I am shopping for a used car and will go inspect one later today. I am not the most knowledgeable person on cars so what are some key questions to ask to make sure the car is a good deal?
2006-07-13 07:45:16 · 8 answers · asked by bokimble 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
One of the most important questions you should ask,be it a private party or dealer is this "can i take the vehicle to be inspected by my own tech?" (you pay the inspection fee and you need the owners permission).
Should they say "no",,run,,run fast.
(you usually wont get a straight answer from a private party)
2006-07-13 08:03:03 · answer #1 · answered by kurt 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't bother asking any questions. Since you are new to buying cars, the answers won't necessarily mean much anyway. Here's what you SHOULD do:
1. Run a CarFax report on the VIN number. Go to http://www.carfax.com for this. It will cost a few $$$ but is very cheap insurance. If you're buying from a dealer, ask the dealer for it. They all subscribe to CarFax and can provide one at no cost. If the dealer refuses (or says he doesn't use CarFax for any reason) get up and leave!
2. If it passes the CarFax test, have it inspected by a mechanic. Most dealers will do this for around $100.00. Take the car to a dealer that sells that make, other than the one you're buying from, of course. If the seller won't allow this, walk away from the deal.
While these two steps will cost you a few dollars, they will significantly increase the chances that you'll get a fair deal on a decent car.
2006-07-13 08:39:19 · answer #2 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the key question you should be asking is of a good friend who really knows cars....ask them to help you with your selection! Don't believe anything a used car salesman tells you...they are in it solely for the commission check, not your interests! Before you sign anything, check out the Kelly Blue Book value on the internet...make sure you get the car model and year correct, determine the condition of the body, interior, and know the milage (TRUE MILAGE). Average milage on a vehicle is 12,000 per year. Low milage will be about 6,000 per year. Avoid anything that is above average. AND, try to buy your car from a salt-free state (salt used on roads is extremely hard on the car). If you can, purchase your car in California...no salt used in that state, and the average guy takes very good car of his car here. DO NOT buy any car that looks to good to be true...it isn't true! Be very careful...the market is flooded with cars that went through Katrina...submerged, then repaired...you will not be able to trust the repair work. AND do NOT buy ANY car with a Salvage title, no matter who tells you what. You will NOT be able to get insurance coverage except liability...no comprehensive is available for a Salvage title, and you will have terrible time trying to sell a vehicle with a Salvage title. Good luck to you.
2006-07-13 07:52:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
are you the first owner?
has the car ever been in a accident?
Can i have the Vin number to check it on car fax.com?
how often did you change the oil mile wise?
did you have any major work/repair on the car? do you still have the receipts?
do you run this car mostly local or highway?
where do you work? this will let you know if he/she is lying about the highway miles.
when was the timing belt and water pump last changed. how many miles ago and years?
are you a smoker? smokers leave a bad smell in the car hard to ge rid of.
do you race with this car? if so transmission would mostlikely be shot.
where do you park the car? if its in the street the bumber should be paint peeling abit.
2006-07-13 07:54:34 · answer #4 · answered by Jeff L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Was it in an accident, used as a taxi cab or police car or other service vehicle? (Or a rental car!) These cars are not always treated well - not sure if they have to disclose it to you. You might want to bring along a friend that knows about cars and have it inspected by an independent mechanic before signing.
2006-07-13 07:48:31 · answer #5 · answered by jaybird 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
how many owner's did it have? Does it have a clear title?
Was it ever involved in a collision? If yes to, how much damage was done? Engine maintaince, was it kept up with?Same applies to transmission. Was oil/ transmission fluid changed within specs? Brakes? good fair bad? interior good? fair? poor?
You can tell alot from inside of vehicle, even if owner washed and cleaned it.
Look under seats/trunk pull up cover over spare tire, look for leaks or excessive dirt.
2006-07-13 07:52:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
your best bet is to test drive it to a mechanic that you trust. i think for a reasonable price, they will do a quick check over and let you know if the car is worth it or not.
2006-07-13 07:50:33 · answer #7 · answered by meatball822 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as many floods as there have been this year - ask if its been flooded - if he says no, and it turns out he lied, he can go to jail in most states
2006-07-13 07:52:18 · answer #8 · answered by jyd9999 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋