How to judge a used car quickly
- Mileage in context: roughly 12,000–15,000 miles a year is typical. Well below that isn't automatically better if the car sat unused.
- Service history: consistent maintenance records matter more than a low odometer number.
- Title and history report: check for accident records, title brands and the number of previous owners.
- Tires and brakes: these are real near-term costs and a fair thing to raise before you buy.
- Remaining factory warranty: some late-model used cars still have coverage left.