2007-01-29 04:55:30 · 12 answers · asked by ? 6 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
1. any recalls on that vehicle make, model, year
2. check the VIN and carfax to make sure no bad records are on the car.
3. check to see if any body work or replacement panels are on the car. just cause its not on carfax doesn't mean it couldn't of been done.
4. have a mechanic that is not at that car lot look over the car for a fee of normally $50.
5. test drive the car more than once and more than 10 minutes. take it home over night if possible, some dealers allow this.
6. make sure its a car you need, not one that is cute or sharp.
7. look on consumer reports and see how the car holds up over time for wear and tear, maintenance issues, etc.
8. miles and price vary per car, make sure its something you can live with.
9. never figure you can afford a car by car payment alone. you have at least 10% payment each month for maintenance, you have gas and you have insurance. add all this up and that is what you can afford, this will keep you from going upside or late payments on the car.
10. ask questions, no matter how stupid. and realize the dealer doesn't know the car, they only bought it at auction and have had it for a few days to a few weeks. past that they have no clue who owned it, how it was driven, nothing. they thought it was a good deal and a good car so they bought it to resell.
2007-01-29 05:03:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't think carfaxs are that accurate. I checked the carfax for my car a couple of years ago and it didn't list any of the accidents that is has on it. I think carfax only shows listings that were reported by insurance agencies. What I would do is pay a mechanic to take a look at the car and make sure that everything is in working order. It will cost you to pay for the mechanic, but it will be worth it if you decide to get the car.
2007-01-29 13:04:25 · answer #2 · answered by Tedo 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are a few things you should keep in mind about the car...
1. miliage of the car
2. Engine condition and Cylinder. (4,6,8, or 12)
3. Whether the car had any accidents or recalls due to malfunction
4. Condition of the brakes
5. Whether it would be easy enough to get maintanance or repair on the car in the future in case it breaks down. (You don't want to buy a car with relatively limited technical support from either the auto dealer (the company) or your local repair shop.
2007-01-29 13:08:05 · answer #3 · answered by Andy L 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First...call car fax and make sure that the car hasn't been written off..( meaning bad accident and car should be in a scrap yard because of severe damage, not on the road )
second...get a inspection done in any garage to see if there is any need for mechanical work to be done. Even if the one you are buying from tells you there's no need..it's the best $90.00 you'll spend
third: make sure that the car hasn't been re-painted because it diminishes the value in some cases..
good luck!!!
2007-01-29 13:03:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
How to tell if a car is worth buying or not. Obvious signs of repair damage, replaced (dodgy) parts, rust that's been painted etc.
2007-01-29 13:03:58 · answer #5 · answered by Slappy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
CHECK BODY, ENGINE, MILES, LEAKS UNDER AND ON TOP, TIRE TREAD, OFFCOURSE THE CONDITION OF THE INSIDE AND OUT, AND LISTEN CAREFULLY FOR WEIRD SOUNDS. MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR GETTING YOURSELF INTO WITH THAT MAKE AND MODEL.
THE BEST THING TO IS CHECK THE """ VIN# AT CARFAX.COM OR ANY OTHER WEBSITE""" ITS LOCATED EITHER ON THE FIRE WALL OR ON TOP OF YOUR DASH BOARD.
FOR ABOUT $20 IT WILL GIVE YOUR THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF YOUR CAR FROM ITS FIRST PREVIOUS OWNER. FROM OIL CHANGES TO WRECKS. OFFCOURSE IT WILL ONLY SHOW YOU WHAT HAS BEEN REPORTED OR FILED!
2007-01-29 13:05:57 · answer #6 · answered by srodrico 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Find out all of the backround information on it. The mileage past/present problems things like that. Also check out who your buying it from to find out if they will give you good truthful information. Good luck, and don't be taken advantage of
2007-01-29 13:00:33 · answer #7 · answered by babycakes7795 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to www.carfax.com here you will be able to find out valuable information, such as has this car been involved in a wr eck, flood, etc. good luck!
2007-01-29 13:08:37 · answer #8 · answered by Lunny2006 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ask for the carfax on the car
2007-01-29 13:02:49 · answer #9 · answered by blur b 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
get on carfax.com when you find a car you like to find out the history.
2007-01-29 13:23:15 · answer #10 · answered by Robert B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋