# Tips/Guide for buying a used car **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Created:** [July 26, 2022, 1:31am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tips-guide-for-buying-a-used-car/185474 "2022-07-26T01:31:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 5
**Author:** ![TheWonderful90s](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/thewonderful90s/32/29584_2.png) [@TheWonderful90s](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TheWonderful90s)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2022, 5:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tips-guide-for-buying-a-used-car/185474/5 "2022-07-26T17:31:29Z")
> [@s.a\_sheikh\_180208](#): > > I want to buy a used car preferably NOT from a dealership. That’s a good start. You have no idea how a car was cared for when it comes from a dealership. Check out my list. > [@Help me build a list of things to check when buying a vehicle](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-me-build-a-list-of-things-to-check-when-buying-a-vehicle/183861): > > For those of us who want to go in to more detail, plan for the many what ifs, and know the total cost of ownership in the future, I’m starting a list of often overlooked things to check for when buying a used car. Some of it even applies to a new car! 1 A. Check underneath for corrosion or rust. This is an important and complicated check. The paint protects everything from corrosion for a while. There is a wide range of paint quality. Paint can start to fail in as little as 6 years, or it can h… --- _[View the full topic](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tips-guide-for-buying-a-used-car/185474)._