What is vital,when buying a used car?

Question

I know lower milelage and title is a good question,I dont know how to inspect a motor.But it would be very helpful to know what others look for when buying a used car. i.e a 95 monte carlo?thx

Well it was stated 134,000 miles,decent body,interior,all power everything works,and runs good,current reg.and clean title.An older lady gave it to another persons to pay of a debt....

Answer 1

Here are a few simple things to look for
1) Look for oil under the car on the ground and on the engine and transmission.
2) Check the oil and on the oil fill cap look for a white milk color if there is some the get away from it (likely a blown head gasket or starting to leak)
3) When you start the engine listen for noise there should be no knocking if there is then the bearing may be worn out (leave it)
4) Look for smoke from the rear , Blue smoke is oil burning, Black smoke it to much gas burning and white smoke fore a few minuets is likely OK but if it continues a long time the water is leaking in the head from somewhere. No smoke then OK
5) When you road test it check the steering alignment on a flat road at 40mph slightly hold your hands off the wheel it should drive straight for at least 1 full city block.
6) Check the stopping power is it smooth or shake (shake is warped brake rotors and a brake job may be needed)
7) Observe the transmission shift is it smooth or harsh or delayed (harsh or delayed is not good)
8) Ask for a past repair maintenance record and don't forget if your getting it from a dealership then your are covered by the 18 month or 18K miles Lemon Law but to be on the safe side I would recommend the "Lemon Protection Identifying a Lemon" book on lemonprotection.com. Good Luck and GOD Bless

Answer 2

as bad as this sounds. try carfax.com. Get the vin number off of the car. usually they are found on the driver side, just inside where the windshield meets the hood. The DMV also has a websight to check on things. they won't give you a complete report but they will tell you if they have salvage tittle on the car (which means it has been in a bad wreak and salvaged.) then. when see the car look for any discoloration or paint where it might have been repaired. make sure that the tire wear is worn fairly equally. most times it's just a small fix of alignment. Check under car first. look for stains. open the hood. most people will clean up the engine to sell. if it is clean look for little tell signs of there are any. oil spots or rust. Take it for a test drive. drive somewhere that you can get a full range of it's normal driving condtions. back roads are the best. if not. find a road where you can get about 30. from stop give it good gas. does it ping or rock? come to a fairly quick stop. did the car shake or shimmy? take it up to about 65 if you can, listen for sounds. (these car usually have pretty good motors so your not taking bad chance. if they are maintained.) drive back to the place. open the hood again.. anything knew? check under the car again. ask when the last time it was smogged. most stated require a smog cert. at sale. ask any question about any problems you had. or have your personal mechanic give it a test drive. most will tell you yes or no... i hope i've been helpful.

Answer 3

When buying a used car, always find out everything you can about the car before you buy it. Make sure that you have copies of all manuals, and engine check-ups, tune-ups, and any repairs done to the car. Also check out the dealer. Is the dealer a good dealer? Do you know anyone who has been dissatisfied with the dealer in the past? Make sure you know what you're buying exactly. If possible, take the car out for a test-drive for a couple of days, take it to a mechanic (with the dealer's approvlal...) and check if the car is in good shape. DO not buy a car that is less than 10 years old.

REASON: I would know, my aunt drives a 90's car with NO airbags, bad seatblets, and the car starts infrequently. If I was to buy a car, I would buy a brand new one.

Answer 4

When I buy a used car, I ALWAYS pay a professional mechanic to inspect the vehicle. If he says its OK then I know that it is. If he says "don't bother" then it might have cost me $125 to find out, instead of thousands of dollars to repair a hidden problem. Hire a pro mechanic to inspect the vehicle.

Answer 5

Im usually curious to know how many people have owned the vehicle..especially if its not a very old car and if it's had a few owners..that usually means that there's been problems with it and try to find out how old the people were that owned it if you can. I try to avoid any cars owned by young people. Most of the time they drive pretty hard.

Answer 6

Before you buy, take it to a mechanic for a review. Cost you about $100, so make sure it is THE car you'll buy if it passes inspection.

A maintenance log (or reciepts) is important to see how weel the car has been taken care of.

Good luck

Answer 7

You want to know if its been in a wreck, good tires, brakes, are the miles city or hwy.(this makes a lot of diff.)If know someone who knows about cars that can look at it that would be best- sometimes all the little things can add up...like if it needed brakes, oil change, tune up, alignment etc......

Answer 8

if u ask something and it takes them a while to answer about it its a good car. if they answer immediatly obviously other ppl already asked that question and were not satisfied with the car.

Answer 9

Money and a car to buy are usually vital.

Answer 10

that you get whats called a "black book" and dont pay more then a few hundred over "rough"