Lusi

What are things that one should look for when buying a pre-owned car? What kind of millage one should avoid? What are some of things that should be asked from the owner or should be checked in the car?

I have just started my first full time job. I am not comfortable with buying a brand new car, I think i should be more stable before I decide to go for a brand new one. So, I am basically interested in a pre-owned Honda, Toyota, or Nissan. I don't want to buy anything more then 10k. I have been looking at listings online but I am not quite sure what are the things I should look for and avoid in a pre-owned car. I will appreciate any feedback I can get.


Thanks!

TLK

Try to buy car from a private party. I would advice you not to get stuck with Pre-owned Japanese but if you have to, buy it from white American family living in suburbs. Always test drive, always check Blue Book Value, always ask for carfax report. Feel free to kick the tires, look under the car for any sign of any kinds of leaks. Look around for rust. Never buy the car where engine in painted black.

Lafanter

^ lol

avoid buying any thing above 100,000 miles
Check engine for any oil leaks
listen to engine sound for any weird noise (should sound smooth, no tick tick noises in between)
test drive to feel the suspension
test drive to feel the gear box (shouldnt jerk while changing gears "Auto")
exhaust smoke shouldnt have any colors (black/white)*
should have full service history

* in winter exhaust smoke is always white when u start the engine fresh which is normal
** donot, DONOT buy any car with high odometer readings or else u ll be buying some else's problem

eagle123

have you tried buying 2nd hand from a dealer, their cars are covered with a standard warranty, and probably hpi checked and also the fact that the initial depreciation has been undertaken by the first owner, i bought mine 2nd hand from the honda dealer, and no problems have been noted so far

Lusi

buying a second hand from dealer is as expensive as buying a new car. Apparently my family is not liking my idea of a used car....

eagle123

true but the risks are minimised cos you get the standard warranty as buying a new car, and it has been serviced and maintained still you get what you pay for, if you go for the private option look at thins like full service history, do a bit of homework on how much the car is going to cost you, here in the uk 2nd hand cars their values have been going up rather than down due to the scarappage scheme, i was in the same boat as you still i decided to buy 2nd hand, as what your budget allows, thing is buying older cars let say over 10 years old they actually cost more to run than something newer

Cheegum

Get a honda accord. For 10k you will get one that will last you the next five years atleast. You don't have to get the latest and greatest. A 2000-2001 year model will do great as long as the mileage is below 75,000 miles.

http://chicago.craigslist.org/search...10000&hasPic=1

Spock

A 2000-2001 Accord will have worn out struts, suspension problems, sorry but though I love Honda, particular the Accord brand, its a nightmare buying a car thats 8-9 years old it terms of maintenance. The timing belt would need to be replaced too, and that's a major hooplah, considering the Accord engines are interference engines as opposed to free-wheelings, i.e. if the belt breaks on the highway your engine is poof.

If you really want to buy a used car, buy a used certified car, from the original dealership. For instance, if you want to buy an Accord, buying a Honda Certified Used Accord, around the 50K mile mark and about 3-4 years old (look for lease returns), and make sure they have the timing belt replaced, as they are supposed to for Used Certifieds. They'll offer a 10K warranty (manufacturer backed provided its certified), which should be good enough to figure out if theres any major problems with the car.

X2

first car?
what will most of your driving be?
highway, city?

I would say get as new as possible, and with as little mileage as possible, and see if it is under factory warranty or a manufactrer certified car with extended warranty.

you can get good deals on 2008Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, or Honda Fit, if you wait a couple of months, u can get a great deal on a brand new 2009.

you can also get corolla or civic 2006-2007 and can find some in that price range, or 2006 nissan altimas.

smilestar

just as a side note, if you do plan on getting a second hand car, and especially from a private party..there's a website that allows you to pull up the car's records and tells you if it has been in any accidents or has had any claims against it.

my brother was looking into getting a second hand car, found one he really liked, everything was good about it. he decided to pull up it's records, and found out that it had been in an accident and the insurance company had paid over $18k to have it fixed. i think it was the best $50 he ever spent

so always make sure that the car has so accident history, especially when buying second hand..either from a dealership or from a private party.

good luck!

Lusi

I don't think I will be buying a used car, my entire family is against the notion. X2, yes it will be my first car and basically i will be driving in the city, highway might be like once in a week thing.

What is the best period to buy a new car? I am thinking of end of oct or beginning of nov. I want to have one before it starts snowing.

Thanks!

Cheegum

If you're buying new but cheap go for a suzuki sx4. Its cheaper than air.

cricketplaya

Yes, that's the best time to buy a new car since dealers are clearing inventory. Lot's of great deals out there even now due to economy. The 0% leasing for 60months is out there for Toyota, Mazda, Mitsubishi and maybe even others. Check them out.