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What Do You Need to Look for When You Buy a Used Car, Truck, or SUV?

What Should I Look for When I Buy a Used Car?

When you are on a budget, a high-quality used car, truck, or SUV may be the perfect fit – but we know that you may have questions. No matter what your used car questions may be, Bergstrom of Green Bay is here to provide the answers you need. You may be asking yourself – what should I look for when I buy a used car? We have got you covered with this quick overview.



A high-quality used car, truck, or SUV is a great option for many potential car buyers – affordable, sensible, and smart. When you visit a dealership, there are a lot of questions to be asked and boxes to be checked on your automotive to-do list. We hope that this quick list can help you find the perfect fit right here at Bergstrom of Green Bay.

Front of Used Cars and Trucks Sign on Dealership
Woman with Car Keys in a Dealership Showroom

1. Check the Interior and Exterior for Damage

When you purchase a used car, truck, or SUV, it is important to check for any damage inside and out. CARFAX® Vehicle History Reports provide an accident history for pre-owned vehicles, which is a good start – but there may still be scratches, dings, and dents that are undocumented. Make sure to give the interior and exterior of any pre-owned vehicle a quick once over to check for damage like – scratches, faded interior, broken knobs or buttons, damaged body panels, and any leaks.

2. Take it for a Test Drive

To really get a feel for a used vehicle, it is important to get behind the wheel and take it for a test drive. When you take your test drive, listen for any unusual sounds that could indicate a larger issue, see if you can feel any issues with the brakes or transmission, and look for any dashboard warning lights. A test drive is about much more than seeing if you like how a car, truck, or SUV drives – it can provide you with warnings of any potential issues down the road.

3. Check the Mileage

Low mileage is not always an indicator of quality. Many car shoppers often assume that the fewer the miles on the odometer, the better shape the vehicle is in, but how, when, and where the vehicle was driven and those miles were accrued may be just as important. You may ask – how many miles is too many miles for a used car – but regular maintenance and care mean more to the quality of a used car.

4. Do Your Research

It is important to do your research when you purchase a used car, truck, or SUV. Look up the VIN number for additional information on the vehicle title and records, check for a CARFAX® Vehicle History Report, and do your research on the make and model. Is that year, make, and model prone to mechanical issues that you may face down the road? The more you know, the better off you will be.


READ MORE: Can I Finance a Used Car in Green Bay WI? 


Have you asked yourself – what should I look for when I buy a used car? We have the answers you are looking for right here at Bergstrom of Green Bay. Apply for credit approval today and get behind the wheel of a high-quality used car, truck, or SUV in Northeast Wisconsin!