What are atleast 10 things I know should know before I buy a pre-owned car?

Question

I want to buy a pre-owned car and not get ripped-out, what should I know before I go forth with the deal?

Answer 1

Carfax (does it have a clear title: clear of major accidents, lemon law recall, major warranty work, odometer discrepancies, etc.)

Inspection (if you purchase from a private party make sure that you can have the vehicle inspected by your service technician prior to the final purchase. if you purchase from a dealership make sure you get a copy of the Used Car Safety Inspection and see what their implied used car warranty is...it is often 500 miles/15-days)

Warranties (what is the manufacturer's warranty on the vehicle. is there a cheap extended warranty to purchase?)

Research (go onto Kelly Blue Book and see what the vehicle is worth and what other consumers say about the vehicle)

Financing (if you are having to finance the vehicle; get pre-approved by your own bank...credit union usually have the lowest rates)

Answer 2

In no particular order

1.) Has it ever been in an accident?
2.) How many owners has it had? (less is better!)
3.) Does it have service records? (if it does thats a big plus)
4.) When was the timing belt last changed? (if it has a t-belt)
5.) Does the transmission shift smoothly (automatic)
6.) Does the clutch slip (manual)
7.) Do the brakes work well? Any grinding?
8.) Does it shake on the highway or veer to one side or the other (balance/alignment)
9.) What is the condition of the shocks and springs?
10.) Is there any kind of warranty being offered?

Check Consumer Reports for the ONLY 100% non-biased reliability ratings out there.

Get a CARFAX report when you find a car you like.

Good luck.

Answer 3

The things I would need to know before I bought a used car for a decent amount of money.
Condition of tires, tread depth of 6/32 or better. I'd look for any unusual wear.
Last Oil change, type of oil and weight.
Condition of brakes, 6mm or better.
Condition of air filter, belt(s)
I'd look at the fluids.
I'd ask to have the car raised up and to be able to look it over with the tech who inspected it. Look for anything that appears to clean, as if it had been recently methodically cleaned to cover a leak.
Sometimes the tech will spot things that the dealership is unwilling to fix since they don't think a potential buyer will notice.
Before you buy check to make sure everything on the car works. Try all the window switches, check the A/C, run the fan at all speeds, play with the balance and fade control on the radio.
Ask were the car came from, ie local trade, bought at auction.
If the car has sunroof ask if its factory or aftermarket, if its aftermarket avoid it, it'll cause you nothing but problems in the long run.

Answer 4

1 .You need to know how to drive...so you can test drive
2. You need to have a clear idea how much you want to spend
3. Cash or finance?
4. Narrow down what cars you're looking for. 4 cyl? 6cyl? SUV?
5. Research the overall reliability of the cars you've decided on
6. Research the price of the car(s) you've decided on so you know how much that model is worth in your area with the mileage and condition it's in.
7. Have someone experienced come along with you.
8. Take you time looking
9. Ask for maintenance records
10. Pre-owned cars can be just as reliable as new cars.
7.

Answer 5

If it is a car from a reputable dealership they can only go with what they have been told by the previous owner. So that way you might not find out much. The good thing is some places will give you a specific warranty on the car.

Answer 6

I think it would be wise to take a mechanic with you first, or someone who is knowledgeable with cars. Check to see if there is white smoke coming from the tail pipe indication of engine trouble. Check any oil on the manifold. Listen for any noise such as knocking. See how does it accelerate to see if its missing. Take for a test drive if you can take it on the freeway. If it steers to the right or left tie rod or ball joint trouble. so my advise check the car out thoroughly before purchasing it. Look for different color in the paint sign of a accident.

Answer 7

Take the car you wish to purchase to a mechanic that you trust. If the dealership will not allow you to do this, walk. If the mechanic tells you that the car has problems and dealer disagrees, walk. Trust you mechanic, he has nothing to gain by getting you to buy a bad car. The dealer does and so does the salesman. Not all dealers and salesmen are unworthy of your trust. But there are some that will try to take you for everything that you have.

Answer 8

1. Carfax
2. KBB
3. Recalls
4. Visual inspection
5. Test drive
6. Clear title with no liens or salvaged
7. Repair history
8. Mechanic
9. Ask for ID of seller
10. Check autotrader.com for market prices

Answer 9

I can't list ten things but, one thing I would want to know for sure is if the vehicle has ever been in an accident. Also, search Lemon Law for your state.

Answer 10

skilltte has all your anwser my husband sell preowed cars and i was going to sugg everything she did