10 Tips on buying a used car

[mcgyver ky]

I know what it is like you get a glazed look in your eyes when you see the truck or car that you have to have I have done it before too here are some things that will help you so you and your truck will have a long life together and you don’t spend too much for it to.

#1 check to see if there has been any wrecks or damage to the car and ask the salesman if he has any documentation of who has done the repair work to see if they are up to the standards and not a fly by night place.

#2 ask about a service papers showing oil changes, repairs, and replacement parts also look at the papers and see if the oil changes were done at or about the time the oil change was needed by the mileage that should be on the paper work when the work was preformed.

#3 look under the car to see if there is any damage or any type of leaks as well as inspection of the exhausts and mounts for the exhausts also check for leaks if there is any there will be a small amount of soot leaking around the hole.

#4 under the hood inspections feel of the hoses if they are too soft as in the case of the radiator hoses they may need replaced as well as the vacuum lines if they are in the same shape and look for dry rotten lines, belts and wires.

#5 tire inspection look for unusual tire shape and see if the appear toed out or in also look at the back tires some time when they have a toe in or out problem they just rotate the tires to hide the problem.

#6 electric if it has a switch flip it, push it, and use it to see if it is faulty a visual check of all wires should be done and look for burnt wires.

#7 check the door hinges and latch are not too worn this can be also be helpful when door is shut look at the gap around door too see if there is too much or too little gap this may show there was a problem or damage to the door like in a accident also see if all doors open with the same key if not this may be do to the fact there was a accident and they changed the door and not the lock because this takes much time and they just want it done with as little time to do it, and don’t forget the trunk either.

#8 paint look close around all trim, door handles, and molding for over spray this is a sure sign of a accident or damage as well as a slight difference in color from fender to hood.

#9 trade in when you go and look at any car remember they are in the business to make money not give you a great deal for you money so when they say they will give you x amount for you trade in you should keep your truck and offer them the amount that you would received if you did a trade in. Trust me there is such a mark up that you will be surprised when they say ok to your offer.

#10 don’t buy the first day you go out shopping for a car if you find one you like do more shopping check around you might find a better deal and cheaper prices also if you find something you want cash talks better than credit.

Well I hope this helps somebody out and I would like you to add some thoughts and ideas that will make my tips more complete

 

[rhyno]

Reading that mess gave me a headache. Punctuation and sentence structure even if it was not perfect would really help.

 

[poconosms1]

Forget the punctuation and grammer. If you want that, read a book.

I'll add one,


Try not to buy a lease or fleet vehicle.

 

[rhyno]

your right i do not know what i was thinking this type of writting is really easy to read from now on i will put all my thoughts into one long sentence i am sorry poconosms why did you use structure in your response believe me i am no english guru what was my point just that it would make it easier to read understand what i am saying well i hope so because i am already tired of typing like this know what i mean

 

[poconosms1]

I believe an unwritten rule of chat boards and messaging is the "forgiveness" of correct grammatical usage. By making the comments of grammar usage, you only serve to remind individuals of their poor skills. I myself have been guilty of the very crime, especially when I hear my boss coming down the hall.

I think you could have said it using nicer verbage.

The only reason I tend to write well has more to do with the number of papers and policy issues I've written (and graded)

 

[Sonny]

I'll add another,

I use a magnet to check for Bondo repairs. Just go along the body and see if there are areas that the magnet will not stick to.

Of course you know some cars are most all plastic these days.

I use the flexible kind like on your refrigerator, (won't scratch the surface).

 

[Dolemite]

Two more things to add.

1) Carfax. This site can tell you if you're buying a lemon, a car that was used for Salespeople (100K within 8 months of being new).

2) Find a mechanic you can trust and have them do a 'New Car' inspection. It costs about 100 bones but they can tell you if anything is about to go out. I didn't purchase a Jeep Cherokee a while back because both the Brakes and Tranny were about to go. Only do this when you're at the last step before purchase.