of my favorite family cars WITHIN your budget that are reliable to haul your family in.

Kelly, I’m At The Car Dealership. What Should I Do Now?

The key to buying the right used car for your family is to make sure you’re doing your due diligence to test it as much as possible. Here are 9 tips I recommend when picking the right used car:

1. Look at the Car During the Day and in Good Weather Conditions

If you can help it, visit the dealership on a sunny day. If you go in the evening after work or on a rainy day, you may miss dents, dings, scratches, or other cosmetic imperfections during your inspection.

While some wear and tear on a used car isn't necessarily a dealbreaker, you want to be fully aware of what you're buying before you sign.

2. Verify What Comes With the Car

Make sure you know exactly what comes with the vehicle. When cars are traded in, previous owners sometimes lose or forget items like:

• Extra keys
• Headrests
• Floor mats
• Cargo covers
• Owner's manuals

If something is missing, use it to your advantage during negotiations! Ask if the dealership can provide those items at no additional cost or offer them at a discount.

3. Ask to See the Vehicle History Report

The vehicle history report is one of the most important tools when buying a used car.

Take time to review the entire report and make sure you're comfortable with the vehicle's history, including:

• Previous accidents
• Service records
• Number of owners
• Title history

I've created an entire video breaking down what to look for in a vehicle history report, and I highly recommend reviewing it before shopping - linked here!

4. Ask What Reconditioning Was Done to the Vehicle

Ask your salesperson what work the dealership completed after the vehicle was traded in.

You can even request to see the shop records.

Find out:

• What inspections were performed
• What repairs were completed
• Whether tires, brakes, or batteries were replaced
• How thorough the dealership's inspection process is

For example, the dealership where I worked completed a 30-point inspection on every used vehicle, while some states require much less.

5. Ask About the Warranty

Before purchasing, find out whether:

• The vehicle still has factory warranty coverage
• It qualifies as Certified Pre-Owned (CPO)
• The dealership offers any additional warranty protection

Warranties can be expensive, so if you find a used vehicle with good coverage remaining, that's something worth factoring into the overall value.

6. Do a COMPLETE Test Drive

A test drive is about much more than driving around the block.

When I say complete test drive, I mean:

• Install your car seats
• Load your stroller
• Test the trunk space
• Try third-row access

You're not just testing how the car drives. You're testing whether it works for your family.

7. Try Out All the Technology and Safety Features

This is so important.

Before you buy, test everything:

• Bluetooth
• Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
• Parking sensors
• Backup cameras
• Heated seats
• Air conditioning
• Power liftgate

I've heard stories of people buying a vehicle in the winter, only to discover months later that the air conditioning didn't work. Don't let that be you.

8. Request Repairs Before Signing Any Paperwork

Before signing anything, come to a written agreement with the dealership regarding any repairs that need to be made.

Whether it's a mechanical issue, cosmetic repair, or missing accessory, get it documented before completing the purchase.

Once you've signed the paperwork, the dealership is no longer obligated to make those repairs.

9. Take the Vehicle to a Trusted Mechanic

This step is optional, but if you have a mechanic you trust, getting a second opinion can provide valuable peace of mind.

A pre-purchase inspection may uncover:

• Hidden mechanical issues
• Previous repair work
• Upcoming maintenance needs
• Potential reliability concerns

Just make sure you're upfront with the dealership about your intentions and only do this if you're serious about purchasing the vehicle if it checks out

Still Feeling Nervous About Used Car Shopping?

No matter if you’re shopping in the new or pre-owned car market, you want to feel prepared to negotiate with confidence. My car buying course - How To Save At The Dealership - will walk you through how to negotiate, find your perfect family car, and choose the right salesperson to guide you through the process.

Most importantly, I have a 100% money-back guarantee if you don’t save at least the cost of the course. This is how confident I am with guidance, you can walk in with confidence to negotiate the deal you deserve.