Before taking it to a mechanic and paying for inspection
2007-09-10 07:05:49 · 8 answers · asked by jlau_hn 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Overall cleanliness would be one thing. A very dirty engine probably hasn't been taken care of all that well. Look for cracked wires and hoses, loose wires, badly worn belts, and things that are loose or look like they aren't where they belong. Check the oil for level and cleanliness. It should be brown and reasonably clear, not black.
If the overall impression of what you see under the hood is not particularly good then see how it runs and take it to a mechanic if you think it might still be a good buy.
Car engines are very durable and will take a lot of mistreatment before they develop problems. That doesn't mean they won't develop problems, though, and early detection can save you a lot of money.
2007-09-10 07:18:12 · answer #1 · answered by Warren D 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just drive the car and do a hard brake test. That will tell you allot about a car if it stops straight and fast. Look for smoke coming out the tail pipe. Check the dip sticks. Both the motor and tranny oil sticks should be clean with no unusual smells like a burnt smell. Let it idle with the a/c on and see if it over heats at all. Check for leaks under the car after you drive it around for a while.
Good Luck!
2007-09-10 07:14:51 · answer #2 · answered by Frankie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check that the battery posts are clean and free of rust. Check any hoses that you can touch for brittleness or leaks. Look underneath for any leaks. Check the wear on the tires. Inspect the interior; if it's clean and in good shape, chances are the engine will be too.
2007-09-10 07:16:36 · answer #3 · answered by bizou_bear 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
smell the oil and trans fluids
if it smells hot(burnt) stay away
also you can see little tiny, almost microscopic metal flakes in the engine oil if the engine is worn out. requires direct sunlight to see 'em
if the fluids are brand new be suspicious
then wiggle the steering wheel back and forth while watching the tires move. there should be no freeplay in the wheel, every tiny spin should result in tire movement freeplay means wjorn front end parts.
2007-09-10 07:15:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look for the engine to be clean look for water marks like antifreeze had spud out, new hoses belts alternator starter and look underneath for scrapes and damages parts, look it over good make you a list and check them off , hope this helps
2007-09-10 07:15:01 · answer #5 · answered by JT B ford man 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be hard to explain on here, seems like you don't know much about cars. Bring a friend or family member along that could help you out.
2007-09-10 07:11:37 · answer #6 · answered by ☆ღWifey Wifeyღ☆ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure that you look like you know what you are doing, that way the seller will be impressed. If you look like a sucker that doesn't know anything about engines then they will take advantage of you.
2007-09-10 07:12:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The rabid racoon, hey, ask Peter Griffin!......lol
2007-09-10 07:17:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋