Hey all (and Scotty if you're indeed reading this one)
I plan on looking at a used car this weekend or at least very soon since there are a few options (specifically a 2013 Lexus IS 250 as Scotty's vids made me consider and research them) and wanted some pointers.
What should I look for? What should I ask? Should I buy a scanner?
From what I've learned from Scotty so far:
1. Swipe your finger in the exhaust pipe to check for oil residue.
2. Remove the oil cap and check for any kind build up/crust.
3. After the 10-15 min test drive check for oil leakage.
FYI any of the cars I plan of looking at have under 100k miles if this info. is helpful for your advice.
Thanks in advance!
Tony
Lots of other things: Look for signs that the car has been wrecked (and repaired, often visible in spots, uneven paint, etc), flooded (under the carpet), stolen, etc.
Take a scan tool with enhanced diagnostics (Mode 6) and scan for codes and the enhanced data. If the scans show a wipe or incomplete (especially with the enhanced diagnostics, walk away, or ask for an explanation).
Cheap tires, such as of the Chinesium variety, often are put on to elide the scalloping of older, perhaps better quality tires (signs of alignment issues, at the very least).
Pull the oil dipstick, check the quality of the other fluids.
Make sure that EVERYTHING works: Windows, power seats, manual seats, door locks, HVAC, wipers, trunk, fobs, and any and all digital and analog gizmos.
Drive it at different speeds, shifting the transmission and listening to the engine, the brakes, the suspension, the wheels, etc. (If you have a scanner that records live data, that might be useful, as well).
If you can bring some ramps, put the prospective vehicle on those ramps and with an LCD light, look for rust, fluid leaks, damaged undercarriage supports, the frame, etc.
After all that, if you're initially satisfied, take it to a diagnostic mechanic for a general inspection. (For example, some very high end scan tools can read miles off the main computer. This would tell you if the dash display had been changed). A good diagnostic mechanic might well and should find things that you've missed.
Two final salutations: Caveat Emptor and Good Luck!
Thanks so much for your response. Will definitely consider them all. Much obliged!
You just laid out a pretty good plan to start! But, … that’s just a start, … start that should tell you if you like a car, … or not!
And if you do like the car that you just looked over, kicked the tires, … drove around a block, get it inspected by an independent mechanic, next! It’s that simple! It costs a bit, … but that’s life. You want a good professional opinion before you buy what you like! Never deviate from this process, …
F.S.
Thanks for your input. Appreciate it. Do mechanics tag along on a private job such as this? What's the best way to tag along? Offer them approximately $100?
Basically, you find a car that you may like, first, … you examine it yourself, you take it for a test drive. Than, if you happy with the car at that point, you say to the seller: … I’m interested in your car, subject to an independent inspection. Seller says no, you walk! Look for another car. Seller says yes, you (or together with the car owner) take the car to a garage of your choice, you order from the garage a thorough pre-purchase inspection of the car. Once inspection is completed, you pay for it, … and based on inspection result - and garage’s advisement, you either walk away from the car, or negotiate with owner a final price that you and the seller agrees on. That’s it, …
F.S.
Wonderful! Appreciate it.
Make sure to have a mechanic check it out before buying. You should also invest in a scan tool and scan for codes, if not the mechanic should do it during the inspection. Chris Fix has a good used car buying series, and you should also check out the Used Car Buying Guide below.
Great thanks!
Also, see here:
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/used-car-inspection/
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/good-tips-on-buying-a-used-car/
https://www.carfax.com/blog/car-buying-checklist
It is not a bad idea to have a scan tool on hand and at least check for codes as well as if all OBDII monitors are complete. Beyond that, there is too much to learn with the scan tool (and you might learn enough to be dangerous!) that you are better off leaving that to a pro like Scotty who can analyze all the data and report what’s wrong or not.
Also see videos below:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vC8LbvYk6es
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Rks40ng2C2Y
Appreciate this! Thanks.
