Buying a used car...what to watch out for?

Question

What are some mechanical things that you should really watch out for when buying a used car, and how can this be done well by the inexperienced person?

Answer 1

You can only do stuff that non-mechanics do to inspect.  

Here's some rules you should consider when buying a used car

(1) don't get sold on the paint job = meaning cars having good exterior, fancy CD radio, etc.

(2) look for car with sound ENGINE + TRANNY + SUSPENSION.

(3) test every button, k**b, switch, slider, etc.. Ex: even in the summer test out the heater & even in the winter test out the AC (if you can).  Slide the AC/heater to fan1, fan2, fan3, etc.  then slid the vent to defrost, front, bottom, etc.  Test the high beam, low beam, etc.  Test (flip) the visor.  Test the alarm.  Test all 4 doors.  Test the rear defogger.

  *****   TEST EVERYTHING.

(4) BEFORE the first start, open the engine bay and see if the engine is already warmed up.  Many engines starts well when already warmed up, but may have problems when cold (or cold start).

(5) test drive with the sound system off and window down. Listen for weird sound coming from the wheels & suspension.

(6) Look inside the engine bay to see if you can see see leaks, etc.  It is normal to see some oil and grease.  But too much means that the car is leaking oil somewhere. Too clean (really clean) means they just wash the engine bay - possibly hiding some oil leaks.

(7) check the engine oil dip stick. If the oil is BRAND NEW CLEAN, the seller MIGHT be hiding something.  If the oil is jet black and /or smells like gasoline (or burnt), you might have engine problem).

(8) once you are satisfied with the above - you can NOW take it to the mechanic for the engine + tranny + suspension inspection.  He won't find everything, but he will find the obvious.  Take it to a mechanic EVEN if you are buying from a used car dealer.  They cars are NO better than cars you buy from ebay and craigslist.com.  Just more expensive.

good Luck...

1) Safety Ratings:

http://www.safercar.gov/

http://www.iihs.org/ratings/default.aspx

2) Reliability:

http://autos.msn.com/home/reliability_ra...

http://www.edmunds.com/apps/ratings/rati...

3) Fuel Economy:

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/f*g/sbs.htm

Answer 2

Whether you buy a used car from a dealer, a co-worker, or a neighbor, follow these tips to learn as much as you can about the car:

Examine the car yourself using an inspection checklist. You can find a checklist in many of the magazine articles, books, and Internet sites that deal with buying a used car.

Test drive the car under varied road conditions - on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.

Ask for the car's maintenance record. If the owner doesn't have copies, contact the dealership or repair shop where most of the work was done. They may share their files with you.

Talk to the previous owner, especially if the present owner is unfamiliar with the car's history.

Have the car inspected by a mechanic you hire.

Answer 3

with the economy down and with all of the great deals going on right now look and see if a used car is really the best option.  We were looking at getting a used SUV when we can get a new one for 1k more than what we wanted to spend.  just a thought.

Answer 4

bad rings masked by flour mixed in the oil. check oil stick before and after test drive.