• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Need Help: Good questions to ask when buying a cheap used car?

F

futurefields

Diamond Member
What are some good questions to ask?




Moved from OT.

Anandtech Administrator
KeithTalent
 
Last edited by a moderator:
futurefields said:
Any way for me to spot a clean title from a not so clean one?
Click to expand...

1) Does not have any indication of a lien on the vehicle.
2) On the back, there usually are areas where if the vehicle has been sold, the seller and buyer name are listed. Make sure that the person you are buying it from is the last on on the list.
3) Make sure the VIN is the same.
4) If suspicious, contact the local PD and ask them to run a VIN check
 
Carfax catches some/many but not all problems

It seems some fraudsters know a buddy in a different state that can magically re-issue a clean title.

Carfax + competent mechanic that can look for warning signs is about all you can do.
 
futurefields said:
What are some good questions to ask?
Click to expand...

Assuming your budget is extremely limited and you are looking at the bottom of the used car market.

No question is really going to help you other than
"Does it have a clear title"
"Is it currently inspected and can it be driven on public road"
"Can we meet at my mechanic to check it out?"
 
It has been a while since I've owned a car with a rebuilt title but it had rebuilt printed on it somewhere so it was pretty obvious.
 
Not questions to ask, but rather things to do:

Bring your own multimeter. This is for alternator and battery testing.
Check the dipstick. Those cars without a dipstick, well...hmm.
Have jumper cables/portable jump device.
 
Run your own title check and make sure the odometer shows steady increase in mileage and the ownership history isn't ridiculous.
 
- Ask if it's been driven today. If "no" ask him to start it up for you. Ogle the tailpipe as he does. Note any blue smoke.

- Ask him to recite all work he can remember doing on it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top