If I buy a used car 1998 such as toyota, honda or ford how do I make sure it won't break down within a year?

Question

Hi I'm trying to spend up to $2200 on a used car from a dealer or from www.pennysaverusa.com . How do I make sure it won't break down within the next year or two? 10 points.

Answer 1

You'll probably get more for your money if you buy from a reputable private party.

Dealers will dress up the car and make it look clean but often it is just superficial stuff. Their prices are much higher than private parties, even after negotiating. You have no way of knowing how the prior owner really treated the car. They seldom keep the service records from previous owner(s).

If you get a car from one owner who you can tell babied the car, you're probably going to have fewer problems. They'll be able to tell you what's been maintained, what's been replaced. But do as the others suggest and get it checked out mechanically, though, and run a check through a service like Car Fax. Don't be afraid to walk away from a deal if it doesn't suit you.

Never deal with private parties who want to meet you in vacant lots, who don't have proper documents for the car, who have deals too good to be true, who won't give you the time to check the car out first. Watch foreigners is all I'm gonna say.

Of course there are no guarantees, and the best way to make sure your car won't break down is to take care of it yourself, drive carefully and to do all preventive maintenance.

Answer 2

After having the car checked out thoroughly, maintain it. This means to check all of the fluids--oil, radiator, power steering, transmission, and brake fluids--at least once a month. Oil should be checked each week, more often if the car uses oil. Keep an eye open for leaks. You will see spots under the car when you come back to where it has been parked for any time. A good way to check for leaks is to put a large piece of clean cardboard under the motor when you park the car for the night. You remove the cardboard the next day and look for spots on it. Change the oil and filter at least every five thousand miles, although some mechanics recommend every three thousand miles. Have all hose checked every six months and replace any which aren't soft and flexible if that is their normal state. Listen for missed in the motor when it runs and have them checked out and taken care of as soon as you notice them Listen for knocks, taps, or other abnormal noises in the motor. Have all of the belts checked about every six months too. Run regular checks on all of your lightsk, front and rear, including turn signals. Lastly, don't put off small repairs since they frequently turn into major problems, repairs, and expenses.

Answer 3

That is simple: Buy the Toyota and forget about the
(Fix Or Repaid Daily) (Ford) and the Honda. I have driven Toyota's for a total of 200 thousand Miles and no problems, Only periodically did the normally required brake jobs.

Answer 4

Hell, brand new cars break down. It's a machine -- they break. Your best defense is to have some money set aside for the emergency. If nothing happens -- great. If you need the car towed and a new radiator installed, you have an instant warranty waiting in a savings account.
PS -- this is exactly the same system rich people use.

Answer 5

i own a repair shop,and i do some work for some of the dealers around where i live,and there's no way to guarantee that anything wont break down on you,even a new car can break down all you can do is check the car out as good as possible ,and even take it to a garage and have them check it real good ,and the rest is a gamble,just like life,we might not wake up tomorrow ,so who knows how long a used car can last,but if you pick a good one it may last you a long time,just use your best judgment on it,and hope it is good enough,i hope this helps,good luck with it,

Answer 6

It would be in your best interest to have it checked by a mechanic before you purchase it. The other is Car Fax. or both. Also ask if there is a warranty and get it in writing. With the mechanic's check and car fax and maintenance records as well as a written warranty. You should be fine.

Answer 7

Well any car can break down at any time.You may get a warranty but that can cost you a lot.
Just make sure a mechanic look at car before you buy it.

Good luck

Answer 8

Get a warenty from the dealer that way if it does break down the dealer will fix for free - any car any age can and will break down

Answer 9

You can,t. Even brand new cars can have problems. Just look it over well or have it checked for you by someone and use your judgement.

Answer 10

You really can't tell for sure but you could get good advice from a good mechanic about its general condition.