Braking News with Brian: The Car Flea
Brian Bernard • October 14, 2025
How many of you look forward to the weekend and driving through the credit union parking lot? Or, as my wife and her friends call it, the SRP Car Flea! I love driving through and looking at all the used cars for sale. It’s my ritual after church on Sundays.
Often, I am asked to inspect a used car and give my opinion after
the purchase has already been completed. And more times than I’d like, I’ve become the bearer of bad news. Most used car purchases are done “as is” and without any kind of warranty and no guarantee to protect the buyer.
Before buying a used vehicle… WAIT! Do whatever you want to do with the vehicle you’ve got your eye on (sit in it, smell it, touch it, drive it), but just pause before making the purchase. No matter what anyone says or does or promises, don’t buy it. Not yet. This is not the time to flex your impulse buying muscles. I have 3 rules that may save you time, aggravation, and money when shopping for a used car.
1. Bring it In
Before negotiating, ask the seller if you can take the vehicle to your trusted mechanic for an honest, professional opinion. Getting the car up on a lift makes it much easier to spot potential problems.
No matter how much “car knowledge” you think you have, you don’t have X-ray vision. You can’t see a control arm bushing about to fail or a rusted floor pan hidden under the car. A good mechanic will drive the car, look it over carefully, and give you the good points and the bad points. Now with this information, you have a little more negotiating power to get a better deal on your purchase.
2. Find Out Costs
Don’t just focus on the price tag; find out how much it actually costs to maintain this vehicle. I mean all oil changes, tune-ups, brakes, and tires. Everything you would spend money on at your repair shop.
Your mechanic can give you a pretty good estimate of average monthly expenses using their software program based on the current condition and mileage of the car. And don’t forget to factor in auto insurance and property taxes. If you don’t know what to expect, your budget could take a major hit later.
3. Drive It
My last rule: drive the car as much as you can before making a decision. This extra driving reveals many unknowns and hidden quirks about the car.
When driving, remember the three C’s: comfort, convenience, and clarity.
Comfort – Is the seat comfortable? Are the armrests in the right place? Think about how you would feel after a long road trip. How’s the backseat? Would your passengers be comfortable?Convenience – Are all the power controls easy to reach? Can you see the dash gauges without craning your neck? Is the trunk or storage area big enough for your lifestyle?Clarity – What about blind spots? Where are they? Can you operate this car safely?
There are plenty of great used cars deals out there, and with a smart, measured approach, you can get that sweet ride and a fair deal. See you at the “Car Flea”!
Drive Safe!
Brian Bernard– Owner, Automotive Workbench
Your Car,… Trusted Care
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