Was the oil really changed regularly?

[Mr Nowrench]

I am looking to buy a 2000 Buick LeSabre with 36,000 miles from a Buick dealer. The car looks to be in perfect shape, but the cleanliness of the engine compartment and floor mats lead me to believe the car was detailed by the last owner.

My concern is whether or not the oil was changed regularly. How can I tell if the car was maintained properly?

[TorinoGT69]

Ask if the dealer has maintainence records for the vehicle. Also you can have the service dept. check the vin and they can tell what, if any, service was done at the dealership. Also check the condition of the oil both on the dipstick and in the oil fill. With only 36,000 if the car was maintained properly the oil should look light colored and clean. If there is a lot of sludge or real dark oil on the dipstick or in the oil fill the oil was probably not changed regularly.

[Mr Nowrench]

I hadn't given that any thought. Thanks.

I would have assumed that the car was maintained properly, but it has mismatched tires. The rear tires (Generals) look like originals. The dealership will replace the two no-name tires, but my concern was that if the tires weren't rotated properly, then missed oil changes could easily happen.

I'm buying the car for the engine. I know a 3800 engine will run forever if the oil is changed. I've got to make sure it was maintained properly. Asking the dealer for service records is a great idea.

Thanks again.

[BullShifter]

1 small thing to add . . .
Dealerships usually send used car out for detailing prior to selling. Full Int./Ext. with engine cleaning is pretty much standard.

Bring a mechanic along to inspect the car before purchase. dealers will tell you anything to get the sale.

[badassgremlin]

yep most dealers detail, clean, every part prior to being put on the lot