what to look for when buying used

[paul_r_d]

Moving interstate I don't have me dad to help, so my mate (who isnt that good either) are about to embark on looking for a used car on our own. So my question is what does a complete "no-nothing about motors" look out for when buying used? What do I look/listen for on the test drive? Any advice will be good thanks

[Windsor220]

Any particular car your looking at getting?

[paul_r_d]

Originally Posted by Torxteer

Any particular car your looking at getting?

Yeah pretty sure tomorrow we are looking at a 2001 corolla accent sedan.

[Windsor220]

Ok well basics..

- the amount of kilometers /service history
- body/paint condition. This is usually more expensive and harder to repair than something mechanical
- engine idles smoothly and quietly, doesnt blow smoke, any visible oil leaks. May want to visibly check the oil on the dipstick to see condition and level
- gearbox operates smoothly, clutch doesnt slip
- brakes dont pulsate when braking(will require machining if they do)
- tyre wear

Toyotas are generally reliable so there shouldnt be too much wrong with it.

[Geez Louise]

Make sure whatever car you buy get a REVS check. Make sure there is no finance on the damn thing!! So many people get caught out!

[paul_r_d]

Thanks.... will keep this in mine

[XCSEDAN]

to add to the list above,
any shudders/vibrations
if it is auto make sure it doesnt belt itself into gear
open the engine right up (shift either on or just before redline) and listen and feel, when an engine/driveline is under load is when it is most likely to show signs of issues.
other things to check are body roll, and smoothness on the road (gives you an idea on how good the condition of the suspension is)
if you are worried about previous accidents, look at welds in the engine bay, and the seems where panels connect, if a car has had a decent repair done it will stand out.

anything else may be too detailed to describe without pictures.

[paul_r_d]

Originally Posted by XCSEDAN

to add to the list above,
any shudders/vibrations
if it is auto make sure it doesnt belt itself into gear
open the engine right up (shift either on or just before redline) and listen and feel, when an engine/driveline is under load is when it is most likely to show signs of issues.
other things to check are body roll, and smoothness on the road (gives you an idea on how good the condition of the suspension is)
if you are worried about previous accidents, look at welds in the engine bay, and the seems where panels connect, if a car has had a decent repair done it will stand out.

anything else may be too detailed to describe without pictures.

Thanks dude. Appreciate it

[ebxr8240]

If has had subs in back and speakers added to doors, rice muffler ... RUN !!!!

[XCSEDAN]

Originally Posted by ebxr8240

If has had subs in back and speakers added to doors ... RUN !!!!

actually thats a VERY good point, if the car has been modified you may have some small issues with things like wiring ( a lot of people, cut twist and tape wiring instead of soldering it.), certain codes flashing up on the dash stupid stuff like that, better off by far buying a stock car if you don't know what to look for.

[[Tonko]]

Originally Posted by XCSEDAN

a lot of people, cut twist and tape wiring instead of soldering it.

:

Check Panel gaps aswell, and look at the panels on different angles, resprays and mis-alignment are easiest to see like this...
Ask the owner plenty of q/n's aswell, if they dont have answers like "oh, i dunno what happened there" or "dunno if that was replaced" walk away...

[Bushbasher]

Pull the oil filler cap off on the rocker cover and check to see if there is any smoke and fumes coming out while the engine is running. If there is it means the rings are gone and it's rebuild time.

[paul_r_d]

I am pretty sure this is a stock 2001 Corolla, auto and a sedan. It has 62k on the clock.

[The Yeti]

Originally Posted by paul_r_d

I am pretty sure this is a stock 2001 Corolla, auto and a sedan. It has 62k on the clock.

At 62k you should be pretty right, check for service history and any obvious panell repairs

[OLDFORDNUT]

get an RACV full check ,cost less than $150 and will find any faults which will give you great bargaining position to knock several hundred off price and give you an idea if car is even worth buying

[Casablanca]

yup and whatever you do don't buy a grey import unless you have a decent mechanic with you. i learnt the hard way.

[ebxr8240]

Originally Posted by Casablanca

yup and whatever you do don't buy a grey import unless you have a decent mechanic with you. i learnt the hard way.

Import cars are o/k .. You must have bought a lemon ???

[S3SR]

if its from a dealer theres no need to do a revs check as it has to come with one and clear title?

check service history
check previous owners - for things like rental companies
i usually bring 3 mates when buying a car, test slamming the door and all the seatbelts, added weight should also test the suspension and braking (they are big blokes)
check the spare as well and the tyres, worst thing is thinking theyve put new ones on but havent
test drive and drive like you normally would, but nothing stupid obviously

check the paint for stone chips or dodgy touch ups
check engine bay for dirt and dust - usualy indicates the type of environment they used it in
check around boot well, door hinges, around the windscreens for rust or signs of it
if power windows make sure they all work, they can cost a fair bit
and anything else i forgot to mention
and of course make sure you like the car, its your money and youll be driving it so enjoy it

[madmelon]

Check all painted bolt heads to see if doors/bonnet/boot/etc have been removed. If something has been removed, the paint is likely to be chipped or scratched. Check alignment of styling features (like impressions or ridges running down the body work) line up by looking at them on a very shallow angle (ie. down the length of the car).

Check shocks by bouncing each corner of the car individually. After you stop forcing it to bounce it should return to its original location almost immediately. If it continues to bounce, new shockies.

Check for backlash in the drivetrain. At a relatively low speed, take your foot off the accelerator, then apply it gently again and repeat a few times. Listen for any clunks. It's virtually impossible to have no backlash, but you don't want a car that has lots. It should only be noticeable when you go looking for it and even then it shouldn't be obvious.

If it has ABS, test it. Also test that it doesn't pull right or left on braking. Make sure you're on a flat road for that one.

Run the climate control at every setting and ensure they all work. Also watch out for nasty odours- they can be very difficult to get rid of sometimes.

Everything that can be moved should be tested and (believe it or not) listened to. Sometimes you can hear something is wrong without being able to see it- eg, one door sounds different when it closes, one switch sounds sloppy, etc. Also, it's one of the few ways to determine the health of the engine. If you can, try to have it first started for the day when you arrive- listen for any sort of clacking n tapping noise etc. Also shouldn't blow smoke on cold start.

[jornsmith]

if its from a dealer most of the above points should be checked by the dealer and should be in pretty good condition, if unsure take a person that knows what they are looking at with you.remember that the car comes with a min 3 months warranty, so test it out and get em fixed quick or ask for an extended warranty
if you are looking at a car from a private seller and you have no one who knows what they are looking for, negotiate with them and get an 100 point nrma inspection( don't know how much they are these days) done on the car.if the owner is confident with the car they will pay for it cause they have nothing to worry about. if they look like a tightass then you could offer to pay half. a few dollars to check the car out at first could save many dollars down the track!! :