When buying a used car what do you need to look for?

Question

any good advice? or book?

Answer 1

Well if you want an old car, you really have to ask important questions:

Has the car been in any serious injury's?

How old is the car?

Has there been any mechanical problems with the veichle?

Has there been any electrical problems with the veichle?

Ask if the car has bad rust?

Has the car been modified?

Now things you should look for on an older car:

Rust
Dents
Dings
Ripped Leather
Flat Tires
Starts Well
Brake Lights Work
Binkers Work
No missing buttons in the veichle
Brakes work very well
Car is Leaking
Airconditioning Works
Radio Works and Speakers Work

****YOU MUST TEST DRIVE THE CAR TO SEE IF IT IS IN WORKING CONDITION****

If you want a used newer model car the car may be in better condition. BUT ALWAYS ASK THE SAME QUESTIONS AND LOOK FOR THE SAME STUFF!!!!!!!!

MOST IMPORTANT ask why they are selling the car. They may say something bad ex: THE CAR LEAKS
Maybe something good ex: WE NEED A BIGGER CAR

See who gives the better deal!!!! Walk around!!!

Make sure you are getting a good deal and good luck and you will do fine looking for a used car.

Answer 2

Like evreyone here says, take a mechanic with you. But for those who dont know one here are two good tips.
Tip one:
Take a pair of sunglasses with you, why you ask? If you are looking at a used car in the sun without sunglasses the car may look fantastic. But if you put the sunglasses on you will be able to tell if the car has had any kind of body work done to it, how? Every car that comes out of a factory has some kind of orange peel. Orange peel is what it sound like, the paint job has a textured look to it like an orange peel. Cars that have had body work done to them have a real smooth (mirror like) finish to them. Due to the fact that almost every body shop will buff the finish product.So if you see one panel with orange peel and one without then the car has been wrecked and fixed.
Tip two:
Always check the motor oil. Many people will put a thicker oil in it to stop engine knocking and make it sound quiet as if it were a very good car.check the engine oil in direct sunlight if you see sparkles in it, then the engine has major wear, the sparkles are engine shavings, DO NOT buy that car. Another way to check it is to feel the oil. Run it through your fingers if it feels rough, you have engine problems. I do this when ever a friend asks me to check a car they plan on buying. When ever I do this, since I already have oil on my fingers I will smell it. If the oil has a very strong gasoline smell to it, i would recomend not buying the car. A slight gasoline smell is ok, because all engines have blowby. Blowby is when unburned fuel pass the piston rings into the crankcase. This in normal, but too strong of a smell, means there is some major problem coming up ahead.

Good luck and hope this helps. :0)

Answer 3

Here is my opinion based on years of driving and talking to many people about cars. I would only consider buying foreign cars. Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Subaru...etc. These cars are known to be better, and last longer. You really need to take someone with you who knows a lot about cars, not just a friend. Reading consumer reports is best when narrowing your search. Always look for body rust, frame rust, engine oil leaks, cracked or loose belts, exhaust and muffler, make sure there's a spare tire and jack provided, check all the lights and electrical components. And always make them give you a full tank of gas and ALWAYS TEST DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY- UP TO 70 MPH. Good luck

Answer 4

check under car for any leaks,oil,antifreeze,etc. take a peek at the engine if its very dusty or corosed parts those are signs of mistreatment and you could end up with expensive repairs, drive test the car...see if it drives smooth and noise free...so turn on the A/C see if it gets really cold, same with heater if it gets hot they are good,check seat belts,check the emergency brake a.k.a parking brake put it on drive, press the gas pedal a little bit if it doesnt move- brakes are good. if the engine shakes,sputters,stalls,knocks and pings then the car is not worth buying it.now when you have choosen the right car you still going to need a tune up only if you buy a car from non-used certifided dealer. a tune up would be oil change,tranny flush, coolent flush,fuel injection clean up,spark plugs and spark plug wires,timeing belts and a/c belts...that should be it....i recomend you in buying a honda accord or civic if not then a toyota any model...good luck

Answer 5

What do you look for? Do the tires need inflating? Replacing? Does the air conditioner work, right? What condition are the seats. Anything it should have, missing? Has the car had any damage, in the past? Does it need a new front window? Does the engine need work? Does the car need a battery? does it need a new alternator? Does the car need new breaks or something?

Answer 6

One of the first things I would do is get the VIN # and check it with the DMV. Here's a site that will tell you about the vehicles history http://www.dmv.org/vehicle-history.php

And before buying it, take it to a mechanic you trust and have them look it over and tell you what they think. It might cost a little for the mechanic, but it is worth it in the long run. You don't want to buy a money pit (lemon.)

Answer 7

Definitely if you know a good certified mechanic, have him inspect it, he can tell you what's good and what's wrong. Otherwise, check for fluid leaks, weird wiring, anything out of the ordinary. When driving, listen for clicks or noises, the feel of the brakes, and play or jerk in the steering wheel. Above all, don't be afraid to ask questions and don't let someone talk you into buying something you're not sure of!!!

Answer 8

It is determined by the form of vehicle you're watching for. Due to the credit score crunch plenty of humans are downsizing such a lot of of the hatchbacks are promoting fast. The vehicle you selected relies on ur price range that you dont say. If you dont do many miles in a 12 months it's valued at watching at a few of bigger elegance automobiles and also you would select up a bargin. Good good fortune

Answer 9

Make sure it's a car of a brand you can depend on like Toyota, or Mitsubishi. You probably don't want a gas guzzler (car that uses up too much gas), also. Also look for a car with a small amount of miles.

Answer 10

It depends on the year of its manufacture and the number of miles covered by its owners. Look for the following: Chassis(no serious corrosion or rust. Engine (manifold emissions rate, if it is in good shape and does not need a major overhal etc.) Transmission and Brakes (in good shape or not). If you cannot check these factors by yourself ask a friend who knows about them or take it to a garage where they can check it out thoroughly for a small amount of money.