What's the best way to buy a good used car without being a lemon?

Question

I'm looking for a used car from $3000.00 -$5000.00

Answer 1

Don't even LOOK at any "BUY HERE PAY HERE" lots. Forget they even exist.

and, copied from another answer I just gave:

deally, the owner also has receipts for parts and/or labor on major services performed on the car. This isn't make-or break, but it's nice. This isn't for any official reason, just to reassure you the car has been maintained.

Take it to a mechanic if you like. If the owner won't allow it, walk away.

Otherwise, test drive with the stereo off. Make sure all the interior amenities WORK, but don't use them while driving. AC/Heat, stereo, defrosters, windows, seats. Check them out and then forget about them.

Pop the hood before you drive it and check the coolant (if it's cold, if not, well, you can check the overflow tank at least)...it should be green or orange and at least translucent. If it's brown, the owner hasn't been maintaining it. If it's brown because there's OIL in it, run away.

Check the oil fill cap and dipstick. If the oil is black, run away. If there's like milky residue on it, run away.

The engine should be dirty. If it's clean, it could be hiding something. Dirty engines show you exactly if and where they are leaking. They have no secrets.

When you're driving you're listening for any squeals, taps, rattles, knocks, or pings NOT coming from the interior of the car. If there are any sounds you can't explain, walk away.

If it's front wheel drive or all wheel drive, do turns with the steering at full travel both ways, and listen for knocking. If it's present, knock off a couple hundred from the price to fix the CV axles.

When you're done test driving, pop the hood and smell the engine. There should be a faint oily odor, and that's it. If you smell anything burning, if you smell gasoline, you don't want the car.

Check to make sure the suspension bushings aren't too far gone (though you'll be able to tell when you're driving). Also look for rust on the body and the underside of the car.

Check to make sure the tires aren't worn unevenly.

And that's pretty much it, though specific cars may have other things to look for.

The main thing you want from a mechanic is a compression test. Unless the car feels way weaker than it should, there's no way for you to know if compression is good when test driving.

Answer 2

Honda or Toyota, and avoid the domestics in that price range. Also avoid the small, independent dealerships. They tend to be overpriced and bought at auction. If you can find one at a reputable, new car dealer, that may be best way to go. They tend to auction off the clunkers, and only keep the best ones that are not likely cost them any money on warranty repairs. Only the best cars warrant the dealers effort to sell. Maybe a mid 90's Honda or Toyota that some little old lady traded in on a new Camry.

Consumer Reports is an excellent source.

Answer 3

Take a mechanic with you.
Too many previous owners can be a red flag for the car's problems.
Use carfax to check it's history.
If it is a stick shift, ask the owner to get in and drive you around.
If they drive with their hand resting on the shift stick the whole time, the bearings will be worn weird. Do they use high rpm's from first to second gear? If yes, chances are the it will blow a head gasket soon.

Answer 4

I recently bought a used car. First, I subscribed to Consumer Reports' Used Car Buying Kit, and I subscribed to Carfax. I did my research.

But I live on an island without dealerships, so in the end, I enlisted the help of a retired used car dealer I trusted. I had a few good conversations with him, in which I told him what I was looking for, what was important to me in a car. He flew to a bigger island, found the car I was looking for, bought it, and had it barged over. Not sure how much I actually paid him, but it was well worth it for the hassle he took care of, and the use of his judgement.

Answer 5

The best way is to do some homework! Run the VIN on CARFAX, ask the seller where the car came from and as was already suggested take it to a neutral, 3rd party mechanic PRIOR to purchase/negotiations for a complete inspection.

Answer 6

Have a local auto mechanic review the car, it may cost you $50 to have it done but it will be well worth it. Also research the car on the internet looking at the title to be sure it is clear. You can contact previous owners and see what they have to say about the car.

Answer 7

i own a repair shop,and you can buy some really good cars in that price range and newer model also,your best bet it to take someone with you ,that really knows about cars,and have them look it over really good,because these days there are a lot of lemons out their and its real easy to make a mistake and buy one of them,and with money being tight like it is no one needs a car to spend on all the time,if you know someone who will go with you that knows a lot about cars ,that's the best way to keep from getting a lemon,good luck i hope this help,s.