What are some things to look for in buying a used car?

Question

What are some things to look for in buying a used car?

Answer 1

make sure you take someone who knows about body work. For example i was going to purchase a vehicle that looked perfect no dents no scratches nothing i even got a carfax report and the car didn't seem to have had been in any wreck. but then my boyfriend went to see it and since he works doing body work he told me that the car had been crashed before and that it didn't show on carfax bc it was never reported to ins. or anything. also look for low miles cars with lots of miles start having mechanical problems. Look for mechanical problems too. Leather is the best bc if u spill something you can wipe it off and there is no smell. If u buy leather make sure it is good condition it can be pretty expensive to upholster. Power windows are more convinient but not in a volkswagon they mess up alot. Alarm is also a plus. Make sure ac and heater work. make sure tires are in good condition and that there's a spare. If the car is missing something make sure u can find the piece first before purchasing the car. Sometimes its really hard and expensive to get a part. Make sure the check engine light is not on. it's better to purchase owner to owner there is no tax included. look at every inch of the car even the inside mirrors if something is wrong make them fix it before u buy it. GOOD LUCK

Answer 2

1st decide if from individal or car lot. I think its better from individual because they are trying to just get rid of it, but car lots most assure-adly have to make a profit !! Im not slamming car lots though!! The 1st thing to look for is signs of not taking care of them . Check the oil ( if its low then u know they dont check their oil or that it mabye uses oil. Check tranny fluid , if its red and full its good , if it looks orange then its not good even if it is full. If the tires are bad you can always pick them up fairly cheap at walmart but it is a bargaining thing for you to mabye make them come down a little. If it is front wheel drive look at the tires, see if they are evenly worn. Look under front middle make sure both wheels are facing front and not leaning ( if it is that means fornt end work ) ( which ain't cheap)As far as the interior the radio can be replaced very cheap ( bestbuy you can buy new radio and have installed free) By all means test drive the car.. when done driving feel the rims or hub caps see if they are hot, if they are extremely hot the wheel bearing is most likely going out. If you ca ndo all these things yourself then its to your advantantage because you can tell them it needs this ir that. BUT if you cant then remeber most shops ( even the little rinky dink one charge at the minimum 45.00 an hour). I hope it all works out for you .

Answer 3

the mileage.....if the car is too old and mileage too low then someone messed with it.

look at the engine....if you see oil on it then its no good...engine must be dry.

take it for a long test drive (more then 15 mins)....if you see heavy smoke coming out of the tail pipe then they over filled it with oil for a smooth ride for a short time and its no good.

buy from a private seller and not the dealers....if you do go with a dealer then make sure that its not a used car dealer. they are experts in selling lemons....go with a dealer who mainly sells new cars but also has few used once....probably traded in used cars so it would be just like buying from a private seller.

check the oil and make sure its not over filled.

check for unusual noises from the engine while test driving it....clicking, knocking etc...not a good sign.

and ofcource pay 20 bucks online and check the history.....will show you all the repairs, accidents etc on the report....also check to see how many people have owned the car....less is good. if buying it from a dealer....ask them for a free history report from Internet and make them go over it with you and explain you the deals of the report.

Answer 4

open the hood...pull out the oil and transmission dipsticks. The oil should be clean and the transmission stick should not smell "burnt". Test drive it...far!... if it has a temperature gauge...watch to see if it gets hot...meaning over 190 degrees. don't test out the radio, but listen to the sounds the car makes while driving. Test drive it on the highway and see if it shakes in any way at 65-70 mph. Look underneath it to see if anything is "wet". If buying from a car dealer insist on a new inspection sticker, a new oil change, and a full tank of gas, if not...go elsewhere. If at a used car dealer..and the car is $10,000 on the tag, say "I will take it for $9,000...if he says no..say thanks and walk away. He will change his mind on price.

Answer 5

Only one thing " It must be ALMOST new". Everyday, Americans cannot afford their car payments. As a result, their new and almost new cars are seized and sold in a hurry because the storing costs are very expensive for the amount of cars they have.You can get benefit from that.

Answer 6

Look at the condition of the body. Any waves in the body? Look at the tires, make sure they are in good shape.

Finally have a mechanic inspect the car before you buy it to be sure that the car is in good shape and there are no hidden problems. good luck.

Answer 7

Good tires, clean windshield (no chips, etc.) wear and tear on the outside and inside. If it is dented or the seats soiled, it has been well "used". Remove the oil filler cap while the car is running and see if there is smoke, smell the oil filler cap, if it smells burnt, don't purchase that vehicle. Check the wear on the brake or clutch petals, if they are badly worn down it means lots of mileage, check that against the odometer. Remember "CAVEAT EMPTOR".

Answer 8

examine the engine runs nicely, oil is in sturdy project, doesnt over warmth, and has an entire selection of skill interior the path of the revs. examine all the gears have interaction nicely. examine the seize does not slip or is on the authentic of the peddle. examine once you brake the motor vehicle keeps a right now line, and once you emergency provide up you do actually provide up in clever time. examine your shocks and suspension, you do no longer prefer to be excessively bouncing, or for the motor vehicle to lose grip while cornering. The lists would desire to go on for a on a similar time as, yet i think of thats the dearer upkeep. relatively in case you don't be responsive to what your searching for you're able to pay a mechanic to do a examine for you. it's going to fee you yet they be responsive to what to look for in diverse autos, and would grant an independent opinion on the state of the motor vehicle. you could fall in love with it, yet to them its basically yet another automobile.

Answer 9

definately you have to look for LOW mileage!!GOOD LUCK!