What to test in a new car - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Harshaw · 10-23-2003, 04:56 PM

Ok, I searched for this, but didn't find it anywhere.
I need to get a car pretty soon, I am going to buy a used one. What should I be looking for in a car to make sure it is going to last for a while? I understand that cars will break down from time to time, but I would like to buy a car that isn't going to self-destruct.

Pragma · 10-23-2003, 07:11 PM

First, get the vehicle history (accidents, previous owners, etc.).
Then get the maintence history (when was the last time the tires were replaced, the timing belt, the brakes, how often is the oil changed, etc.).

After that, take a good look at the car itself. If it looks like it's been taken care of, that's normally a pretty good sign.

I'm sure I'm missing a lot, but that's a quick list I thought up.

KeyserSoze · 10-23-2003, 08:03 PM

Get your choices down to three vehicles and then look at the safety rating of the three.

Then you look at resale value down the road(which car has a better residule)

Oh......you might want to let us know how much you wish to spend by the way.

When you narrow your choices start shopping around and don't EVER show too much excitement about a car.

Make sure you check the tranny fluid and oil .......feel the oil between your fingers and make sure it smooth when it runs between your fingers. Make sure the tranny fluid is a cherry color and does NOT SMELL burnt.

Run your fingers on all the edges of the car (hood, trunk, doors..etc) if it was a repaint you will feel the difference in the smoothness of a factory paint job and a repaint.

If you need some help with what you should pay or even getting a great price drop me a pm and I can run you a carfax and book sheet on the cars you decide on.

I do appraise cars for a living and I love nothing more then someone telling me their car is a 10 and me devaluing it to a 5 or a 6

Good luck and happy hunting

10-23-2003, 04:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
Harshaw Is mad at you. Location: Bored in Sacramento	What to test in a new car Ok, I searched for this, but didn't find it anywhere. I need to get a car pretty soon, I am going to buy a used one. What should I be looking for in a car to make sure it is going to last for a while? I understand that cars will break down from time to time, but I would like to buy a car that isn't going to self-destruct. __________________ This too shall pass.

10-23-2003, 07:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
Pragma I am Winter Born Location: Alexandria, VA	First, get the vehicle history (accidents, previous owners, etc.). Then get the maintence history (when was the last time the tires were replaced, the timing belt, the brakes, how often is the oil changed, etc.). After that, take a good look at the car itself. If it looks like it's been taken care of, that's normally a pretty good sign. I'm sure I'm missing a lot, but that's a quick list I thought up. __________________ Eat antimatter, Posleen-boy!

10-23-2003, 08:03 PM	#3 (permalink)
KeyserSoze Psycho Location: Lost Angeles	Get your choices down to three vehicles and then look at the safety rating of the three. Then you look at resale value down the road(which car has a better residule) Oh......you might want to let us know how much you wish to spend by the way. When you narrow your choices start shopping around and don't EVER show too much excitement about a car. Make sure you check the tranny fluid and oil .......feel the oil between your fingers and make sure it smooth when it runs between your fingers. Make sure the tranny fluid is a cherry color and does NOT SMELL burnt. Run your fingers on all the edges of the car (hood, trunk, doors..etc) if it was a repaint you will feel the difference in the smoothness of a factory paint job and a repaint. If you need some help with what you should pay or even getting a great price drop me a pm and I can run you a carfax and book sheet on the cars you decide on. I do appraise cars for a living and I love nothing more then someone telling me their car is a 10 and me devaluing it to a 5 or a 6 Good luck and happy hunting __________________ THERE IS NO KEYSER SOZE!!