It's rare to find a used vehicle that doesn't have at least a few blemishes on the outside. Most likely, you'll find small dents or scratches, and these may not factor into your decision, depending on your preferences. However, there are some other issues like rust that can pose more serious issues. It's also important to check that all the doors and panels are matching and that the lights are working. Problems like these can quickly turn a driving experience sour.

Similar to exteriors on used cars, you may also find the occasional scratch or tear on the vehicle's inside. Although small blemishes like these may not affect the overall experience of the vehicle, definitely watch out for any sour smells or broken instruments. These can mean there are leaks or electrical problems.

Mechanical problems are much less forgiving than minor superficial blemishes. For example, it's best to walk away from a vehicle if you hear a whining belt when you start the engine, or if you notice the transmission slipping. Unsure about a vehicle? Have a mechanic look it over. Actually, it's a good idea to have a mechanic look over any used vehicle that you're considering.

Another good idea is to run a Carfax report on a vehicle. We offer them for our vehicles, so you can buy with peace of mind.

Perhaps you've found a used vehicle in great condition with zero mechanical issues, but you don't like the way it handles. That's perfectly OK. You'll be behind the wheel of the vehicle quite often, so be sure to test drive it on various streets and take your time with a test-drive.

Before agreeing to buy any vehicle, a smart idea is to check the vehicle's value on Kelley Blue Book to know if you're getting an accurate estimate.