Buying a new-to-you car can be exciting, but it can also be very nerve-wracking. While you might find something that meets all of your needs (and your budget), there are some things you should never buy a car without. Certain features and components should be non-negotiable to ensure the car’s safety, functionality, and value. So, here are nine items you should never buy a car without.
1. The Owner’s Manual
The owner’s manual comes in handy more than you’d think. You should always check to make sure it still has an owner’s manual. Although you can get access to many manuals online these days, if the car is older it might be tough to find. Also, many people keep car maintenance notes in the owner’s manual. So, not having it could be a red flag that it hasn’t been well taken care of. This seems like a small item, but it can make more of a difference than you’d think.
2. A Complete Set of Keys
If the car is missing a complete set of keys, it can be a costly fix. Not to mention, it can cause unnecessary headaches. If the used car only comes with one key, you should probably budget for getting a spare, which can be difficult. The newer the car, the more expensive and complicated getting a replacement can be. At the same time, having just one key can be risky. If you misplace it or accidentally lock it in the car, you’ll be left scrambling trying to figure out what to do. Always ask for a complete set of keys before you move forward with the purchase.
3. Service Records
This goes hand in hand with the owner’s manual. You want to make sure the car has been well cared for. The service records will show you if the car has been regularly maintained. It will also detail any major repairs that the vehicle has had. Without these documents, it’s impossible to verify the car’s condition or to know if it is due for expensive repairs in the near future. If a private seller can’t provide service records, it can be a red flag. You want to seek out vehicles with a well-documented service history.
4. A Spare Tire (or Repair Kit)
When you are inspecting the car, it is easy to look over the spare tire. However, it is an essential item that you want to make sure you have. In newer vehicles, it is common to have the spare tire replaced with a repair kit or inflator. But you need one of these two things in the event of an emergency. Always make sure that there’s either a spare or the necessary tools to fix a flat before you drive off.
5. Jack and Tire Tools
Again, you want to make sure that you’re set up in case an emergency arises with the car, especially when you’re buying used. The car should have a jack and what you need to change a tire. Even if the car is equipped with a spare, it will be useless if you don’t have the tools to put it on. Make sure these things are stored in the car. It will save you a lot of heartache in the long run.
6. Working Lights and Indicators
Another thing you should double-check is that the lights and turn signals are working properly. Not only can you get a ticket if they’re not functioning, but it can also be dangerous. Additionally, it is a good idea to make sure all of your gauges are working too. You’ll want to know when your gas light or check engine light comes on. If the dashboard isn’t lighting up during a test drive, it’s a major warning sign.
7. Airbags
Airbags can protect you in a collision and if the car you’re interested in buying doesn’t have them, it should be a deal-breaker. Verify with the seller that all of the airbags are intact in the vehicle and that they’ve never been deployed in an accident before. If you find the seller can’t confirm the status of the airbags in the car, it is best to not buy the vehicle. Your safety should never be compromised.
8. Functioning Seatbelts
Seatbelts are another fundamental safety feature. Don’t ever buy a car that has missing or malfunctioning seatbelts. Replacing seatbelts can be expensive but, more than that, not having seatbelts that work puts your safety at risk.
9. A Clean Title
When it comes to buying a car, a clean title is the most important document you can have. Cars that have been marked as “salvaged” and “rebuilt” have likely had significant damage done to them. Buying a car with a salvaged title can also lead to problems with insurance and it can make things hard if you go to resell the car down the road. Always ask to see the title before you agree to buy a car. Even if the vehicle seems great, a missing or unclear title shouldn’t be accepted.
Don’t Skip the Essentials
Sometimes buying a new car is so exciting that you might forget some of the basics. However, it’s crucial that you don’t overlook these nine things. Each one is important to the overall safety, reliability, and functionality of the vehicle. Making sure you have each of these things will help ensure your safety and peace of mind.