How do I konw if the car I'm purchasing is a good car?

Question

I went to Ga this weekend to look at a car! 1970 Chevy SS Clone Chevelle 396/330. It was nice but I had a few unanswered questions about the car! The first thing I noticed is when I got into the vhehicle and pushed on the gas pedal it was stiff! I also noticed when the car's hood was lifted up it had a ticking noise. The owner told me it was because of the high performance cams. The last thing I noticed was when we parked the car it started leaking oil 10 min later! Like 4 or 5 drops I was told by the owner the car had been sitting for a while. I was also told the seals were pushed up to the tranny that was the reason for the oil leak. Also the speedometer didn't work I was then told that when they put the new transmission in the car that the cables didnt match! Its a good car though the dang thing put me back in my seat when put it in gear three and bang it in drive at 30 mph. Please help!

Answer 1

Scam... take it to a shop and listen to them when they tell you that it is a POS.

Answer 2

Do you have a friend who is a mechanic or someone you can trust who knows a lot about cars? I would try to have them take a look at the vehicle. You can also check on-line and see if you can find out anymore information about the car on-line and read through forums to see what further information you can get from there. The forums should tell you what to expect from the car and what problems have shown up for other owners.

I see that others have recommended using Carfax and while it is helpful, I would not rely on it completely. My friend went to look at a car after checking out Carfax and the report said that the car was fine; never in in accident. My friend discovered that the car had been in a pretty bad accident because the entire front end was replaced and there was a lot of paint over spray. Carfax will only show accidents that have been reported by reputable mechanics, body shops, and where someone has paid for the repairs using insurance.

Answer 3

First, unless it is a solid lifter motor, you should not be hearing the lifters. It may be an exhaust leak, though. Sometimes sounds like lifters ticking. Second, small oil leaks are not uncommon, but find out where it is coming from. They don't fix themselves. I don't know what to tell you about the speedo cable, sounds like maybe it was a truck transmission, and has an adapter at the pencil gear. Check it out closely. I would recommend having a reputable shop go over it thoroughly, it may cost you a little bit, but may be worth it.

I had a 66 SS396/375hp Chevelle, 4spd car. I loved it. I could pass anything but a gas station. I sold it about 20 yrs ago and kick myself all the time for that. Have fun.

Answer 4

You should spend ten bucks and get a Car-Fax report. www.CARFAX.com They will give you the complete history of the car. When and where it was registered and by whom. When you know by whom you can talk to them and get more insight into the cars reliability and be advised of any quirks the car might have. It will also tell you if the car has ever been in an accident or been flooded. If it has, you don't want this car, unless you thrive on dealing with problems. Hope this helps your dilema and answers your question.

Answer 5

If you don't know the answers to these questions, you shouldn't be buying this car. A car like this should only be owned by people who know how to tear apart and fix cars. By cars guys.

Answer 6

If I were you, I would have it checked out by a reputable mechanic BEFORE you actually give this guy your money. You don't really know him, after all. He 'could' be lying to you just to get the car sold and outta there.

Answer 7

CarFax offers a service that will have a certified mechanic check your vehicle prior to purchase. I would also have a trusted local shop check it out also. Good luck.

Answer 8

depends on how much $ he wants for it. Sounds like trouble already so dont by it unles you get it cheap. Your gonna need money for repairs. Also make sure it has no rust