22 replies to this topic

[pes2013]

Draconian Guppy, on 26 December 2012 - 13:40, said:

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.

This is actually the greatest Ive read Thank youu

Draconian Guppy, on 26 December 2012 - 13:40, said:

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.

Thank you. Number 4 is pretty good too

Im going to make a thread about the type of car I like; maybe you guys know more models than I do

[Draconian Guppy]

pes2013, on 26 December 2012 - 15:37, said:

This is actually the greatest Ive read Thank youu


Thank you. Number 4 is pretty good too

Im going to make a thread about the type of car I like; maybe you guys know more models than I do

Adding to #1.

If whilst speeding try and "feel" any odd vibration, then the same when braking ( barely just noticeable vibrations are caused by ABS). If the steering wheel vibrates badly when breaking, then discs/drums (brakes) need to be replaced/rectified.

[pes2013]

Draconian Guppy, on 26 December 2012 - 15:43, said:

Adding to #1. If whilst speeding try and "feel" any odd vibration, then the same when braking ( barely just noticeable vibrations are caused by ABS). If the steering wheel vibrates badly when breaking, then discs/drums (brakes) need to be replaced/rectified.

Well I cant obviously "abuse" the car so much as the seller will problably get ****ed if at the end I don't buy it.

[installshield_freak]

Here's what I'd do...

1. Ask to take for a test drive
2. Take the car to an authorized mechanic.
3. Yourself, open and shut the doors to the car and make sure there are no gaps. If the door has looked like it has been slammed I would not buy it simply because the Weather stripping, will prematurely wear out and going over water puddles might give you a shower.
4. When you arrive at the Mechanic, ask them to inspect the Engine Oil Drain Plug, and Oil Filter fittings. Make sure no leaks, As well as Differential, Transmission, Transfer Case etc.
5. Check the Engine oil level away from the dealer. make sure they're no Metal Shavings or anything else in the oil.
6. Ask for a CarFax history report.
7. Check the quality of the Tires. if you put a Penny upside down in the tread, with Lincoln's face facing you and if you see his hairline, the vehicle needs new tires.
8. Make sure the Alignment is not bad.

(All these things I have had to learn over time, hopefully they'll help you in your quest for a perfect car.) My parents spent 500.00 on a used car for me when I got my first car, come to find out not even 2 weeks of driving it, the car sustained a severe Mechanical Malfunction, Ate a Rod) All these things are subject to help figure into expenses with any car. Tires, Batteries, Oil and other Maintenance that could hinder your safety or others while ownership. Please look into some of these things.

Reguards,

[pes2013]

installshield_freak, on 27 December 2012 - 01:48, said:

Here's what I'd do...

1. Ask to take for a test drive

This I will do no doubt

installshield_freak, on 27 December 2012 - 01:48, said:

2. Take the car to an authorized mechanic.

See 1

installshield_freak, on 27 December 2012 - 01:48, said:

3. Yourself, open and shut the doors to the car and make sure there are no gaps. If the door has looked like it has been slammed I would not buy it simply because the Weather stripping, will prematurely wear out and going over water puddles might give you a shower.

This is difficult to do; Imagine if it is a windy day or paranoid kicks in. This is hard to measure but will try as well.

installshield_freak, on 27 December 2012 - 01:48, said:

4. When you arrive at the Mechanic, ask them to inspect the Engine Oil Drain Plug, and Oil Filter fittings. Make sure no leaks, As well as Differential, Transmission, Transfer Case etc.

See 1

installshield_freak, on 27 December 2012 - 01:48, said:

5. Check the Engine oil level away from the dealer. make sure they're no Metal Shavings or anything else in the oil.

Obviously if it is a dealer and/or mechanic I should trust him

installshield_freak, on 27 December 2012 - 01:48, said:

6. Ask for a CarFax history report.

Not available for me.

installshield_freak, on 27 December 2012 - 01:48, said:

7. Check the quality of the Tires. if you put a Penny upside down in the tread, with Lincoln's face facing you and if you see his hairline, the vehicle needs new tires.

Protip but Im not in the US.

installshield_freak, on 27 December 2012 - 01:48, said:

8. Make sure the Alignment is not bad.

Difficult to measure. Ill have to take the mechanic's word for it.

installshield_freak, on 27 December 2012 - 01:48, said:

(All these things I have had to learn over time, hopefully they'll help you in your quest for a perfect car.) My parents spent 500.00 on a used car for me when I got my first car, come to find out not even 2 weeks of driving it, the car sustained a severe Mechanical Malfunction, Ate a Rod) All these things are subject to help figure into expenses with any car. Tires, Batteries, Oil and other Maintenance that could hinder your safety or others while ownership. Please look into some of these things.

500 on a used car IMO is asking for trouble. Personal opinion Im looking to buy 1000 or upwards (limit would be 4000)

[danielciffee]

Lot of questions you need to ask. Recently i bought Honda Civic with reference to the United Car Exchange. Go and search you will find so many used cars with reasonable prices.

[boumboqc]

pes2013, on 23 December 2012 - 18:22, said:

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?

is there anything rebuilt.
Is it an Automatic Transmission ?
Look at the oil and check the color of it, if the owner change it at 7000-8000 kms it is a good sign of negligence.
Look under the car, check for rust.
If it's a manual transmission, try EVERY gear ( 1,2,3,4,5 and R ).
Go faster than 100 km/h and listen for noise.
Steer hard on 2-3 corner and listen to noise or anything weird.
Try the handbrake.
Smell the transmission oil, if you smeel a "burned" odor don't buy it, you might end up in garage for a rebuild.
Check the exhaust line, you'll see if it was "fixed". Exhaust temporary fix will not last long.
I think that is it , good luck.

[ZeroFearX]

While I doubt you would be affected by this, always check if the car is off-lease. You don't want to buy a car if it is owned by the bank cause they can seize it if the previous owner did not complete all the payments.