What to look for when buying a used car
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What to look for when buying a used car
Like the topic says, what should i look for when buying a used car? Like some of you know im lookin for a car and i was wondering what to look for to tell if its a good car or not.
Thank You
Thank You
Re: What to look for when buying a used car (shutuprichard551)
Here are some tips/tricks:
Check to see if the gauge cluster is producing a C.E.L. (Check Engine Light) when the car is on.
Check for dents, scraps, evidence of poor repair from an accident
Carfax the vehicle before buying
KBB.com the car to make sure you're not being ripped off
If the car isn't stock, check and make sure the work done (if motor/tranny was swapped, or the car was turbo'd, that it's in perfect running condition).
Take the vehicle to a trusted mechanic for an all-around inspection if you don't have time or are unable to check out the car yourself.
Put the car thru it's paces, make sure it shifts nicely and that the car's motor drives normally.
Get to know the person -- you're buying the person as much as the car. Make sure you like what you see.
Check to see if the gauge cluster is producing a C.E.L. (Check Engine Light) when the car is on.
Check for dents, scraps, evidence of poor repair from an accident
Carfax the vehicle before buying
KBB.com the car to make sure you're not being ripped off
If the car isn't stock, check and make sure the work done (if motor/tranny was swapped, or the car was turbo'd, that it's in perfect running condition).
Take the vehicle to a trusted mechanic for an all-around inspection if you don't have time or are unable to check out the car yourself.
Put the car thru it's paces, make sure it shifts nicely and that the car's motor drives normally.
Get to know the person -- you're buying the person as much as the car. Make sure you like what you see.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: WORKING for MY stuff in, CA, United States
Re: What to look for when buying a used car (ke98248)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ke98248 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Get to know the person -- you're buying the person as much as the car. Make sure you like what you see.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yeah, theres nothing worse than dealing with a shady or non-friendly person. Thats the last person you want to be handing a few grand to. Also..something you may not know about hondas. All the body panels (fenders, front and rear bumpers, etc.) have an OEM vin# sticker on them. Check to make sure they are there and that they match the other vins (dashboard stamp, transmission stamp, firewall stamp). This will help you determine if the car was in any kind of accident.
Yeah, theres nothing worse than dealing with a shady or non-friendly person. Thats the last person you want to be handing a few grand to. Also..something you may not know about hondas. All the body panels (fenders, front and rear bumpers, etc.) have an OEM vin# sticker on them. Check to make sure they are there and that they match the other vins (dashboard stamp, transmission stamp, firewall stamp). This will help you determine if the car was in any kind of accident.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,067
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From: CA, Orange County
Re: What to look for when buying a used car (shutuprichard551)
Make sure the tranny has a VIN# on it, I've heard about people getting in trouble for that. Also check the front bumper, make sure its not cut. I always did the best I could to see if the car had been turbo'd or not. Turn on the A/C see if it works, and make sure it doesn't smell. Just cause the car doesn't smell bad normally doesn't mean the person wasn't a smoker. Pop the hood and see how the engine is running, should be smooth and not much movement if it is stock. 
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