Buying a Used Car

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  • Chrisksaint
    $$$
    • Apr 2010
    • 19127

    #1

    Buying a Used Car

    Once i'm done with this spring semester going to look into finally buying my 1st car, I'll have about $3K to work with so i'm looking at the used cars.

    I'm going to do this with my mom and step dad so I won't be going into this alone once I start to look around Tampa and possibly Palm Beach/Tallahassee but as I just look online right now through various websites what are some key things I should be looking.
    Saints, LSU, Seminoles, Pelicans, Marlins, Lightning
  • Bighoff
    The Bird is the word
    • Jul 2002
    • 5312

    #2
    Re: Buying a Used Car

    Miles driven would be the first thing I looked at. I would think that if you bought from a dealership or CarMax type place you'd ave a better chance of not ending up with a POS. Good luck with the search.
    I've heard this "patience is a virtue" junk all my life. I'm happy to say I have no virtue, no scruples, and no desire to wait too long for anything. In my humble opinion instant gratification takes too long!

    Comment

    • legendkiller5
      The Lord of #Hashtags
      • Jun 2008
      • 7731

      #3
      Re: Buying a Used Car

      Autocheck >>>>>>>>> carfax.
      Rice Owls - Houston Astros/Dynamo/Rockets/Texans - Arsenal - PSG

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      • rdub78
        Banned
        • Sep 2011
        • 419

        #4
        Re: Buying a Used Car

        Mileage is probably number one.

        Was the oil changed at the correct intervals?

        Check tire tread.

        Give it a good test drive. Test the brakes and make sure they are smooth.

        Check to make sure everything works as advertised. Heat. A/C. Power locks/windows. Stuff like that.

        My buddy is a mechanic so if you have any questions I can answer them for ya!

        Comment

        • AUChase
          Hall Of Fame
          • Jul 2008
          • 19409

          #5
          Re: Buying a Used Car

          I would def. get a background check for the vehicle.

          I would also do a thorough test drive of the vehicle. I got in my car, pressed the clutch and messed with the shifter for a few moments. I cranked it up, got out and listened for any exhaust leaks or rattling. I also checked the engine oil, on the car lot in front of the guy.

          Like someone mentioned, I check tire tred and wear, make sure the front end is aligned properly and check the brakes for squeaking, etc.

          I got on mine a little, during the test drive, but that's just a personal choice. I like to make sure my vehicle isn't going to be falling apart the second I have to do some evasive interstate driving or something.

          Are you planning on paying the 3k for the car, or using it as a down payment and making monthly payments ?

          I financed my 06 SS Cobalt, without the help of my parents, and I was only 21. I know your credit probably won't allow you to do so, but If you need any help just message me or something.. I'm a pretty decent car shopper and I'm really a hard *** when it comes to dealing with car salesmen.. they are all sneaky and can't be trusted, regardless of what sort of reputation they have with the locals.

          If you test drive it, even if you love it, find something to not like about it and seem un satisfied. If you get out and say you're completely happy with it, they're going to be hard to negotiate with. If you're going into it with your parents, I'm sure you'll be just fine.
          Last edited by AUChase; 01-31-2012, 11:01 PM.

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          • canes21
            Hall Of Fame
            • Sep 2008
            • 22942

            #6
            Re: Buying a Used Car

            If you know anyone in the car business, you may be able to get a good deal on a car. My dad's been in the business since before I was born, so I was able to get an 06 Cobalt SS like AU, and it only had 55,000 mils on it and everything works fine. It was in a minor front end crash before we got it, but the car looks/runs just like it should. Also, the car only cost $3,700.

            So if you even just somehow barely know someone in the business, it's worth checking out to see if you can get a good deal.
            “No one is more hated than he who speaks the truth.”


            ― Plato

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            • iAM-IncReDiBLe-
              Next Miami Great
              • Dec 2008
              • 4285

              #7
              I prefer buying from Craigslist. I bought 3 cars so far. As long as you know exactly what your looking for its really easy. Check mileage, the fluids. Give it a GOOD test drive. You want to check for any weird noises an jerking for transmission problems. I feel when you buy from an actual private person its easier because thats how you get great deals. I got my car for $1200 an its great. She was pregnant an needed a bigger car so I got lucky an got the car for a great deal.

              When you test drive it, speed. Hit some corners an accelerate. You just want to know your car can handle any situation. You also won't know something is wrong if you don't push the car. Transmission is a common problem is used cars. Also an expensive problem.

              Sent from Jesus EVO

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              • ab713
                Rookie
                • Dec 2002
                • 315

                #8
                Re: Buying a Used Car

                Just a heads up, when I was looking for a car I found a used 2005 STS I was interested in with 50,000 miles, a crystal clear carfax, perfect looking condition, and up to date maintenance records.

                I was set on purchasing it, but wanted to get the entire car checked out first. The technician found that the entire front end of the car had been in a major head on crash. Whoever fixed it had to re-bend the frame of the car leaving noticeable stress marks in the frame.

                Just keep an eye out and buy from someone you trust.

                Comment

                • Chrisksaint
                  $$$
                  • Apr 2010
                  • 19127

                  #9
                  Re: Buying a Used Car

                  Thanks for the advice.

                  Yeah I plan on just paying all up front, I could afford month payments on a car I think given that my financial aid covers all of my rent/tuition plus some leftover but it'd be tight and i'd rather just put that $$ into savings for the future.

                  My grandpa has gotten pretty good deals on cars for my family from people he knows,etc. Going back home to the West Palm Beach area for spring break so he's going to help me out and see what we can find, if not just going to go through some of the known used car websites/dealers after the semester.

                  Good thing i'll be going into this with some help as I've really only driven for 6 months my senior year in HS cause I finally had a car my grandpa let me borrow so I only have some basic knowledge with how a car drives,etc.
                  Saints, LSU, Seminoles, Pelicans, Marlins, Lightning

                  Comment

                  • p_rushing
                    Hall Of Fame
                    • Feb 2004
                    • 14514

                    #10
                    Re: Buying a Used Car

                    If you know someone in the business, tell them what you want and they should be able to find something at auction.

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