Tips For Buying A Used Car

[meetmaria]

Buying a car is often one of the biggest purchases we make in our lives. Here are some of the tips that might be helpful in buying a used car.

* Check for obvious accident damage. Look for signs of overspray to panels, bumpers and fittings, look for areas of paintwork that are inconsistent with the general condition of the car (these may indicate filled dents, filled rotten patches) and check that all the tyres are wearing evenly.
* If you are happy there are no obvious clues to suggest accident damage check the general condition of the car for wear. Is the amount of wear consistent with the mileage of the car?
* Does the car have missing interior fittings or scratched paint work? Make a mental note of the amount of wear for bargaining purposes should you decide to buy the car.
* If all seems fine the next step is a test drive. Check the steering. The steering should be responsive and direct. Neither to heavy nor light.
* Check the brakes. Do they inspire confidence? They should pull the car firmly to a stop in a straight line without fading or feeling as if they are about to run out.

[jveik]

and if the dude selling it says, oh it takes bout a quart per 1000 miles, then its more likely a quart per 250 miles lol and make sure there aint blue smoke coming out the exhaust to prove that. most engines in good shape will require no oil additions between oil changes. some claim that certain motors naturally burn a little, which is true for all engines, but i dont think any are designed to need oil between changes.

[monstermagnet]

I'm always amazed at how many people go into the process of purchasing a used car with no plan of attack. Do some research. At the very least, get an estimate of the vehicle's worth by using the free online pricing tools provided by kelly blue book, nada guides, and/or edmunds.

[G-man422]

research is key! kbb.com and such other sites. also consumer reports is great. it took me a week of research before buying my car, and bartyring, etc. But it was worth it.

[brian88]

biggest thing is dont buy it the first time you see it first it gives you time to think and gets the seller anxious. if the seller threatens some one else buying it call hia/hr bluff its usually b/s i usuall test drive, wait, offer low, wait for counteroffer, then take it or counteroffer again depending on what they offer.

['97ventureowner]

Please check the dates of the posts before posting and avoid posting in a thread that has been inactive for a period of over 90 days. Start a new thread if you have new info you'd like to share. Closed.