I am looking into a used car (07 toyota v6) and wanted to know some tips on how to check the mechanical condition of it without bringing a mechanic. I was aslo told that the begginning of Janurary is the best time to buy a used car. I am about to turn 16, but my parents want to wait until August to buy me my first car. Do you think I should wait until the summer to buy my first car or buy one now that I saw online this month?
Generally speaking, if you buy from a private party it really doesn't matter what time of year you buy a car. But, if buying from a used car lot or dealership then yes this time of year is probably best. Get a scan tool (like BlueDriver or something) and check for codes. You also want to check fluids, inspect the suspension, and test drive the car to make sure it's been well taken care of. I would highly recommend you take the car to a trusted mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you don't really know what to look for. Toyotas are reliable cars, but having a mechanic check it out before will certainly give you piece of mind that you're not being ripped off.
Thanks for the advice and yes- I it is being sold from a dealership. It is hard to get a good condition car from a private party unless you know the owner.
And if the dealership won’t let you do a pre-purchase inspection/check by a trusted mechanic of your choosing, walk away!
