How to Buy a Reliable Used Car

Cars and trucks have changed a lot over the last 10 years.

- Rick Muscoplat

These days, almost every mechanical system is controlled by electronics. In fact, a typical two- or three-year-old vehicle has more than 100 microprocessors, 50 electronic control units and 5 miles of wiring. If you think you can thoroughly check out a late-model vehicle by taking it for a short spin and kicking the tires, think again.

Finding a reliable used vehicle works best as a three-step process that involves online research, a thorough initial inspection, and a final physical and computerized inspection performed by a mechanic. We’ll give you some tips on handling the first two steps yourself so you can weed out the clunkers before spending money for your mechanic to do a final check. But trust us: If you skip the final mechanic’s inspection, it could cost you dearly. So if you have your heart set on a particular make and model, start with Step 1 before you go shopping.

STEP 1:

Check out vehicle reliability

Some makes, models, engines and transmissions are known for their high failure rates. Those are the facts you want to know before you start shopping. Some of the following sources charge a fee but may also be available for free at your local public library. Here’s where to look for that information.

Consumer Reports ($30 per year)—Vehicle system reliability info based on actual readers’ experience.

Truedelta.com ($10 for 90 days)—Here you’ll find vehicle system reliability information along with actual repair costs incurred by owners.

Alldatadiy.com ($27 per year) or eautorepair.net ($26 per year)—These up-to-date lists of technical service bulletins from car makers disclose known failures, updated parts and repair procedures, and software fixes.

STEP 2:

Do your own inspection