What to do when buying a used car?

Question

I'm going to check out a potential car for myself tomorrow. What kinds of questions should I ask the seller? It's not at a dealership or anything like that.

It's an '86 Pontiac Fiero.

Answer 1

you can ask the seller to have a mechanic check it out. you will have to pay the mechanic, but it will be well worth it.

Answer 2

is the title clear?

how many owners?

what major problems they've had?

do they have service records?

Answer 3

If you're not a mechanic, get a mechanic to check the car and run a car fax history to check for any major accident history (carfax.com)

Answer 4

1) ask for a mechanic

2) Check for any body damage

3) check the milage

4) check for rust

5) carfix.com

Answer 5

Asking the seller wont always get you the right answers but ask regardless. A few you should always ask would be , and in this order. ... How often do you have the oil changed? When was it changed last and who changes the oil? If they tell you a shop changes the oil , then look for the sticker that tells when and what milage was on the car when it was changed last. Then pull the dip stick and check the oil level and the color . A clear brown indicates its just been changed . If its black and up to the full mark indicates its been a while since the last oil change and also hasnt burned any oil.

  You may want to ask them what repairs if any that has been performed on the car. Any over heating problems should raise concern. Check the over flow tank for signs of any oil that may have crept in due to a headgasket breaking. Also take a look at the air filter for any signs of oil. It should be clean . A little dry dirt with no oil would be acceptable.

  Go ahead and ask if its had any body work and how it was fixed. A mechanic or a Car Fax on a 86 Fiero is ok , but I think in this case if you dont see smoke or hear any noises its probably ok, as long as it runs , shifts and drives good. Of course look for any leaks. I have been buying and selling cars for 25 years and I have no idea what the Kelly Blue Book is for. Ebay is a good place to see how much money other sellers are asking for their cars which dosnt tell you much . Finding out how much money other people are offering is about the only thing that will tell you what a car is worth. The only other way to find out is to consult with a dealer if you can find one that appraises cars . Most will do a pretty good job for around $40.00 or less. I have helped many people buy a used car online . It can take a few days with alot of questions emailed back and forth, but will give you more information in order for you to make a good choice and avoid having to call a repair shop and ask them how much longer and how much is it going to cost this time.