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If I go down the route of a used car, it won't be more than 4 or five years old. Are there any things I should look for or hear that would cause a problem?
THings I've thought:
Test Drive
Listen and feel for transmission problem
LIsten to exhaust
Check out the tires
Feel out the brakes
Check the oil
Location: Where nothing ever grows. No rain or rivers flow, Texas
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Check for grease from the CV joints flung around the wheels/tire well.
I'd also check if the bottom engine cover is still on and the bottom of bumper still intact.
I suggest arranging to bring the car to Pepboys or the likes, that offer car buying inspections.
Matching tires. If all four tires are the same brand, same type, and similar tread wear, and the spare has never been used, what does that tell you? That the previous owners were diligent about maintenance, maybe even rotated the tires, and replaced tires all at once when needed as good preventive maintenance, not one at a time when they became dangerous. And also that the front end and alignment are probably OK, because all four tires were wearing uniformly. Unless it has brand new tires, which were just put on by the seller, which is a sign that the previous owner let the tires get really bad (and maybe other things, too).
You want to know something about the general attitude and psychology of the previous owner, which can be a clue to how well he maintained a car. What kind of person loses the owner's manual? Is there a cheap Fram (or OE) air filter and dim off-brand headlight bulbs? What kind of radio stations are on the presets?
I suggest arranging to bring the car to Pepboys or the likes, that offer car buying inspections.
Unless you seriously know what you're doing then this is the best suggestion of all. I've been buying and driving used cars for close to 30 years where I presently live and we don't have "Pepboys" or similar around but I DO know of and trust a good mechanic who, for $50 will go and check on a car after I've done my initial and limited experience-based "inspection". Learned a lot and saved a lot in the process!
Unless you seriously know what you're doing then this is the best suggestion of all. I've been buying and driving used cars for close to 30 years where I presently live and we don't have "Pepboys" or similar around but I DO know of and trust a good mechanic who, for $50 will go and check on a car after I've done my initial and limited experience-based "inspection". Learned a lot and saved a lot in the process!
Bringing the car to a certified mechanic of your choice is the best way to go, if the seller refuses this request dont buy the car..
Bringing the car to a certified mechanic of your choice is the best way to go, if the seller refuses this request dont buy the car..
I'm sorry but DUH! If any seller of a used car refuses to allow the prospective buyer's mechanic to check out the vehicle then obviously one runs for the hills! That's "Buying Used Auto 101"!
Matching tires. If all four tires are the same brand, same type, and similar tread wear, and the spare has never been used, what does that tell you? That the previous owners were diligent about maintenance, maybe even rotated the tires, and replaced tires all at once when needed as good preventive maintenance, not one at a time when they became dangerous. And also that the front end and alignment are probably OK, because all four tires were wearing uniformly. Unless it has brand new tires, which were just put on by the seller, which is a sign that the previous owner let the tires get really bad (and maybe other things, too).
You want to know something about the general attitude and psychology of the previous owner, which can be a clue to how well he maintained a car. What kind of person loses the owner's manual? Is there a cheap Fram (or OE) air filter and dim off-brand headlight bulbs? What kind of radio stations are on the presets?
What will the radio stations tell about a person? Curious as to what that means about buying a car....
Everything else sounds great but radio presets????
One of the things I look for is whether or not the car has been modified in anyway. Any aftermarket parts, or evidence of them being installed can be a trouble sign. Additionally, any aftermarket electronics whether it's a remote start, alarm, radio, or sound system are always no-no's on my list unless I know the people who did the work and can trust that it was done right.
Matching tires. If all four tires are the same brand, same type, and similar tread wear, and the spare has never been used, what does that tell you?
LMAO, excellent observation
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I've been buying and driving used cars for close to 30 years where I presently live and we don't have "Pepboys" or similar around but I DO know of and trust a good mechanic who, for $50 will go and check on a car after I've done my initial and limited experience-based "inspection". Learned a lot and saved a lot in the process!
