22 replies to this topic

[pes2013]

Hello

Im looking to buy a used car but what questions should I ask?

I know the year, kms, type of fuel, etc.........but is there anything I should ask in particular?

[Marshall]

If they're willing to let you get the vehicle inspected independently.

Has it ever been wrecked. (CarFax report, if available in your area)

Can you test drive it.

Where was the vehicle bought from.

Vehicle maintenance records.

[pes2013]

Marshall, on 23 December 2012 - 18:31, said:

If they're willing to let you get the vehicle inspected independently.

Has it ever been wrecked. (CarFax report, if available in your area)

Can you test drive it.

Where was the vehicle bought from.

Vehicle maintenance records.

Nope, Europe only.

[pes2013]

And Im not too sure about how many kms it should have.

Im looking for a 2000+ year car, 4 door, between 1000 euros and 2000 euros.

How much should that more or less have in kms?

[Colin McGregor]

pes2013, on 23 December 2012 - 19:16, said:

And Im not too sure about how many kms it should have.

Im looking for a 2000+ year car, 4 door, between 1000 euros and 2000 euros.

How much should that more or less have in kms?

Depends on how many you feel is right. I bought a 91 grand am last yr and it only has 72,410 kms lol

[pes2013]

Colin McGregor, on 23 December 2012 - 19:20, said:

Depends on how many you feel is right. I bought a 91 grand am last yr and it only has 72,410 kms lol

That's probably modified to look like it has less KM than it actually does.....

I think its has 120000 km

[firey]

does it work?

[xendrome]

pes2013, on 23 December 2012 - 18:39, said:

Nope, Europe only.

So in Europe you can't test drive it, ask if it has ever been wrecked, get it inspected, ask where it was bought from or to look at maintenance records? Interesting....

[+Lingwo]

You can do all those things.
Best things you can do, is look up the car online and look into what common faults it can have and check what might need replacing after so long.
This will give you a good indication at what to look at on the car when you look at it. Other than just checking the car and all the seals for no rust.

In the UK you can get a HPI check, which is invaluable when buying a used car, it will tell you things the owner might not want you to know. As in if its been a write off.

Ideally you want someone like a mechanic to come with you to check everything, but the owner may let you take it to a garage to get it checked out. Also test drive it and listen to the engine for no unusual rattles
or funny noises. Check the brakes, clutch, steering(simple things like tracking). If they won't let you test drive it. Walk away.

Mileage, it depends on the car really. They have different engines and some you can get away with a high mileage. Again, research the car before going to look at it.

I will mention it again, research the car. There are hundreds of websites which give you the type of information, you want to know.

[Enron]

Ask if it's stolen.

[pes2013]

xendrome, on 24 December 2012 - 14:00, said:

So in Europe you can't test drive it, ask if it has ever been wrecked, get it inspected, ask where it was bought from or to look at maintenance records? Interesting....

Sorry I ment what you said about "Has it ever been wrecked. (CarFax report, if available in your area)". That I cant do. The rest of course.

Please, no joke replies

[pes2013]

Lingwo, on 24 December 2012 - 14:18, said:

There are hundreds of websites which give you the type of information, you want to know.

Could you tell me a few of those hundreds? Ive been looking around but cant find any decent forum.

[what]

pes2013, on 25 December 2012 - 12:42, said:

Could you tell me a few of those hundreds? Ive been looking around but cant find any decent forum.

Whatever car you're after, there will be an owners club forum for it. On there will be buying guides or other threads where people have asked what to look out for.

[Draconian Guppy]

Test drive and:

1. Ask if you can moderately speed it. When doing so, try using the AC cranked up. Do this for at least 20 mins, just a simple test to see how the car performs in extreme situations and shouldn't over heat.
2. Check paint job for different colors and ask way.
3. Lights in dashboard ( obvious ones...).
4. A good indicator of a good owner is all 4 tires must be matching AND usually same wear.

[Billus]

Lots of good tips here. Also check if the engine bay is clean and free of debris and oil. Millage wise, nothing in excess of 200,000km in my opinion. Perferable between or less than 100 - 180,000km. Around 150,000km is what you most likely will get with a car from 2000.