Need help buying a used CAR?

Question

what to look for when buying a used car, what to test & how to test, how can you really examine what is the problem without a mechanic or computer code checkup

Answer 1

Tips:

First, do as much research as you can. Read consumer reports. You should target your search to one or two models. When you talk to the car dealer, you should know exactly what you want. Do not let the car dealer tell you what you want. Later you may find out that it is simply what you can afford.

Second,Price.Remember,buying a used car for cheap does not mean that you are going to get a clunker. Price does not necessarily translate into how well the vehicle will perform.Used cars are priced cheap for a reason. Be sure to find out why before you make a purchase.For example,government car auction usually typically listed at 90% off their original value because the government can’t afford to store these items.(This site lists top 5 goverment car auction sites: http://www.purchaseusedcar.info/index.php?t=purtips )

You must check a car's history records before buying a used car. It will help you eliminate half of the cars with potential problems. The car’s history records will tell you about serious accidents and heavy abused vehicles. You should always check the history before looking into a car.

Check out the car for yourself carefully. Opinion from your friends may not always be the truth about the vehicles. It is a good idea to ask a mechanic to help you. Don’t give a deposit before the car is inspected.

Check your paperwork very carefully.

Answer 2

It is possible, although a mechanical inspection should be performed, there is a great deal that someone can do themselves with out a mechanic.

Education and knowledge is the key, knowing as much as you can before buying a car will help you reduce the risk of buying something that is a "lemon".

Mechanically speaking, you can't foresee into the future on what if anything will break down. This of course is true with even new cars, if they didn't, they wouldn't offer a warranty.

With a used car, the best you can do is to make sure the mechanical condition basics are up to par, this really isn't so difficult if you know what to look for.

Mileage is critical, too many and you may be simply wasting your money, even on a beater. Normal mileage usage is usually considered 12-15000 per year. Of course the type of mileage is also critical, is the mileage mostly in city with a a lot of stop and go, or mostly high way miles. These are important answers to find out if possible.

Research the history if possible, 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.

You should also run an online history report, but once again, this database may not be all-inclusive, it’s simply another step in the process of elimination. (See the link below concerning online history reports)

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 for more info that may help

Jerry
http://www.usedcarwise.com

ps--I created a tutorial that teaches the exact steps and procedures that one can do themselves. If you contact me you can view part 1 of this tutorial at no cost. (Hi speed internet access may be required) I can't give away part 2 for free but there still is a lot of valuable info in part 1 that will help.

Answer 3

If possible, find a friend that knows about cars to go with you. If not here's some pointers.

When it's running listen for any knocking sounds in the engine. Make sure you don't have blue smoke or an oil smell from the exhaust.

If it's an automatic transmission it should shift smoothly and quietly.

Make sure the steering wheel doesn't have extra play. If you have to move it quite a bit just going straight there's something loose in the front end.

When you accelerate it should not hesitate or shudder.

When braking, the car should stop smoothly and not pull to one side. The brakes should not make a grinding or squealing sound. (squealing could just mean it needs new pads, but still)

Make sure the doors open and close easily.

If there's different coloured paint anywhere on the inside of the body panels the car's been in an accident and been repainted.

Watch for bubbles in the paint, that means there's rust underneath.

Make sure the engine runs smoothly and consistently when idling. Let it get up to operating temperature.

Check that all the lights work. And any other electrical options like power windows, door locks, rear window defroster etc.

Don't put too much faith in safety inspections. They can be old, or they can be false. Also they don't tell you if it's a good car, just that it's a safe car.

Answer 4

ride with the owner driving take Him as Far as possible.

not noises ,not over heating pay for the gas,

any problem or inconveniences do not buy it.

do not buy a car that need repairs,if after You buy it and something comes up then assume it.

no smoke in the tail, not burn smelling.no noises.


Buy a car the way the dealers does.(Mercedes 2003 is the same price as the V.W. 1965,or a Ford Vega)
the dealers buy "cold blood" they do not fall in love for any car, business is business.

listen to the seller excuses,don't trust any. don't say nothing ,just don't buy.

Answer 5

Start by visiting as many used car dealers as possible, make mental or written notes about available models with special attention to the relative odometer readings, age and listed price. this will help you to narrow down your search. There are also used cars detroit market to give you cool deals. Good Luck!

Answer 6

if you buy a used car over $695 dollars the lemon law comes into effect.that means the seller has to pay for it to pass inspection.
ask if it would be OK to take it to a shop and have it checked out if the seller says no than you know he or she has something to hide and that should tell you not to buy.

Answer 7

You can always get a certified pre owned since it come with a warranty....other than that not sure