Checking the Quality of a Used Car Before Purchase
When purchasing a used car, it's always a good idea for the buyer to do a certain amount of due diligence regarding the vehicle's quality. This is even more true when purchasing from an individual, as a dealership will usually have a multiple point inspection check list that it uses to ensure the safety and performance of its vehicles.
Vehicle History Reports
Vehicle history reports, such as "CarFax," will give detailed information regarding any physical damage the vehicle has experienced. In general, extensive body damage and suspension 
damage may cause additional problems further on. A vehicle history report is based on insurance claims for that vehicle, so if the vehicle was fixed without the accident being reported it may not show up on the report. Consequently, a conscientious buyer may not want to rely only on the vehicle report.
Third-Party Vehicle Inspections
It's commonplace for a buyer to bring a car to their own mechanic or an otherwise reputable mechanic for a third-party inspection. This gives an individual a better picture of the vehicle's comparative health. Many mechanics have special rates for this type of inspection. Should significant damage be discovered, it's possible that the price of the vehicle could be reduced or the necessary work to fix it could be completed before the sale is finished.
Test Driving the Vehicle
A test drive is generally the type of quality inspection that most buyers are used to -- but some may not know what specifically to look for. In addition to the vehicle's general handling, a 
buyer should thoroughly test out: the brakes, the heater, the air conditioner, the radio, and the acceleration. Depending on the weather, many buyers may forget to utilize either the heater or the air conditioner. The brakes should be tested at both a slow and moderate speed and the vehicle should be tested on both slow, neighborhood roads and highway travel -- otherwise issues that occur at high speed may not become obvious.
Buyers looking for a used car dealership Denver may want to inquire with the dealership regarding their quality and safety checks, in addition to the documentation they provide regarding the vehicle's history. While used vehicles may have some issues not present in new cars, they represent a significant cost savings.