what questions to ask when buying a used car before saying "I'll take this car" ?

Question

Tonight i will be see a used car to test drive. This is my first time buying a car. Can you help me on what kind of questions I should ask and what things to check out when I test drive the car ?

I've got the VIN# already, I checked it, everything is good. The car is toyota camry 2003, the mileage is only 66K, the price asked is 11000.

what about smog check ? should I ask the seller to do the smog check for me ?

Answer 1

Well the ideal thing would be for you to have the vehicle looked over by a mechanic prior to purchasing. You can evaluate the vehicle yourself first to see if it's even worth taking to one.

If the VIN checked out and it's priced reasonably compared to similar makes and models, then I would proceed to test drive it and give it a good evaluation. Have the seller help by pressing the brake pedal to check the lights and so forth.

It never hurts to try and negotiate if you feel the price is too high. The best way to negotiate is to offer a commitment to purchase by saying "I will buy the vehicle right now if you reduce the price to / or fix these items ." I will give you a link to the free used car evaluation website which goes into detail about this topic.

A couple of the other answerer's in this category also have some pretty good free websites to help you in this situation. Good Luck and you can email for questions.

http://www.usedcarevaluator.com

Answer 2

Ask them if they can present you with a Carfax history report. That should show if the car had any major service or was in any accidents. Then just inspect things like how it the engine sounds when it runs, if there's any loud noises when it does this. Then just get a visual on some things like the tire treads to see how worn they are and also check upholstery on the inside for any skuffs or anything you wouldn't want. Some other good things to ask the person is how well they drove it and how old the tires are, how long have they owned it, were they the first, second etc owner. It may be tough to grasp the concept that this car won't be perfect since it's used, but just check some of the basics that I listed to make sure the car is still in decent shape. Also, when it comes time to buy, make sure you try to bargain with the dealer/owner. See if they will clean it for you, fill the tank, fix any minor parts, lower the price, etc. If they really want to sell you this car, then you can convince them to do some of these things, and you'll feel good that you got a good deal. Good luck and have fun choosing!

Answer 3

In some states the smog check is required by law before selling the car, so check your state.

Questions to ask:

1. Has it ever been in a wreck or have any type of damage such has water damage (a lot of cars are being resold from the south with damage from the hurricane)

2. Does it have a clean title.

3. Do you have service records. If they have oil change records that show maintenance from every 3k-5k miles. You probably won't have too many issues with the car. If they don't have service records, consider having it looked over at a local mechanic shop.

5. Any problems with the car that you know of? What problems have you had with the car. Why are you selling it?

6. When is the timing belt due for replacement. Last tune up? Many people sell their car before an expensive dealer checkup.

To Check:

Inside the car, turn on all of the electrical elements, (radio, wipers, hazard, dome lights, fog lights, blinkers, door locks, seat heater, etc...) Check all the windows, doors, and trunk to see that they open/close properly. Move seats back and forth if they are mechanical. Check the gas cap release door. Turn on the A/C and see if it comes on slowly and gets colder... a good sign... if it comes on cold quickly it may have a temporary coolent added...not always the case but if buying from a used car dealership...it is worth noting.

Visually inspect the car for damage, rust , discoloration. If you look closely inside the door wells and trunk you can often tell if the car has been repainted, has rust or structural changes like body putty.

Check the tires for wearing issues, they should have good amount of tread (a least a half penny's worth if you stuck the penny into the tread) Any uneven wearing can tell you a lot about the alignment of the car, springs, struts, etc...)

Drive the car: (radio off)

Notice if it pulls to a particular side on an even road. Find a safe place like an open parking lot and drive straight with you hands floating over the steering wheel and hit the brakes. If it pulls to one side the car has a brake issue that needs to be addressed. It should come to a stop without vibration, rattle, or pulling.

Turn the wheel to the far left and drive a a tight, slow circle, notice any sounds or uneven feeling. Then do the opposite side. Ball/joint issues can show themselves with test.

Drive the car in reverse. Also, if its an automatic, with the car stopped, go through all of the gears and notice any sounds, or lunging...signs of transmission issues.

Drive the car on the open road over 55 and then hit the passing gear, it should smoothly accelerate and when the gas is lifted go easily back to overdrive.

If at night, check the headlights, full and highbeam.

Once parked again... open the hood, and listen. Should sound like a smooth engine, no ticking or clicking. Have the owner or a friend give the gas a push to rev the engine. Listen for the same sounds.

Checks the oil cap...if it is corroded with oil sludge or you can see heavy deposits on the inside walls of the wells... reconsider purchasing this car. Check the dipstick...if it looks burnt...same advice. Oil sludge is a costly repair and is why some people put their car on the market.

Look at the engine and notice any oil stains around the engine head or around...can be a sign of an oil leak...also move the car ten feet forward and notice if there is any fresh oil on the ground. Also, if the engine is spotless but the rest of the car seems in casual condition... I would be wary....they could have cleaned up any oil signs to hide problems. The engine should match the general condition of the car. There are exceptions, but still a warning sign.

Look at the windshield. It should have the toyota markings in a corner somewhere. If it doesn't say toyota then it has been replaced at some point. I tell you to do this last because if the owner has said the car has never had a problem, been in an accident, etc... and they are the only owner... then they are lying to you.... the windshield can be replaced if it has a crack or in an accident...you won't know, but you can tell a lot if the seller lies about this little point... It is possible they don't know why it doesn't match, so you will have to go by how you feel about their honesty.

Lastly, so a google check for 93 camry's. Look in the forums for toyota camrys (type toyota camry forum). Look for any problems owners have had with the 93 year. That way you can see recurring problems. The owners in the forums will be brutally honest as they have the problem and are trying to find a solution.

Cheers,

Good luck

Answer 4

The main thing would be to have a mechanic check out the car for you. It may cost you some dollars but you will know how good a car it is before you buy it instead of after.

It doesn't matter what questions you ask the owner, you won't know if he is telling the truth or not. He most likely will not admit to any faults and will try to hide them. He is trying to make the most money that he can.

Don't buy the car on the first trip, think about it over night and make sure this is the best decision you can make. Don't be an impluse buyer, you will wind up getting less car and paying more for it by doing that.

There are plenty of cars out there, just don't fall in love with the car until after you buy it, not before.

good luck.

Answer 5

I don't know what model Camry you are buying but the high end model goes for $11,650 for private seller. I would go to nadaguides.com and find out what the vehicle is worth before you go. Also ask to take it to a mechanic to have it checked over (highly recommended). Ask if they have any service records available. I would also find out how new/old the tires are.

I would definately ask them to have the smog check done before you buy!

Answer 6

1. ask if it is coming with any warranty or is it sold on a as-is basis 2. if warranted ask how much they will pay upon repair cost under warranty 3. GET ALL PROMISES IN WRITING! 4. ask to have car inspected by independent mechanic BEFORE purchase 5. ask for a maintenance record from the dealer or seller 6. test car on highway, hills, and stop go traffic 7. ask why car is being sold.

Answer 7

If you want some pointers what to look for in a test drive go to this link on my website http://www.usedcartips.org/TESTDRI.html its how I appraised vehicles for condition and value for 30 years, I don't expect you to become an expert over night, but get value for your bucks...

After your test drive car is still of interest an independent inspection will cost you a few bucks, if seller wont allow you must walk away from the deal.

As for questions to ask and how to negotiate study my website , good luck

Answer 8

The most important question is this: "May I take the vehicle to my mechanic to have it checked?" If they say "No" run from the deal. Otherwise have it checked. Better to spend a little now than a lot later. If it checks out, they you can get serious on buying it.

Smog checks are your responsibility, unless one is due now or past due, in which case they should have it done.

Answer 9

if you don't know what you're doing, bring someone that does with you.