What questions should you ask when buying a used car?

Question

I'm buying my fist car, for maybe around $1,000 and I don't really know what to ask the seller.

Answer 1

If you can get a carfax report it would be great. If not look for things. Here are just a few
1. Uneven tire ware could mean big expense later
2. Sounds wired but stick you finger in the tail pipe and swirl it around if it comes out dry and sooty that's good if its gooey that's bad (unless car is a diesel) means car is burning oil big repair bill in future
3.look for drive way stains of oil or antifreeze means car has leaking problem
4. look underside of car for sign of leaks if there is a lot of oil under car ask

Answer 2

Why are you selling the car?
Is the car certified for the road?
What work needs to be done on it to be certified?
Oh having someone that know a cars engine and how it works is a really good idea to have with you when u go shopping for the car. Oh yes if u are female take a male with you,. Some guys like to take advantage of women when selling cars, They can sell u a piece of junk if you don't know anything about cars..
Do you have a record of the car owners?
How much is the car>?
if the car is best offer start at a lower price than a thousand. say 800.00 and work it up to the amount you have to spend.
If the guy is set on a price than u still can offer a lower bid. But show him only what u got to offer never any more put the rest in your pocket. Say " i got 850.00 see what he says? Maybe he'll say yes.... good luck..

Answer 3

The best thing you can do is obtain a CARFAX report on the vehicle. For this you will need the VIN number of the vehicle (you can find it on the registration) and go to CARFAX website. It might cost you about $20.00 but you will find out the ENTIRE vehicle history.

Now in RARE cases, some cars have been in accidents that have not been reported... But check it out. You should have a pretty good idea of what went on with that car.

Also, good idea to bring a man with you (uncle, dad, friend) who may know about cars.

Good luck, sweetie!!!

Answer 4

Ask how many miles it has, if anything leaks, if anything has been repaired recently and if they have ther certification (brakes are often certified, etc), ask if it has any engine problems, how old the tires are, when they were last replaced, if anything needs to be repaired..ask if anything is wrong with it, has it ever been in an accident and if so, what was hit/affected. If you know any car buffs see if they'll go along to check it out too. See if you can drive it around to make sure it's ok.

Answer 5

The number one question to ask - is the past history of the vehicle - such as service records and accidents it might have been in.

Answer 6

You should check out http://www.nationalcarbuyingcenter.com

This guy used to have forums up and answered quickly. My uncle even used his advice to save some money but I haven't been there in awhile.