I found a car at a local dealer that seems to be $3000 under the blue book value. It is a 2 year old Toyota. The vin# report on the car shows one owner and no history of damage, accident or mechanical problem. It has just under 20,000miles and the body/interior seems to be in good condition. Why would it be so cheap? What should I look out for?
2007-03-16 17:25:46 · 6 answers · asked by ithinkiatetoomuch 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
3000 under blue book sounds unrealistic for a Toyota, it's possible but you are wise to be cautious.
Vehicle history reports aren't always 100% accurate, there are too many variables involved to rely on, it's still important but just be aware that accidents, flood damages etc may not show up. ( See the link below for more info)
If possible and you can find out who the previous owner was then you should try and contact him/her and see what they can tell you.
It sounds like this car could be a flood vehicle or perhaps a salvaged title car that's been retitled to a clear title, which of course is illegal.
Determine if the oil has been changed on a regular basis, look inside the oil cap if you can and see if you see any oil sludge or caked up oil.
Check the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s web site at www.nicb.org, they have compiled a list of vehicles that have that have been affected by hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. While this list may not include every single vehicle, it’s a good place to start with.
Look at the cooling system as well, remove the radiator cap (COLD ENGINE ONLY) and look to see if the water is rusted or brownish looking which would indicate possible serious issues.
----Know how to peform a "proper" test drive and what to look for during, this doesn't include a spin around the block either. A proper road test should include 25 miles of driving, cold and hot, along with different road surfaces as well.---Listen for unusual noises, clatter, knocks etc. Make sure the transmission shifts properly--Hot and Cold
Make sure the seller has a "CLEAR" title in hand, don't pay until he/she does. Often times the title may be in another persons name and you may be forced to pay for several transfers.
See the links below, they may help and give you some pointers.
Jerry
http://www.usedcarwise.com
2007-03-17 02:52:49 · answer #1 · answered by usedcarwise 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If there has been a collison involved that was not reported. I would look a doors and the trunk lid for number plates. Each door should have an engraved plate and each plate number should match, if it was all original from the factory. If the numbers do not match, I would assume that body work has been performed. If you test drive this car, I would drive it with the radio turned off. That way I could hear any noise that may be coming from the car. I would ask to see an inspection report on the car. The Toyota is only two years old. If the car is at a licensed Toyota dealership and at that mileage it should be a certified used Toyota. These cars are of the upmost highest standard for a Toyota. In order for Toyota to sell them that way is that the car must be in "like new condition". If this is the case then you should have a warranty with the car as well.
If this car is not at a Toyota dealership and is that cheap. I would ask myself if something major went wrong with it would it be worth the $3000 I have saved? Sometimes it is best to spend a little more to get a good deal to begin with. You usually get what you pay for.
There is a chance that the dealership got this car either at a car auction at a great deal and need to get it off the lot. The car could have been on a lease and are not looking to loose anything because they have already made more than that through the lease program.
2007-03-16 20:55:16 · answer #2 · answered by sellandtrade 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing at all, here's the thing mom & pop mechanics also know as street mechanics do not always file paperwork for the service it's how they keep their taxes low (in most states) if this car is what you say it is then the salesman wouldn't mind letting you test drive it. But when you test drive it make set up a appointment with a toyota dealer for a full diagnogstics check it cost about 100.00 take the car there are get it checked out. best to bring the dealer with you cause technically its still his car. If it passes toyota's toughest inspection then its a keeper
2007-03-16 17:32:37 · answer #3 · answered by 1chance 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look under the car and make certain there are no wet spots. Don't let the owner or dealer tell you it's just condensation spots. If there is any question, take it to a mechanic you know and trust.
2007-03-16 17:35:50 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if your gonna save so much money on the car, use some of the money to have it inspected by a mechanic. and always look around so you know whats out there.(for piece of mind)
2007-03-16 19:11:11 · answer #5 · answered by doug h 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hire someone to inspect the car and get a carfax history report on the car.
2007-03-16 17:28:38 · answer #6 · answered by emmabugg 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask them if you can take it to your mechanic to have it checked out, then make an appontment with a mechanic.
(Not one they recommend!).
If they say no, then that tells me they may know something's wrong with it, so leave and find someone who will let you do this.
2007-03-16 17:32:07 · answer #7 · answered by dork 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋