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MaximumDerpification t1_jeapl4a wrote

For used cars, one that a lot of people don't think of is this one:

Find out if the engine has a timing belt or chain. If it's a belt, find out if it's been serviced yet since it can be an expensive maintenance item (sometimes it can even cost over $1000, depending on the car) and if not, when is it due to need it? Some people will sell their car right before it's due for the expensive maintenance tasks. You can at least use it as a negotiation point or factor it into your decision.

Most timing chains don't have a scheduled replacement interval, they're designed to last the lifetime of the engine though many get replaced when the guides start to fail.

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Unwieldy_GuineaPig t1_jeas0ln wrote

Good info! My car has 200k miles and I’ve never had this done. Now I know it’s because it’s a timing chain.

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DooDoomountian t1_jeavv35 wrote

Turn the ignition on but not the engine. Watch for the lights, all should come on. If not, do not buy because that says it been tampered with.

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Check and make sure the oil looks like oil, or black, but not milky (coffee with creamer look).

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While in park, shift gears and watch for any delay. That will tell you if your transmission is bad

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Look at all the tires. If they have put a complete set and not mismatched, this tells you they take care of the car

look at the coolant. Is it water or is it actual coolant? If its coolant, they take care of their car

Get the carfax

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HoldUntilImOld t1_jeaq58r wrote

All cars are either pre owned or new, saying that you’re looking for a pre owned/new car basically means you’re looking for any car. When buying any car get an accident history report and look for rust/damage on the frame.

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keepthetips t1_jeaoqrd wrote

Hello and welcome to r/LifeProTips!

Please help us decide if this post is a good fit for the subreddit by up or downvoting this comment.

If you think that this is great advice to improve your life, please upvote. If you think this doesn't help you in any way, please downvote. If you don't care, leave it for the others to decide.

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markedasred t1_jeb1s6e wrote

Two points. First, when you ring up, just say you were ringing about the car for sale. Do not specify what car. If they are a dealer pretending it is a private sale, they will usually have to ask you what car you mean. Cut the call, they are trying to shift a car that would fail a warranty.

Second, if you really have no clue, book one of the roadside rescue services to go with you when you are very interested in a particular car. They will know the common faults of all major makes like the backs of their hands. The problems they point out will provide a point of negotiation of the fee of them coming with you off the price.

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N8theT8 t1_jeb4ndh wrote

Buy from someone you know, or a friend of a friend. When I know my vehicle is going to need replacing soon, I start letting everyone I trust know that I’m in the market for a solid used vehicle.

Every vehicle I’ve acquired through this process has been reliable and affordable.

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