How can I make sure the used car I purchase doesn't have any major problems?

Question

I dont have my own mechanic, I always get screwed by them whenever I take my car in. Any suggestions when it ocmes to buying a used car?

Answer 1

I agree with Kay above. What I'd like to add is that choose a mechanic away from the dealership. Usually the ones close by are paid by the dealership.

Answer 2

Are you sure mechanics always s***w you or it is that you do not know enough about cars and anything that is costly (cars are costly) seems like a s***w job?

Think about that one.

Answer 3

1. Check the car history report

Ask for the used vehicle’s VIN number. The seller should have the number available on his or her insurance card or the vehicle title.  But you should still confirm the number yourself.  The number is typically located beneath the vehicle’s windshield. Use this VIN number to order a car history report.  You can visit an online service like Carfax or AutoCheck to get a full history report on the car.  This step is crucial; accident and repair history are essential in determining if that shiny coat of paint is hiding something!

2. Check the condition of the used vehicle’s body

Walk around the entire length of the car and bend down and use the flashlight and mirror to look at some out-of-sight seams. Are the gaps around the doors even? Are there signs of rust, particularly above the tires? (This is likely due to salt on the roads in the winter, but it could be signs of a previous accident.) Is the color mismatched in any place? Use the magnet to see if the body is actual metal or Bondo, which is often used in vehicle restoration.

3.  Check the tires

What’s the brand of the tires? Are they worn? Are there any cracks? What about the condition of the rims?

4.  Check the engine

Make sure the engine is off (and has been for a time) and pop the hood. Bring along your paper towels. Is the engine relatively clean? Are there any signs of rust? Pop off the oil filler cap. Are there any thick black deposits? (This isn’t a good sign.)

To see more suggestions and tips on the used car inspection checklist, visit http://blog.iseecars.com/2008/08/15/used...

Answer 4

You're going to have to have it checked by a mechanic or else you're not going to be sure about the car being problem free.

You should also contact the DMV about doing an accident check. I'm not sure if they do that where you live but I'm sure they can tell you who to contact to get the information.

Don't let anyone intimidate you and make you buy something you're not comfortable with.

Answer 5

1. If you know what year/model you want to buy, Go to MSN auto to read reviews about how other people says about the year/model of the car you want to buy. Some year/model has defects in it that is likely to cause a problem. Try to see if there are many people reporting the same problem of the car. Some car has forum to talk about them, read other people's review before you make the final decision on year/model.

2. www.carfax.com or www.autocheck.com - very similar, check history of the car, but don't trust them 100%

3. www.kbb.com, www.autotrader.com, www.carbuyingtips.com - for tips on buying as what to look at on used car and verify that you are not overpaid for the car.

4. Ask an mechanic to look from the bottom of the car. If it is a newer one, you may want to order an inspection from the dealer of the car maker [only as the last step.]

Answer 6

1.  Get a Carfax report.

2.  Get an inspection by a mechanic.  Depending on where you live - do a search for car/auto inspection services.

You need to do both to have the best chance of getting a reliable car.