How to Avoid buying a “Lemon”

When it comes to used cars, it's hard to make lemonade out of a lemon. So don't get stuck with a piece of junk in the first place.

You Will Need

* A keen eye

* A mechanic

Step 1: Look inside

Start with the interior. If there's lots of wear-and-tear on what you can plainly see, there's likely even more where you can't.

Step 2: Check for mismatched paint

Check the car's doorjambs and the underside of the hood; if you see mismatched paint, the car's probably been repainted—and that's a sign it's sustained major body damage.

Step 3: Check for oil or water spills

Check the ground for any oil or water spills that could signal pricey mechanical problems.

Step 4: Look at the tires

Stand behind the car and see if its front and rear tires line up correctly, and if the body is angled properly. If not, the frame is bent, likely due to an accident.

Step 5: Check for rust

Rust is a sign of trouble to come. Once it starts, it's pretty much unstoppable and will devour the car from the inside out. Check under the mats or carpet in the back seat and trunk; the rear is most susceptible rust.

Step 6: Check the odometer

Average mileage is 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year, so do the math. If the mileage seems incredibly low, the odometer may have been tampered with.

Step 7: Look under the hood

You don't need to be a mechanic to spot red flags—look for cracks or tears in hoses and belts, and check for any leaks or drips. You shouldn't see any fluid under the hood at all.

Step 8: Hit the road

Take the car for a test drive. When you accelerate, check for smoke and odd noises, like clinking or clanging. Stop and start a few times to test the brakes.

Step 9: Consult an expert

Ask the seller if you can get the car checked by a mechanic. If the seller hesitates, walk away!

Step 10: Head online

Before you write that check, use the car's vehicle identification number (or VIN) to get a detailed vehicle history.