Used cars have a certain appeal when you’re looking to stretch your dollar or think yourself an overall good shopper, there’s a car for you.

You can find practically any make and model with a variety of features at a fraction of the price of a new vehicle.

Of course, just because used cars come at a discount doesn’t mean they’re all worthy of your hard-earned income. There are definitely some things you should avoid when buying your next pre-owned car, truck, or SUV.

Avoid Used Cars With Too Few Miles

Generally speaking, a pre-owned car with low miles might be considered a hidden gem. That might mean the previous owner only drove it on Sundays or didn’t run it cross country every month. While having a reasonable number on the odometer is a great thing, it can also be a huge problem.

Cars are a lot like anything else with moving parts. Those parts need to be put in action every once in a while to stay in shape, much like how the human body needs regular exercise. A car that gets little to no use is going to have more issues than it’s worth. From rust formation to cracked gaskets to dirty fluids and broken belts, sitting idle isn’t good for your car. This is especially true for used hybrid or electric vehicles.

Stay Away From Cars Missing A Full Service Record

Without a full history of the vehicle you’re considering, there is a lot of guesswork as to how the car was maintained and if it has a chance of lasting. That doesn’t just mean getting a copy of the vehicle’s CarFax report, while this is certainly a good place to start.

If you’re buying a car that is still under warranty, having the appropriate records could be the difference between having an issue covered and being on your own. It might not be possible to expect the previous owner to keep every oil change receipt, but the more information you have, the better.

Keep Clear From Too Many Modifications

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with customizing and personalizing your car. Of course, if the vehicle has gone through certain upgrades or modifications, any existing warranty might be fully void, even if the mods are removed before taking it to the shop.

Drivers who DIY their cars may not use the correct parts, fluids, filters, etc. Using the wrong equipment can also void your warranty. That’s not to mention making sure that the modifications were done correctly and won’t cause issues later on.

Just be careful. There are plenty of people who enjoy modified cars without a single problem, but you should understand what you’re getting into before making a purchase of this magnitude.

Be Wary Of Cars With Weird Sounds

Even if you’re not a mechanic, you can often tell if something doesn’t feel right about a vehicle. When you take the car for a test drive, listen for any weird noises. That requires driving over a variety of surfaces at various speeds. It’s also critical that you keep the cabin quiet while exploring your potential new ride; otherwise, you may miss an important sound.

Make sure to also pay attention to vibrations, jerks, or anything that might feel off. If you do notice something out of the ordinary, have a licensed mechanic check out the problem before you hand over your cash.

Say “No” To Sellers Who Won’t Let You Get Close

You might find a deal that is just too good to be true. The only problem is that the seller is never really available for a proper test drive. Worse yet, they may rush you when you’re giving the vehicle a look or try to keep you distracted. If someone is eager to make the sale without letting you perform a basic inspection, it’s probably a sign to run for the hills.

You might be totally ok dealing with a mechanical problem but also don’t want to be surprised by that issue. Stick to honest dealerships and private sellers who aren’t afraid to give you the full scoop upfront.