5 Biggest Dos and Don'ts When Buying a Used CarMoneyLionSean BryantTue, September 15, 2026 at 3:25 PM UTCAdd us on Googledeepblue4you · iStock.comUsed car shopping is an absolute minefield. With the average car running $27,027 according to Kelley Blue Book (up 6% from last year), one wrong move can mean a lemon, months of payments on a wreck, or both.But here's the thing: you can totally outsmart this. We've compiled critical dos and don'ts that'll help you drive off the lot knowing you scored a legitimate deal — not a disaster in disguise waiting to bankrupt you.Do: Set a Total Budget, Not Just a Monthly PaymentWhen purchasing a car, many people have a monthly payment in mind for what they can afford. However, instead of focusing only on the monthly payment, it's important to consider everything involved.AdvertisementAdvertisementDealerships are masters of manipulation. They'll stretch a loan to 84 months instead of 48 and make an expensive car seem much more affordable. Just remember, extending the loan comes with a higher interest bill — sometimes a significantly higher one.Before you start shopping, decide on a loan term that won't crush you. Then work backwards: figure out the maximum you can spend (including taxes, registration and fees) while keeping payments within your budget.Don't: Skip the Vehicle History ReportAccording to Carfax, as many as 40% of the cars on the road today have sustained some type of damage. At least 5% of those have had an airbag deployed in an accident. So, while a car might look like it's in great shape, it could be hiding some secrets.Before you purchase a used car, make sure you receive a vehicle history report to confirm there haven't been any accidents reported that could cause issues on the road. Look for any of the following:AdvertisementAdvertisementAccident historyFlood damageSalvage or rebuilt titlesOdometer inconsistenciesNumber of previous ownersMaintenance recordsKeep in mind that even clean reports could be misleading, since not all accidents are reported.Do: Get a Pre-Purchase InspectionBefore buying a used car, it's important to have a pre-purchase inspection. Most independent mechanics will do these for between $100 and $250 and will look for the following:Oil leaksSuspension problemsBrake wearTransmission issuesHidden collision repairsTires nearing replacementWhile there is an initial cost, finding something could mean avoiding thousands of dollars in repair costs down the road.Don't: Buy Without Comparing Market PricesBefore heading to the dealership, know how much you should be paying for the car you're considering. While most dealers will list the MSRP, it is not the best possible price and is likely 3% to 8% higher than the invoice price, or the price the dealer paid for the car.AdvertisementAdvertisementBefore you step foot on the lot, use Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds or JD Power to check what similar cars are selling for in your area. Knowing the actual market value and dealer cost gives you serious negotiating leverage.Do: Test Drive the Car Under Different ConditionsDriving the car around the block isn't enough. You should take it through a variety of situations during your test drive.Take the car through stop-and-go traffic, then blast onto the highway. Listen for strange noises. Feel how the brakes respond. Pay attention to steering wheel vibrations and how smoothly the transmission shifts. These are things that can help you identify any potential issues that you should mention to the mechanic during the inspection.The Bottom LineBuying used doesn't have to be a crapshoot. Keep these dos and don'ts in mind, and you'll have a solid system in place. The goal isn't just to leave the dealership with a car. It's to leave with one you didn't get swindled on. And that's worth the extra homework.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.More From MoneyLion:Looking to Buy Investment Properties? These Loans Offer Fast FundingSave Up to $1,100 on Car Insurance in MinutesForbes' Most Trusted Gold Company of 2026 — See Why Investors Are Taking NoticeCash In Your Unused Gold at Today's Top Prices
+36 others
