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What should people look for when buying a used car?

Discussion in 'General Automotive Talk' started by Profit5500, Jul 14, 2014.

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This thread is being watched by 7 users.
  1. Profit5500

    Profit5500 Member

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    Jul 9, 2014
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    I know there are lots of information when it comes to buying used cars. What things should people know when it comes to buying a used car? I do not have money to buy a used car yet, but I still want to know some tips to use when going to buy one. What kind of price range is a fair price range that I should stay in? Should I go for something like v6 over a 4-cylinder vehicle?
     
    Profit5500, Jul 14, 2014
    #1
  2. jdjac

    jdjac New Member

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    Jul 6, 2014
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    I haven't been in the market for used for a while, but when I was I would always first look at the mileage and ask the owner if they had maintenance information on the vehicle. If an owner took it to be maintained regularly, or had records of maintaining it themselves, it was likely well cared for. Second, now with sites like CarFax and others you can see the history of the vehicle over time, and whether or not it has been in any major accidents, or had any other major damage that has been repaired. Thirdly, ask why the car was being sold...if it is privately sold, this is easier to do; did they just want a new model, or was it causing them problems.
     
    jdjac, Jul 14, 2014
    #2
  3. Flexin

    Flexin Admin Staff Member Founding Member Top Event

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2012
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    Occupation:
    Truck Driver
    Location:
    Nova Scotia, Canada
    As far as what to look at when looking over a car. Look at everything possible. Try everything. Anything that doesn't work that you need working will cost you money to fix. You need to find out what it cost to fix that so that you can make a fair offer that leaves you money to get the repair done. If it doesn't work and you don't need it, say a head unit (maybe you have one already that you want to put in it) so it doesn't matter but you might be able to use this to get a lower price.

    Check all of the windows, wipers, heater/AC and the fan. Check the lights, turn signals, horn and so on. Check that the seats work. If they are power, move them in all directions and let them go through the full range of motion.

    Turn the key on and look at the dash instruments. See if all of the trouble lights come on. If they don't then they might have removed a bulb. All trouble lights should come on (it shows that they work) and they turn off (showing there isn't an issue). Listen to the engine cold and listen for anything that sounds off. Let the car warm up and do the same. Check all the hoses, wires and belts for cracks, damage or missing parts.

    Check tire tread. See if there is enough tread and is it even. If the tread is worn more on one side there is an issue. If the tread is wavy then there is an issue.

    Look for leaks, cracks in any of the glass, damage to the rims. Look under the carpet in the trunk to see if there are any signs of water. Check to see if the spare tire, jack and wrench are still in the car.

    Then if your still interested, it is time to drive the car. Also remember to check the emergency brake. Also look and listen for exhaust leaks.

    And remember. That is all the stuff you can see. There can still be things that are wrong that you can't see or that are still hanging on and will go in the next few days or months. So you have to plan for that. Don't forget to leave yourself money for the unexpected.

    James
     
    Flexin, Jul 15, 2014
    #3
  4. Dez97

    Dez97 Member

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    Jun 16, 2014
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    When buying a used car I look in prices of course, what I can afford.
    I also look into the condition how it looks inside and out is it something that I want to be driving around in all the time,
    I also look at the parts, the engine, the transmission how they run how long will they last me,
    and lastly I look at the stability and reliability of that car can I have it for at least a year of 2 without getting it fixed every month? if so then I look into buying that car.
     
    Dez97, Jul 18, 2014
    #4
  5. Strykstar

    Strykstar Member

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    Mar 26, 2014
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    33
    Great question, I wish I could help out, but I usually bring a friend of mine along who is a mechanic and he just gives me the abridged version of what he thinks of the car and what he recommends :)
    Not the manliest thing to do but I'd rather leave it to the specialist :)
     
    Strykstar, Jul 18, 2014
    #5
  6. Soulwatcher

    Soulwatcher Member

    Joined:
    May 16, 2012
    Messages:
    121
    If your at the dealer I would tell them show me the carfax or I wouldn't buy it. I would never buy a vehicle that was in a accident or did not have proper maintenance. And the dealer trying to sell you the car is not going to tell you these things.

    Greg
     
    Soulwatcher, Jul 18, 2014
    #6
  7. lovemwaf

    lovemwaf Member Top Thread

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    I don't think there any specifics that I could mention for you to look for. I think the best thing you can do is have someone you trust in someone that knows about cars to go with you. If you have a friend that is a mechanic it would definitely be a wise thing to have them with you check out the car. One other thing I recommend is that you take the car out for a test drive and make sure that it's in good condition. If you hear any sounds of any noises then that's a clue that the car is not in the best shape possible and so consider looking at other vehicles.
     
    lovemwaf, Jul 18, 2014
    #7
  8. Flexin

    Flexin Admin Staff Member Founding Member Top Event

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    Occupation:
    Truck Driver
    Location:
    Nova Scotia, Canada
    Hearing certain noises is a sign to buy at times. I know someone that was told that they could have a car cheap because it wasn't working well or at all. Anyway this guy new the issue with this type of car and bought it. He fixed it for next to nothing and had a good car after that. So it really depends on what you are looking for and your skill level.

    James
    --- Double Post Merged, Jul 19, 2014 ---
    Carfax is good but not everything will always get reported. If someone is in a small accident and fixes the car at home then it wouldn't show up on the report. It is best to look under the car, under the truck carpet and under the hood and see if there is any thing that doesn't look right. There could still be small ripples in the structure of the car. Also look for difference in paint. Some will get scratches painted up but sometimes it could be for something more serious.

    James
    --- Double Post Merged, Jul 19, 2014 ---
    Carfax is good but not everything will always get reported. If someone is in a small accident and fixes the car at home then it wouldn't show up on the report. It is best to look under the car, under the truck carpet and under the hood and see if there is any thing that doesn't look right. There could still be small ripples in the structure of the car. Also look for difference in paint. Some will get scratches painted up but sometimes it could be for something more serious.

    James
     
    Flexin, Jul 19, 2014
    #8
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