Buying a used car can feel like a bit of a gamble. Sometimes it looks good on the outside, the price is decent, and it drives okay—but then something breaks two months later, and you’re stuck with expensive repairs. No one wants that.
So how can you tell if a used car is actually going to last you a long time? You don’t need to be a mechanic to spot the signs. You just need to know what to look for and what questions to ask.
Check how the car was taken care of
One of the biggest things that makes a used car last is how well it’s been looked after. A car that’s had regular services, oil changes, tyre care, and repairs when needed is way more likely to run well for years—even if it’s older or has more kilometres on it.
When you’re looking at a car, ask about its service history. Some cars even come with a logbook that shows every time it was checked or worked on. If the owner or dealership can show that, it’s a really good sign.
You’ll find some dealerships that already include this info with their listings. When you’re browsing used cars through a site, you can usually see the service history or ask for it easily, which makes things way simpler.
Pay attention to how it sounds and feels
When you take a test drive, listen carefully. The engine shouldn’t make weird clicking or rattling noises. The car shouldn’t shake when it stops or speed up too slowly when you press the pedal. You want it to feel smooth, not like it’s struggling.
Also, check the brakes. Do they feel strong and stop the car easily? Or do they feel soft or make grinding sounds? That’s something you’ll definitely want fixed before buying.
You don’t need to be an expert. Just trust your gut. If something feels off, ask about it. If they can’t give you a clear answer, it might not be the right car.
Look underneath and around the car
It’s easy to focus on the paint job or shiny wheels, but what’s underneath matters more. If you can, look under the car for any signs of rust, leaking fluids, or anything hanging loose. A little rust on the surface might not be a big deal, but rust on the frame or suspension parts is bad news.
Walk around the whole car, too. Are the tyres worn down unevenly? That could mean there’s an issue with alignment or suspension. Are there dents or spots where the paint doesn’t match? That might be from a crash, and you’ll want to know if it was fixed properly.
Even if the outside looks great, these small details can tell you what’s really going on with the car.
Ask about past repairs
It’s totally normal for used cars to have had some work done. That’s not a bad thing. But it matters what was fixed and how it was fixed.
If a car had a new battery, brake pads, or tyres recently—that’s great. Those are things you don’t have to pay for anytime soon. But if the engine, gearbox, or electrical stuff was replaced, ask why. Was it a one-time fix, or does the car have a history of problems?
The more honest the seller is about past repairs, the better. A good seller wants you to know what you’re getting into.
Don’t ignore the kilometres—but don’t stress over them either
Everyone talks about mileage when buying a car. And yeah, it matters. A car with super high kilometres might need more repairs soon. But it’s not just the number—it’s what the car went through to get there.
Some cars were mostly used on highways, which is easier on the engine. Others were driven in stop-and-go traffic, which is harder. If a car has 150,000 kilometres but has been serviced regularly and drives well, it could still be a great buy.
So don’t rule out a car just because the number looks high. Look at the full picture.
Watch out for quick cover-ups
Sometimes sellers try to make a car look better than it really is. They might clean the engine really well or cover up smells with air fresheners. That’s not always a bad thing—but if the car looks too clean or smells too strong, ask yourself why.
Look at the engine bay. If it’s spotless but the rest of the car is average, it might’ve been cleaned to hide a leak. Same with a weirdly strong scent in the car—it might be covering smoke or water damage.
It’s okay to ask questions. If they get annoyed or won’t answer clearly, that’s not a good sign.
Bring someone with you if you’re not sure
If you’re nervous about checking things on your own, bring a friend or family member who knows cars. A second opinion helps a lot. Even just having someone there to ask questions or point out stuff you missed can make the whole thing feel easier.
Some people also get a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic, which is a really smart move if the car’s a big investment. It costs a bit, but it can save you from getting stuck with a car full of hidden problems.
What to remember
A used car can definitely last you years—if you pick the right one. You don’t need to be an expert, but you do need to slow down, ask the right questions, and look past just how the car looks on the outside.
Think about the car’s history, how it drives, and whether the seller seems honest. If you take your time and pay attention to the details, you’ve got a much better chance of driving home in something that lasts.
And that’s really the goal—not just finding a car, but finding the right one. One that sticks with you and doesn’t fall apart after a few months.
