[tosei]

Hey guys, there seems to be a large number of people here who drive used cars (and stick with the opinion that buying used is much better than buying new). So, what measures do you guys take to make sure that the car you're interested in is viable? Have any of your purchases gone awry (bad engine, something wrong with the interior, etc.)?

[C8V6C]

Lease new.....Buy used.....that is the saying

Just get a carfax report on any car you are buying, private party or from a dealer.

Then just do your research, dont buy from anything more than KBB at least

[roflingsam]

^ the only cars i would lease are luxury cars

[kuku]

If it were used, the best bet is to buy a certified used one.

[lor]

This is what you look for when getting a used car:

1. Take off oil cap to see if oil slump have build up. This is cause by not changing your oil regularly. Just make sure it’s not pitch black and in clumps.

2. Have someone else look at the tail pipe to see that no smoke is coming from it while you drive it. During cold start it may smoke just a bit but once its warm and you are on the road, you shouldn’t see smoke at all (unless of course it’s really cold out side).

3. Rev the engine to almost its max rpm and listen to the engine to see if it makes any knocking noise along the way (sounds like “click click click”). The noise will come on at a certain rpm range or it will be on all the time depending on how bad the rod bearings are. If they have an oil gauge, look up the factory oil pressure spec to make sure it’s the right pressure. Bad rod bearing will show in oil pressure lost.

4. If the Steering wheel seems to be off alignment, check the frame and rods to make sure they are not bent.

5. Check the radiator reservoir to see if any oil slump has accumulated in there. This is cause by a bad head gasket. Also check the radiator as well by taking off the radiator cap. But make sure engine is not hot.

[Turbo2]

LOL, I posted under my sisters screen name. Anyways, also make sure you use a bill of sale.

[aznfishyfart]

or u can always find someone u know that happens to be a mechanic and have him/her look at it lol

[TKY]

Test drive it like you stole it...if it breaks down on the way its a bad car.

[Laxntiga]

Test drive it like you stole it...if it breaks down on the way its a bad car.

^LOL

Not a bad idea. I'd def have a friend mechanic or so come check out the car with me. Go for a test drive with the mechanic. Rev the sh*t outa it, brake hard, turn hard, etc. That way you know what your buying is in proper shape. I suggest getting a carfax report and asking for recipts of oil changes, tuneups, etc. But, DEFINATELY test drive. Test drive a couple of times on different days, different times to mix it up. GL!

[ghost]

^LOL

Not a bad idea. I'd def have a friend mechanic or so come check out the car with me. Go for a test drive with the mechanic. Rev the sh*t outa it, brake hard, turn hard, etc. That way you know what your buying is in proper shape. I suggest getting a carfax report and asking for recipts of oil changes, tuneups, etc. But, DEFINATELY test drive. Test drive a couple of times on different days, different times to mix it up. GL!

^
if you want the car to last longer i'd recommend not doing that...

anyways, get a mechanic to check the car out

but if your not going to, some tips would be to check if its leaking anywhere before and after driving it around, check the oil and coolant level, look under the car if you can to see if there are any "hidden" bumps and bruises.

don't forget to open up every compartment and use every option like the radio, windows, locks, lights, etc.


good luck with the buy

[roflingsam]

^LOL

Not a bad idea. I'd def have a friend mechanic or so come check out the car with me. Go for a test drive with the mechanic. Rev the sh*t outa it, brake hard, turn hard, etc. That way you know what your buying is in proper shape. I suggest getting a carfax report and asking for recipts of oil changes, tuneups, etc. But, DEFINATELY test drive. Test drive a couple of times on different days, different times to mix it up. GL!

lot of the times when my dad buys used cars he doesnt test drive it.

[youre sexy <3]

get one of those people who go to auctions and buy used cars...
it works. it works.

[C8V6C]

^ the only cars i would lease are luxury cars

Yes, that is when you see the biggest cost differences. Even cheap cars though, you can lease them for a year or two and then get rid of them.......or have the same payment for a long term, like 72mo and be stuck with it for a while longer

[sc0604]

if you're buying from a private seller and you don't wanna pay for that history check for accidents, you can look at every part of the car for the original manufacturer stickers, make sure they all match up...another big thing is never buy a car nearing the 100k in mileage, that's when you usually change most the parts under the hood...then do what the previous posters suggested

[azn akira]

if you dont know cars:

1. find car you want
2. look at car
3. take it to a garage and have it inspected
4. if its good buy the car

[some-azn-guy]

if you dont know cars:

1. find car you want
2. look at car
3. take it to a garage and have it inspected
4. if its good buy the car

my thoughts exactly.

[Jin]

I highly HIGHLY suggest staying away from the car section of the paper.

[Mr.Kuppy]

Bring a magnet and inspect the outer exterior around the car, if it flakes than its not original paint or its been tampered with.

[HKS457]

my additional tips:

- its better to pay a few hundred - thousand more, for the same car with lower milleage
- tires can tell alot with the way that owner drives and treats his car.
- this is not for everyone, if you know how do it, then bring a vacuum gauge and check the vacuum. if not, bring a friend that knows (low vacuum = poor engine condition)
- look for signs of oil leak from the bottom of the engine, or the valve covers
- few owners out there are 100% honest. expect more problems than what they tell you.