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Used car prices are up more than 40% from last year. With the chip shortage dragging on, experts say the demand for used cars will continue to grow. If you’re in the market for a used car, it can be hard to know if you’re getting a good quality one for the high price you’ll be paying. Besides duct tape on the fender, what are you really supposed to be looking for? WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: Our Chief National Consumer Correspondent Jeff Rossen walks the used car lot at Atlantis Auto City with expert Tony Pagliuso.We asked the experts: What are some simple, easy things we can look for while used car shopping and they delivered? No, you don’t need a mechanic by your side, either. Check out some of the things you should be looking for below. Do your research: Gather the basic information about the car. This includes the make, model, year and VIN number. Then look it up on sites like Carfax and Kelley Blue Book. This will tell you if the car has been recalled, if it has ever been in an accident or even been totaled, marked for a salvage yard, etc. You can even check the odometer to see if it’s been rolled back. These websites will give you an insight that you’ll be able to see in black and white. Look for rust: When you open the doors, if you see rust on the inside of the frame or on the steps up into the vehicle, that’s a red flag. Use your phone’s flashlight and check for rust underneath the vehicle as well. If there’s a lot, that means the car isn’t holding up for the long-haul already. Longevity is important when purchasing a used car. Examine the paint: You’re not just looking for chips. Look for the color and the finish too. If there is bubbling, this could be someone has painted for rust. If there are rough spots, it might mean they even painted over some damage too. Check the gaps: While examining the exterior, run your hand along the panels of the hood, trunk, doors, bumper, etc. If they’re uneven, it could mean the car has been in an accident or poor work has been done on the car already. Tires: If the tires aren’t in shape, you’ll have to factor that into your negotiating cost — and those are expensive! So make sure the car’s tires are in good shape. Check the tread on the tires to make sure they’re 2/32 inches deep or less. You can do this with the penny test. Hold a penny upside down in the tread of the tire. The tire’s edge should be covering Lincoln’s head. The more it covers his head, the better. If you can fully see all of his head, the tires are worn. *Repeat the penny test in all of the treads. Our auto expert says, make sure to turn the wheel all the way and test all of the treads on the tire. If the treads are unevenly worn, that might mean there’s a suspension problem as well. Pop the hood and look at the engine: If everything is looking good on the outside, don’t stop there. Pop the hood. Look for rust and corrosion around the battery. Check the hoses for repairs that have been made. Look for oil leaks, too. If there are large spots of oil on the engine, it can be a sign of damaged internal components or gaskets.Take it for a test drive: While you’re out on the road, you’re not just checking if you like to drive the vehicle. Run through a mental checklist. Are the seatbelts discolored or frayed? They could have already been in an accident and the airbags went off. Do all of the buttons work? Check the air conditioning, the heat, the windshield wipers, the radio, etc. If something doesn’t work, it could be an electrical issue or problem with the computer. While you’re driving, is there a burning smell? Do the brakes work without squeaking? Is the power steering smooth? Can the car accelerate without making a horrible sound? If you can’t check some of these things off the list and they won’t negotiate the price, it’s best to move onto another car.