Considering the high daily cost and inadequate public transport, buying a second-hand car is a rational and cost-effective option for many working professionals.  The used car market is a large and diverse one. Globally more used cars are sold compared to brand-new ones. Despite the high sales volume in the used car market, potential buyers may end up wasting their hard-earned money if they fail to pick the right car. It's necessary to ensure that the purchased car is in good and road-safe condition. To that end, here’s a checklist to consider before investing money in a second-hand car.  Why should you thoroughly check before buying a second-hand car? There are a lot of reasons why you should prepare and go through a checklist before buying a second-hand car. Here are a few reasons.  Safety  The first is safety. Safety is the top priority of any car owner as nobody wants to be at risk riding their car. Checking for the vehicle history and performance can ensure whether the car would run reliably and safely for the new owner.  Read more: These are the Top Super Luxury Cars for 2023  Cost  There is always the risk of getting duped with used cars. It might be some internal issue or the engine issue which is not apparent from the outside. These issues may not show up at the start, rather the signs start showing after a few hundred kms.  Without a proper inspection, a potential buyer might end up spending more on repair and maintenance in the long run.  Legal Issues  Another reason to check a second-hand car is for its usage history. The potential car might be stolen or it might have an outstanding loan against it. In any case, as the new owner, the buyer can be held responsible for any legal issue with the car.  Peace of Mind  Lastly, buying a second-hand car is always a stressful ordeal. Checking the car before buying not only minimizes the risk of getting scammed, but it also brings peace of mind for the new owner.  Read more: Bangladesh will assemble Hyundai cars by end of this year: South Korean envoy Checklist for buying used car  Vehicle History  The first and foremost thing to check is the history of the vehicle. Every car has a usage history that outlines damage and accident reports. Even if there is no explicit mention of accidents, look for repaired damage signs. It is much easier to spot external damages like panel gaps or paint overspray.  But if the car has internal damage like the ones created by floods or natural disasters, it might be very difficult to assess the damage. The potential buyer can take the help of a mechanic to check for water damage as it might not show upfront but it may create an issue in the long run.  Physical Inspection  Physical inspections are best done with the help of a car expert or a mechanic. There are two steps to physical inspection – internal and external.  The external inspections include checking for any kind of external damage. It is recommended to look for dents, scratches, rusts, and signs of previous repair.  Read more: How to Reduce Oil Consumption in Cars Before buying a second-hand car, the potential buyer needs to conduct an internal inspection carefully.  - The seats, carpets, dashboard, and other places inside the car should be checked for any signs of wear and tear. - The air conditioning system should not be left unchecked. The same inspection process is needed for the wipers, lights, and the heating system.  - The door hinges should be checked, like whether they close smoothly or not.