[jphase]

So, I'm looking for a used car. I found 2 I like but before I sign anything:

What are some things I should look for?
What are some things I should check?
What are somethings I should listen to?


There used to be a topic pinned before the server crashed.. grr..

so please help me out

[ghost]

what car are you looking to get?

[jphase]

right now I'm looking at a 1997 Nissan Maxima GLE w/ 73xxx miles for $4500.00 and a 1999 Honda Civic EX w/ 75xxx miles for $5500.00.

I just need a car to go to school, work and church. nothing major. and a car that gets decent gas mileage.

[Clix]

title, mileage, maintenance history, repair history, and any current mechanical problem.

that's what i'd look for.

[jdmj0]

check if the title is clear. easiest way is just to carfax it via vin number.

maximas aren't exactly owned by racing-enthusiast, so if you can, open the hood, check if the hoses are cracking. take a test drive, any weird noises? rattling, schreeching, etc.

civics on the other hand...

btw, is this 3rd party, dealership, other?

[jphase]

I went back today to get the vehicle's vin. while we were there, my dad drove it a little. he moved it up a few feet, then back. but when he was backing up and pressed on the brake, it made a loud screeching sound. i'm guessing its the brakes. I'll have to take a look under the hood tomorrow when it's bright out since it was dark when we got there. I'll also test drive it. One thing I did notice is that the right side speakers don't work but the left do. I'm hoping its something to do with adjusting the balance because I didn't mess with it too much. Everything else seems to be fine.

oh and this is a small Wholesale dealer. they have a lot of used cars. the guy sold a few while i was there looking at the maxima.

I'm guessing it's suppose to come with 2 keys and 2 remote FOB's right?

what should the dealer give me with the car after I sign everything?

It's our first time buying a used car. previous cars were new so...

btw, thanks for your help, really appreciate it

edit.

ok i did the vin thing, and it says that the car was involved in an accident involving front impact. it hit a sign structure/post resulting in submersion. front area primarily damaged.

so.. should i still buy the car.. or.. look for another?

[jdmj0]

That's awesome that you got to check it's history and test drive it. Screeching of the brakes could be a few factors... pads running out and just the metal coming into contact with the rotor, brakes haven't been used in a while, etc.

As far as the speakers not working, yup, might be the balance, might be wiring, so point it out to the dealer (if it's not the balance) and ask what's up.

What's the price of the cars anyway? Perhaps if they're amazing steals, they may be worth it, but if they were into an accident, ask who repaired it, check the frame see if there's damage, etc. Always ask questions. $1,000 or $100,000... any purchase of a car is a big purchase and you do not want to be plauged with more problems AFTER buying the car.

After purchasing a used car, or any car for that matter, of course you're getting the car and keys. Any documents of purchase, and it depends what the car comes with (wireless remote, additional goodies, etc.).

[jphase]

they're asking $4500.00 for it.

oh and what do i look for to check for a frame damage?

[jdmj0]

Doh, I need to read better haha, you already posted the post. Let's see, 1997 Maxima.. sorry for all the questions, but do you know what trim it is? GXE/SE/GLE?

For my basis, I went with the SE (middle trim) and according to KBB (and this is with a clean title, meaning no accidents) with just the basic stock included comforts:

Excellent $6,475
Good $5,965
Fair $5,300

Now given that the car you're looking at the fact it's been in an accident (frontal collision nonetheless), KBB doesn't give estimates on salvaged/damaged cars. Given the frame has been repaired and everything is in working condition, $4500 is a pretty good price (oh and this is with the milage @87,000 miles).

For frame damage, kinda hard with no pictures but hopefully this may give you an idea where to look at. Things to look for, check the front bumper where the AC is, are the supports brand new? Do they look like they've been replaced/repaired? Check the frame the bumper is attached to, any rust? Any cracks anywhere on the engine bay? Check the paint, any uneven runs?

Maybe this might help:
http://www.samarins.com/check/bodycond.html#frame

Sorry for the long write up, just making sure that you get the best value for your dollar Keep us updated!

[ZiGeNX77]

You're pretty helpful there jdmj0.

If you want to make sure the engine is in good condition, investing $50 at one of those auto check centers may be worth it. The one where I am from is called Greenslip (I think). Also AAA might have this service.

If you do find any problems, make sure before closing the deal, tell them if they fix a certain problem you will buy the car. That will save you a few bucks.

[jphase]

thanks for your help.

i went to see the car again, everything works, heater, a/c took it for a little joy ride, rev'd it up a bit. everything was fine. only thing wrong was the speakers not working, but the dealer is going to fix that for us before we sign anything.

again, thanks for you help!

[Parolee]

Check for oil leaks, common on older cars. Have the dealer fix that too if it's there. Don't just check on the ground, look under the engine for wetness.

[playtoe]

since you're getting it used from a dealer, ask them if they would pay for a full diagnostic at a Nissan (if you're going with the Maxima) or a Honda dealer. I think it costs around $70-80 dollars, which I recommend you having it done even if it's out of your own pocket.

Also check out: forums.maxima.org and honda-acura.net

People there should be able to run you a free car fax too, if you already haven't done so. The carfax offer is usually for 30 days and people generally put up threads like *free carfax* Just PM/email them your vin and they run in for you.

good luck!

[roflingsam]

^ a lot of people arnt doing free carfaxes anymore because their accounts can get suspended. He already did a check anyways.

I doubt the dealer is going to pay for the inspection fees.

[kelvin6]

I agree with looking through forums about that pertain to the car that you are about to purchase. It has helped me realize what common problems are expected and what and what not. Thats how I ended up with my car, I realized its full potential, going through forums and living with some trade offs.

When I was looking at my old car (back then), I looked through a forum (www.mazda626.net) and realized that the only good 4-banger that had the least known problems, was the first year model (oddly). I made the purchase of that car solely on that information. It was known that all the later models used a domestic auto tranny, that was known to overheat quite often. After getting that car, it wasn't a good sight watching people on the forums complaining about their 626 having dead auto transmissions, while I was smart enough to avoid it and get the model with the reliable japanese tranny. Read up on forums, it helps!

[IaMsEo]

well, i'd check for mileage, speed, condition of car, and engine.