What are some good tips when looking for a used car?

Question

What are some good tips when looking for a used car?

Answer 1

with the engine running, place your hand in the path of the exhaust, the airflow should be steady, drops in the flow indicate its either missing,or has low compression in one or more cylinders. step on the bumper to cause the car to rebound, the shocks should stabilize the car within 2-3 bounces. more than that will indicate weak shocks. inspect the tread on the tires, if its lower in one area than the other, this can indicate ither a ball joint,alignment,tie rod,or camber problem. climb under the car, ( or jack it up ) and inspect everything, note any leaks, rust spots or dry rotted bushings. if the car is front wheel drive, grasp and twist on the cv axle,if theres "play" in the axle shaft the cv joint is prolly going bad,a little slack is ok,but more than say maybe half an inch or so needs further inspection. the same goes for the drive shaft on a rear wheel drive car.again alot of play means worn bearings,u-joints,or a possible transmission problem. the tighter everything is, the better, ideally there should be no play.

Answer 2

Take it for a spin, listen for engine, differential and transmission noise.  Drive it at least 50 Mi. with starts and stops and bring it back.  Let it set for awhile and check for leaks underneath.  Also check the undercarriage for oil under or on frame

Answer 3

try this source for good tips on used car http://carloan123.net/Be-Prepared-for-th... may this could help you.

Answer 4

Decide what car/model you want to get. Then drive at least 3 of them, preferably back to back. From the worst to the first.

Even if you don't know cars, you will get to know the model and how it should feel, smell, and drive.