Please give me some buying tips for used car?

Question

I am looking for a used, gas saver car, possibly Toyota Corolla or Honda civic below $5k. I don't really know about the cars. When does a car needs to replace the expensive things like timing belts and others--miles? And what are they? How is it coast to replace them?

What should I expect in my budget?

I know craigslist is becoming untrustworthy and dealers charge a lot more than from owners. In this situation I don't know where to go.

Please help me giving answers of all the questions.

I appreciate your time here. Thank you.

Answer 1

GO TO THE MAKE YOU WANTS DEALERSHIP

Answer 2

hey i just bought a bronco and my dad used to be a mechanic in the army and knows a lot about vehicles and tought me a lot!

the best thing to do is check the appearence of the outside of the car/truck and make sure its not all scratched and dinged up.

next look at the interior make sure that everything looks decent.

then check under the hood and make sure that theres no electrical tape or wires hanging in the engine, this means there were leaks or things have been broken. then check hoses and caps to make sure there's no leaks.

if u can test drive it alone without the dealer then drive it down a bumpy road and make sure that the car doesnt make a lot of rattling noises.

next find a side road so that u can give it a little more gas and make sure the transmission and the clutch dont slip. listen for any screaching when u push the brakes( if theres is alot of screeching when u brake then this means it needs new break pads. the check the lights and blinkers at the dealer to make sure they work.

hope this helps!!!!

Answer 3

BUY A CAR THAT RUNS!!

Answer 4

Dealerships are the best places to check into but for cost effectiveness; check out private sellers in the weekly classifieds.

I don't think you're going to be able to get a truly great car for under 5k but if anything I suggest 1990-2000 Ford Escort. Look for a car under about 70,000 miles or around there.

P.S: Buy American lol

EDIT: When a car doesn't exactly start up when you turn the key and instead makes a whirring sound, the timing belt needs replacing. I am no mechanic but I have had to replace one before.

Answer 5

There are too many thing that can go wrong with a car to list here. Try to look for a single owner (middle aged or older), low mileage, not so abused looking, not modified car with maintenance records. Good luck.