I am going to buy a car soon at a used car dealer. What should I look for so I don't get riped off?

Answer 1

Make sure to smell the dip stick for oil and look at it for burning make sure the wear on pedals match up with miles on car also check front and rear quarter panals have the same gap all around if not probably wrecked.

Answer 2

I like the one that says you can get the same payment on a NEW car..Now that is about as dumb as I've ever heard..So sad to say people actually think like that now days..You might get a similar payment on a new car but you will be paying on the new car for 6-8 yrs, vs 1-2 yrs on a used one...

The type of person that thinks like that is usually the one that the repo co. is looking for.

Some people actually have goals in life and dont want to pay for a car for 6 years..And probably dont want to pay 35-40 thousand for one either..

Just find a car that you like and have it checked by a good mechanic and if you feel the deal is fair,then buy it..Yes, Kelly Blue book and NADA can be used as a guide also,but they are not the bible on used cars,,,they are only a guide,as they will tell you...

Good Luck!

Answer 3

verify the fuse field. ascertain the fuses arent corroded(this occurred to me after i bought a vehicle, i found it had leaks from a lacking gromit interior the engine bay, which allowed water under the dashboard and onto the fusebox). turn the ventilation fan on severe, activate warmth and a/c. verify the subject of the wipers. wade by using a carwash throughout your attempt rigidity. look interior the trunk. see how sparkling that is. additionally verify the drains interior the trunk and under the hood. in case you notice a lot of leaves, leaf stems and debris there could be water drainage issues. experience the carpet under the seats and verify for dampness. verify the subject of the climate striping around the doors and domicile windows. bring up the hood and see in case you will get easy accessibility to changing the headlight and indicator bulbs. With some automobiles, it might desire to require getting a mechanic to eliminate numerous aspects purely to alter a bulb in case you have not have been given the right kit. If i've got ignored something, i'm specific somebody will upload extra. not sleep!

Answer 4

pay the extra $$ get a complete inspection by a competent tech off-site. by that i mean take it to another tech at another shop, and get a complete diagnostic and inspection. a carfax will help, too, but these things arent reliable.if the selling dealer will not allow that, then walk away. they may be hiding something. do not use their mechanic and their shop to inspect it. drive it for about 45 minutes at all speeds, including alot of turning, backing,stopping, ect. all the things you would do normally when driving your own car.if it has a problem, find out now.... not later.

Answer 5

1. Find out what it's worth at http://www.kbb.com
2. Find out what other owners are saying at http://www.epinions.com
3. Find out if there have been any recalls at http://www.intellichoice.com
4. Find out its past history at http://www.carfax.com
5. Look in the Yellow pages for a reputable mobil mechanic that will come to the dealer for a thorough inspection. Costs around $100.

Answer 6

Know what you want before you go. Check user, expert and reliability ratings on those vehicles you want http://autos.msn.com/home/used_research.aspx (blue book prices) too.Test drive the cars by taking them by a mechanic or friend that is knowledgeable

Answer 7

Ask for a test drive and take the car to a mechanic whom you or your friend or family know let him check if the car wasn't crashed, check the timing belt, engine also if the mileage needle in at zero because if that's been reset it will never be on zero and lastly trust your instinct. Good luck

Answer 8

I always found that cars with soiled interiors have been mistreated. Also a used four door is less likely to have been abused compared to a two door sports car. Good luck, you can get a new car with about the same payment.

Answer 9

make sure they have the original car title because if they dont and you buy the car you wont be able to sell it after you are done with it. the value with go down big time!!

Answer 10

I would recommend that you take a look at the blue book value before buying anything. take a few days to do your homework 1st. I'd recommend starting with the "Kelly's Blue book Value Guide".