Buying a Used Car
Because new cars are expensive, most people find themselves in the market for a used vehicle when they need wheels. And buying a used car isn't easy; you want to get the best car you can for the best deal you can. Read on to find out how you can handle your used car purchase.
Checklist of Questions to Ask on the Telephone
- Why are you selling the car?
- How long have you owned it?
- Does it need any repairs?
- Is there any rust on the car?
Checklist of Items to Look for Before You Test Drive
- Rust, holes, gunk in tailpipe
- Mismatches in paint (may indicate a past accident)
- Tires in poor condition, uneven tread wear
- Door locks work without sticking
- All headlights and other lights work
- Upholstery not sagging
- Suspension doesn't sag
Checklist of Things to Watch for on the Road
- Clutch doesn't slip or make any noise
- Exhaust pumping out black or blue smoke
- Emergency brake holds on hill
- Make sure the car doesn't pull to one side, i.e., that the wheels are properly aligned
- Make sure steering doesn't wander or make noises
- Accelerate on a hill to determine engine strength
Checklist for the Mechanical Test
- Engine system, compression, spark plug reading, fuel pump, ignition, oil condition
- Electrical system, wiring, alternator, regulator, air conditioner
- Brakes, lining, pads, drums
- Driveline, transmission, universal joints
- Suspension, shocks, springs, ball joints, wheel balance o Frame and body, check for rust and evidence of structural damage.
Related Articles
New Car Buying Guide
Buying a new car is usually the second most expensive purchase many consumers make, after the purchase of their home.
Car Problems
Anyone who owns a car knows they're not foolproof mechanisms; they sometimes break down. Being able to diagnose a problem and to cure it can make your life a lot easier.
64 Mechanic's Ways to Make Your Car Last Longer
NOTE: According to current auto insurance statistics, the average U.S. car's useful life is 10 years or 100,000 miles.
How to Get Better Automotive Service
Today's cars, light trucks, and sport-utility vehicles are high-tech marvels with digital dashboards, oxygen sensors, electronic computers, unibody construction, and more. They run better, longer, and more efficiently than models of years past.
A Simple Method of Selecting the Right Octane for Your Car
Your gasoline bill may be too high if you are using fuel with a higher octane rating than you need.
Seven Tips for Carefree Boat Trailering
FREEBIE: I extended my trailer tongue by three feet using the next size up square steel tubing. This allows me to keep my feet dry during launching and also allows me to use shallow ramps better.
Car Care and the Environment
Car care is definitely a win-win situation.
How to Get Free Oil for Your Car
The secret for getting oil for your car either absolutely free, or at pennies per gallon, is to realize that OIL DOES NOT WEAR OUT, IT JUST GETS DIRTY! If you remove the dirt and other particles from the oil it will be like new.
Cause and Cure for: Strange Noises, Car Starts and Stalls, Car Doesn't Start
Anyone who owns a car knows they're not foolproof mechanisms; they sometimes break down. Being able to diagnose a problem and to cure it can make your life a lot easier.
Thirty Gas Saving Tips
The surest way you can improve your fuel cost problem is to change your motoring habits. Listed below under four categories are 30 effective methods of doing so... no need to buy expensive add-on equipment.