How to spot an unreliable used car before you buy

An article warns used-car buyers of five red flags for unreliability, including high mileage, incomplete service records, and suspicious physical signs, to help avoid problematic purchases. It advises inspecting for unusual noises, leaks, and smells, checking recall status, and reviewing ownership history. A missing service history or unresolved recalls signal potential problems; professional pre-purchase inspection is recommended. Maintenance history matters more than mileage; lower-mileage, single-owner cars are often better bets. Brand reliability ratings apply only to specific model years, not blanket judgments.