Buying a car can be a gamble. At a glance, your first pick for a used car might look straight, solid, and ready for some serious mileage. But the reality could be very, very different. Luckily, guys like Bo have tips and tricks for buying a car that can save shoppers from leaks, safety concerns, and headaches. 

This ‘regular dad’ shares some of his favorite tips for buying a car without falling prey to bad deals

Bo, who goes by DadAdviceFromBo on TikTok, has tips, tricks, and advice for just about anything, from home improvement to car buying. And you might be glad that you paid mind to his tips for buying a used car.

For starters, Bo recommends taking a cardboard panel to a used car purchase. Seriously. And there’s a good reason for it.

The cardboard will, when placed under the engine compartment of a running car, show leaks. And Bo didn’t stop there. “While the seller is watching, I walk around the outside of the car. And I touch every scratch, dent, and defect I can find.”

Bo says he doesn’t tell the seller, but the fact that he’s identified the imperfections will come into play during negotiation. He also recommended taking a highway test drive without the seller yammering into your ear. Instead, you should be listening to the engine as you drive.

The “regular dad” also recommends asking two questions while you “look them straight in the eye.” The questions? Start with “Why are you selling the car?” And follow up with “Is there anything wrong with it?”

Finally, Bo says, “Never bring cash with you. If you make a deal, tell him you’ll meet him at the bank or in a local police department parking lot.” The last bit of advice is more safety-focused than anything else, but still noteworthy.

Viewers responded with their shopping tricks

While most viewers seemed to agree with Bo or crack a few cheeky jokes, some responded with advice of their own. “Bring it to a mechanic and only buy a Honda or Toyota,” one viewer commented.

Another fan responded, “If it has a sunroof, take it through the car wash. My friend learned that the hard way.” It might sound silly, but sunroof and removable roof panel seals degrade over time, which may allow water intrusion. 

The tips are solid, but one tactic is supreme for buying a used car

Verifying leaks, noting imperfections, and taking a test drive are all important. But nothing beats an independent pre-purchase inspection (PPI) from a certified mechanic.

It might cost you a bit extra to do so, but insist that the seller bring the car to a shop with PPI services of your choosing. The mechanic will put the vehicle up on a lift, perform a lengthy inspection, and may even find evidence of body or chassis trauma that isn’t included on the CARFAX. 

MotorBiscuit reached out to @dadadvicefrombo via TikTok direct message for comment.