re: used car... top 5 items to check out before buying one

[gramps]

I have to buy another used car.

I was wondering what your top 5 things to check before making a purchase? I am onsidering private and dealer sales
I.E. check if it is stolen (I don't know where to look for that)... Other than that I am stumped. I would like to hear opinions, or a link if possible to a previous thread (I couldn't find one)

-gramps

[ds2chan]

I guess the obvious thing to check is mileage.. but besides that I would think:

1) check if it was in any accidents
2) cleanliness of the inside
3) check out the spare tire
4) check the engine(? just a suggestion but I'm not sure what to look at)
5) check to make sure all the lights work
6) you might also want to take a look at the car in the sun to see if you can spot any dings, scratches, touch up paint jobs, paint chips, etc
7) tires (amount of tread, etc)
8) rims (curb rash, etc)
9) windows (cracks)
10) open all the doors and make sure nothing seems out of place
11) all the seat belts work
12) the parking break works
13) seats recline, heat (if this is an option)
14) stereo works with cd player, etc; display functions
15) steering wheel controls work

maybe you should print out a list and check it off as you check out the car.. that way you won't forget anything..

[--StayFly--]

check for rust

[Scotticus]

Check inside the doors for paint that doesn't match up, and/or feels rough. Really put your eye close to the paint, and look for discrepanices.

This helped me find about 3 cars that were in terrible accidents. The can see a little discolouration, or even a visible line where the new paint meets old.

"Oh no, this car's never been in an accident, it's 100% accident free"

*Check paint... Rough, doesn't match....*

"Oh... Well... It just just a ding, despite the fact you've now discovered the whole side of the car's repainted, and was most likely written off at one point"

SKETCHY!!!!

[Scotticus]

Check the interior of the car really well... If it's scratched up and worn, chances are that the owner didn't really respect the care and take care of it well. Remember, the quality of a used car is only as good as the care and maintenance that the previous owner put into it.

Get the car's VIN, run the VIN #, contact the previous owner, and ask them about the car (why they let it go, how they drove it, etc). This might sound weird, but the previous owner's going to be a lot more honest than a guy trying to sell you the car.

[TheProfessor]

Get a carproof report as it'll tell you the true history of the car. I would also take it to a mechanic to be looked over (if you're buying privately). Finally, give the car a good once over (checking for leaks, rust, body panels that have been painted, etc.).

[p-o-g-i]

One thing I always check for (which I feel is often over looked) is weld marks.
Depending on the location of the weld mark, that can be a clear indication that the car has been in an accident, been rebuilt, has had pannels replaced, etc. Check for weld marks under the hood

[mit-gee-mui]

QUESTION:

Since this was placed under the "Buying a Mazda3" subsection, are you talking about buying a used mazda3?

[p-o-g-i]

QUESTION:

Since this was placed under the "Buying a Mazda3" subsection, are you talking about buying a used mazda3?

I think that was answered in the very first comment

I have to buy another used car.

[mit-gee-mui]

Yeah, but used car means mazda3 or no?

Maybe I am thinking too much about this.

I need sleep.

[gramps]

Thanks guys.
these points were helpful.

Someone may want to take a note for a future purchase...
Off of the AMA website (CAA in alberta), they have a plethora of checks and lists. it is detailed, but it is worth a long for anyone who is buying any used car, including a 3

http://www.ama.ab.ca/cps/rde/xchg/am...klist-7736.htm

[Dave_The_BMXER]

Not so much a problem for new cars, but I always check the carpets to see if they are wet.

With older cars and leaking wet carpets often means no floor.