Don't know much about cars and dont' want to be ripped off.
2006-07-04 02:33:42 · 10 answers · asked by ian 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
Check on autocar and ebay websites to get an idea of market value (or invest in a copy of Parkers guide). Ask about the vehicle's service history and if it's been in any collisions. Are you buying privately or through the trade? Get an HPI check to ensure there's no outstanding finance. Email me if you get stuck - my husband has been in the motor trade forever!
2006-07-04 02:41:27 · answer #1 · answered by Away With The Fairies 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say that it is important to take someone who knows the small things of cars. Check for possible oil leaks.are there any signs of rust and so forth. pay attention to how it starts and how to engine sounds. If you drive for at least 20 minutes on the highway to let the transmission heat up you can tell if there are any trans problems. Any metal to metal sounds. Really the best thing to do is have a trusted friend who really knows cars look it over with you. Look at its miles . Find out all you can about past owners and look at interior to verify it. Do they say it was owned by an old lady? Does it look like it. Be careful many dealerships will go to auctions and buy cars for nothing 500 that have been underwater and so forth fix it up and sell it for tons more. I had to get a car and ended up getting it through a private owner but only after having at least 2 people check it and even having a auto shop check it. Also looking at the blue book value for your intended car. you can find values on-line for cars and this helps you know whether they are ripping you off order not.
2006-07-04 09:47:44 · answer #2 · answered by nubes_azules 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all no one make of car is better than any other so pick one you like. Then check all hoses. they should be firm but not hard. then check the oil make sure it doesn't show any signs of water or metal shavings in it. Make sure that there is no smoke coming from the exhaust(with the exception of a diesel vehicle on start-up). listen to the vehicle run if something doesn't sound right it probably isn't. Check to see if the owner has the service records for the vehicle. If so it was probably well maintained. Oil leaks are normal in older cars but anything excessive cannot be overlooked. lastly if possibly have any car checked out by a certified mechanic. they will be able to check things that you can not and tell you if the car is road worthy or not.
2006-07-04 10:24:41 · answer #3 · answered by parkingboy79 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are alot of factors to consider (too many to list here). If I were you I would buy a certified pre-owned car from a dealer, which will have a warranty as good as (or better) than a new car. That way, if you have problems, you're covered. I bought a certified PO Miata a few yrs ago, and was very happy. When I sold it, I got more for my car because it was still under warranty.
If you don;t want to go that route, try to find a good car (Acura, Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Nissan) that was kept very meticulously by the original owner (all service records, etc.).
Good Luck.
2006-07-04 09:56:40 · answer #4 · answered by JeffyB 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends on the car and its age, do your research. autotrader.co.uk has a good price comparison. Once u have made a short list of cars u want go on to forums search the net and find the inherent probs with the car u want. for example ford Mk1 focus zetec needs a new cam belt at 60,000 miles but in the book in says 100,000 miles, these bits of info can help u negotiate the price. Independent checks are also available from the RAC And the AA, or getting a friend who is a mechanic is good if you are a bit naive.
2006-07-04 09:50:20 · answer #5 · answered by ds 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lift any loose carpets and see the condition underneath. Look for wear and tear in strange places that would show you how much the car was used. Have a small magnet and if you think that dents have been 'filled in', use the magnet to test the area. Dip the oil and feel its consistency. Do not go by the mileage....
2006-07-04 09:42:35 · answer #6 · answered by thomasrobinsonantonio 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a pal who knows about cars to look it over.
2006-07-04 09:38:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The mileage, if there are any leaks(oil and ect.) and I have to say one more make sure it has a clear title
2006-07-04 09:38:46 · answer #8 · answered by miranda 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.carbuyingtips.com/used.htm
2006-07-04 09:38:59 · answer #9 · answered by helixburger 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
four wheels and a engine
2006-07-04 11:43:40 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋