Bought a used car - what should I check?

[Leros]

I bought a used 2000 Isuzu Rodeo this weekend. I immediatly got all of the fluids changed. Today it rained and the wiper blades were worthless, which got me thinking that there are probably other things like the wipers that need to be replaced.

What should I check?

 

[conjur]

Uhh....you didn't check it *before* you bought it?

 

[Saint Nick]

Originally posted by: conjur
Uhh....you didn't check it *before* you bought it?

i was thinking the exact same thing.

 

[Leros]

Originally posted by: conjur
Uhh....you didn't check it *before* you bought it?

I checked as much as I could, but I didnt spray down the windsheild and check the wiper blades, for instance.

 

[Saint Nick]

i say get the transmission checked out and the timing belts replaced to be on the safe side. there's a number of other things you could do.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

While I usually avoid giving comments like this to someone who bought a car, I don't think this was a wise choice, they aren't great cars at all, especially that engine. Did you research much at all about the car before buying?

 

[Leros]

The engine got checked by a mechanic. They replaced the catalytic converter, but everything else checked out. (the previous owner paid for all this at my request).

 

[Pliablemoose]

At 5 years old, the belts & hoses should be replaced...

 

[Leros]

Originally posted by: AgaBoogaBoo
While I usually avoid giving comments like this to someone who bought a car, I don't think this was a wise choice, they aren't great cars at all, especially that engine. Did you research much at all about the car before buying?

Would you explain more in depth about why the engine isnt any good?

 

[IronWing]

Brakes, starter, battery.

 

[Pepsi90919]

Originally posted by: JToxic
I bought a used 2000 Isuzu Rodeo this weekend. I immediatly got all of the fluids changed. Today it rained and the wiper blades were worthless, which got me thinking that there are probably other things like the wipers that need to be replaced.

What should I check?

you don't say.

 

[Heisenberg]

Belts, hoses, fluids, brake pads/rotors, timing belt if you're unfortunate enough to have one, other stuff I can't think of right now. If you had it checked by a competent mechanic he should have caught most of this stuff.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: jndietz
i say get the transmission checked out and the timing belts replaced to be on the safe side. there's a number of other things you could do.

He said he changed all the fluids. There really isn't anything to check on the transmission. If there are no noticeable problems just drive it.

Timing belts only need to be replaced every 60-70k miles or so. Check the manufacturer's recommendation on this.

I'd look over the hoses but other than that you've done pretty much all the preventative maint stuff you really need to do at this point.

 

[Leros]

Originally posted by: Pepsi90919

Originally posted by: JToxic
I bought a used 2000 Isuzu Rodeo this weekend. I immediatly got all of the fluids changed. Today it rained and the wiper blades were worthless, which got me thinking that there are probably other things like the wipers that need to be replaced.

What should I check?

you don't say.

Forgive me. Im 17 and this is the first car I've ever had to actually care about taking care of. My dad isnt much help either. He told me to change the oil, nothing more.

 

[klah]

150-point inspection.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: JToxic

Originally posted by: Pepsi90919

Originally posted by: JToxic
I bought a used 2000 Isuzu Rodeo this weekend. I immediatly got all of the fluids changed. Today it rained and the wiper blades were worthless, which got me thinking that there are probably other things like the wipers that need to be replaced.

What should I check?

you don't say.

Forgive me. Im 17 and this is the first car I've ever had to actually care about taking care of. My dad isnt much help either. He told me to change the oil, nothing more.

How many miles are on it? When you say you changed all the fluids, does that mean ALL the fluids? Engine coolant, oil, transmission, power steering, brake fluid and rear differential fluid (assuming it's 2WD)?

Edit-How are the tires? Any shake/vibration in the steering wheel? An alignment and wheel balance might not be a bad idea.

 

[Leros]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: JToxic

Originally posted by: Pepsi90919

Originally posted by: JToxic
I bought a used 2000 Isuzu Rodeo this weekend. I immediatly got all of the fluids changed. Today it rained and the wiper blades were worthless, which got me thinking that there are probably other things like the wipers that need to be replaced.

What should I check?

you don't say.

Forgive me. Im 17 and this is the first car I've ever had to actually care about taking care of. My dad isnt much help either. He told me to change the oil, nothing more.

How many miles are on it? When you say you changed all the fluids, does that mean ALL the fluids? Engine coolant, oil, transmission, power steering, brake fluid and rear differential fluid (assuming it's 2WD)?

Edit-How are the tires? Any shake/vibration in the steering wheel? An alignment and wheel balance might not be a bad idea.

Its got 80,000 miles on it. I did change all the fluids. There isnt anything I left unchanged.

The tires are practically brand new. The steering wheel has no vibration at all. The alignment is great. I see no need to get that looked at.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: JToxic
Its got 80,000 miles on it. I did change all the fluids. There isnt anything I left unchanged.

The tires are practically brand new. The steering wheel has no vibration at all. The alignment is great. I see no need to get that looked at.

Excellent! Sounds like everything is under control.

I would check to see if the timing belt has been replaced though. I don't think yours is an interference type engine but if it hasn't been replaced and it snaps it will leave you stranded. A mechanic should be able to tell if it has been replaced. I had a '96 Rodeo and it had a 3.2l V6 engine, horrible on gas but it was very reliable. I think yours has a GM engine in it. It's probably very similar but you never know.

Congrats on the new truck.

 

[Soccerman06]

Look in the manual and check to see if there is any upcoming major (somewhat) repairs like new brakes, spark plugs, or anything like that.

Is the Rodeo a SUV? Replace the spark plugs right away because SUV go through them like a fat kid and chocolate donuts. Dont listen to the 1000000 mile warrently because a SUv's engine has to do a lot more work (moving 2-3 tons) than a light compact or sedan.

Rotate tires, you cant always spot alignment by eye.

Replace the air filter

Have the brakes checked to make sure there is a decent amount of wear left, because it seems your Rodeo has been through more than average mileage.

Replace battery

Look in the engine compartment and check for any leakage, also check under the car for any leaks (under I mean both on the ground and in the engine compartment, look for anything thats in exess) but dont worry if theres stuff dripping of the condesor because thats just water condensing. duh...

 

[cmp1223]

READ this:

http://www.aarpmagazine.org/lifestyle/auto_pilot.html

 

[MikeMike]

Originally posted by: Soccerman06
Is the Rodeo a SUV? Replace the spark plugs right away because SUV go through them like a fat kid and chocolate donuts. Dont listen to the 1000000 mile warrently because a SUv's engine has to do a lot more work (moving 2-3 tons) than a light compact or sedan.
.

:laugh:

 

[sniperruff]

Originally posted by: cmp1223
READ this:

http://www.aarpmagazine.org/lifestyle/auto_pilot.html

useful. thanks!

 

[funboy6942]

Originally posted by: JToxic

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: JToxic

Originally posted by: Pepsi90919

Originally posted by: JToxic
I bought a used 2000 Isuzu Rodeo this weekend. I immediatly got all of the fluids changed. Today it rained and the wiper blades were worthless, which got me thinking that there are probably other things like the wipers that need to be replaced.

What should I check?

you don't say.

Forgive me. Im 17 and this is the first car I've ever had to actually care about taking care of. My dad isnt much help either. He told me to change the oil, nothing more.

How many miles are on it? When you say you changed all the fluids, does that mean ALL the fluids? Engine coolant, oil, transmission, power steering, brake fluid and rear differential fluid (assuming it's 2WD)?

Edit-How are the tires? Any shake/vibration in the steering wheel? An alignment and wheel balance might not be a bad idea.

Its got 80,000 miles on it. I did change all the fluids. There isnt anything I left unchanged.

The tires are practically brand new. The steering wheel has no vibration at all. The alignment is great. I see no need to get that looked at.

Id still have someone check the steering parts. Just because it doesnt shake and goes straight down the road doesnt mean something is loose or worn. Dont need to loose a tie rod or ball joint at 70mph

I had a camero I bought that went straight and as soon as I took it to sears where I worked as a mechanic I about pooped my paints when the idler arm fell off when I lifted it and saw that ALL the sterring parts were shot. I just got done getting off the highway doing 100 mph before lifting it too
At that point I make it one of the first things I check when buying a used car.

Originally posted by: cmp1223
READ this:

http://www.aarpmagazine.org/lifestyle/auto_pilot.html

Perry King is an actor and racecar driver who over the past 30 years has bought nearly 50 used cars for himself, his friends, and his family.

LOL I have owned over 300 cars since I was 15 years old. Thats over 300 cars in 13 years

 

[sniperruff]

Originally posted by: funboy42

Perry King is an actor and racecar driver who over the past 30 years has bought nearly 50 used cars for himself, his friends, and his family.

LOL I have owned over 300 cars since I was 15 years old. Thats over 300 cars in 13 years

so do you think his suggestions are valid? what are YOUR suggestions?

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: conjur
Uhh....you didn't check it *before* you bought it?

LOL, my thoughts exactly.