I am about to go look at an older used car...

[Pooht]

its a '86 Camaro...what do i need to look for? i know the basic stuff like engine, interior, rust, frame and stuff like that...but is there anything else i should look for and ask about?

 

[Kelvrick]

Maint. records, salvage title. All I can think of right now. Having maint records is a good sign, it means they cared for their care and are responsible enough to keep the records.

 

[shaddow]

one simple test tells you whether or not the engine oil was changed regularly

take the oil cap off the engine block and stick your finger down and rub the side wall or any part you can touch,
if it has very rough texture and is like solid scum , then it was not maintained well.

 

[apoppin]

Talk to the owner. Make eye contact. Ask WHY they are selling the car.

Watch out for brand new tires. They are often put on to hide alignment/front end problems. Look under the car for fluids. Does the car start right up?

Take it for a test drive.

Best of all - unless the car is a real cheapie - take it to your mechanic (or a friend's trusted mechanic) for an opinion.

Make sure title is clean. Get a bill of sale and/or pink slip properly signed.

 

[blahblah99]

things i'd check for when buying a used car:

Visual inspections:
1. Check around gasket areas to see if there's any oil leaks
2. Pull up the oil dipstick and see the condition of the oil. If it looks milky color, then there's probably a blown head gasket, if the oil is brand new either the owner keeps his car very maintained in which you should ask for maintanance records or there's something going on with the engine.
3. Check all fluid levels to see if they are maintained (brake, power sterring, transmission, oil, coolant, windshield,)
4. Check the condition of the coolant - is it green? is it brown?
5. Check the tires for uneven wear - usually indicates misalignment or some other bigger problem.
6. Check the sides of the area around the front and see if vehicle was repainted.
7. Ask for proof of when the last major maintanance occured (timing belt change, spark plugs change, valve job perhaps, clutch if its manual, etc etc)


After that, start up the car yourself, and see how the engine responds and drive it around a bit.. remember that an engine is still good if you can feel it "pull" you and not "push". While driving the car, check:

1. Gear shifting - is it smooth or does it jump
2. Smooth acceleration or uneven acceleration
3. shocks/springs and brakes - does it brake smoothly, does the car respond well over bumps

hopes tis helps - and remember to use common sense, if you THINK something's wrong with the car, then your probably right.

 

[Phunktion]

Pay the $20 and have a mechanic who knows Chevys take a look at it for you.. if the guy who is selling the car is trustworthy to begin with he/she shouldn't object to you getting it looked at by a mechanic..

Edit: This is also a good way to know if they really have any faith in the car they are selling to you anyways..