Buying A Used Car For Dummies (RELIABLE)

Insert a penny into the tire tread (head down). If you see all of Lincoln’s head, the tires are bald and will cost you hundreds to replace immediately.

Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty. You need to be a skeptic:

A car with documented oil changes every 5,000–7,500 miles is "gold". buying a used car for dummies

Mismatched paint or uneven gaps between body panels (like the hood and fender) often mean the car was in a crash and repaired poorly.

Total monthly car costs—including insurance, gas, and maintenance—should not exceed 10% of your take-home pay. 2. Perform a "Digital Background Check" Insert a penny into the tire tread (head down)

Never buy based on a shiny photo alone. Use the 17-digit to run a history report through services like CARFAX or AutoCheck .

Check under the oil cap. A "milky" or "frothy" residue can indicate a blown head gasket—a major engine killer. How to Inspect a Used Car to Avoid Costly Repairs You need to be a skeptic: A car

Look for "Salvage" or "Rebuilt" titles, which indicate the car was once declared a total loss.