Q&A for How to Check out a Used Car Before Buying It

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Can the mileage of a car be changed?

Community Answer

Yes. It actually happens quite a bit. Be cautious, and if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

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What should I do if the used car that I purchased has issues?

Community Answer

Check to see your state's lemon laws. Used vehicles are sold as-is, but if the seller was aware of the issues, there may be legal liability.

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Question

How old can a car be if I buy it?

Community Answer

This is a question of preference. Personally, I just see a car as a mass of metal, bolts, and mechanisms. If it has been well maintained, then that's what should matter. Also, make sure that perishable parts are replaced, like rubber timing belts, pads and shoes, rusting exhausts, and clutch pads.

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Question

Is there a way to tell if the transmission is about to go without a mechanic there?

Community Answer

The is one simple thing to watch for when you are driving it. As you accelerate, feel the car as it changes gears. It should not be abrupt or rough in any way.

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Question

What can cause smoke to come through the oil cap while the car is running?

Community Answer

Water in the oil is a likely culprit. If there is water in the engine, you may have a cracked block or a broken head gasket. Both are very expensive to repair. Low or burning oil is also a cause. It depends on the color of the smoke. White smoke is water, blue smoke is oil, and black smoke is soot and carbon buildup.

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Question

How can I know that the previous car owner took claims from an insurance company or not?

Community Answer

For a fee, you can check the car's history online. Companies contact the DVLA, police database, and insurers board to gather information and send you a report on what it has been through during its time on the road.

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Question

If there are two previous owners, should I avoid buying used?

Community Answer

Not at all. Although it is good advice to buy a car with a full service history (FISH) and one owner, it is more about the last person that owned the car and how well it has been kept. One owner could have raced the car to death or two or three owners could have looked after it really well. Follow the guide above and just look for any signs of abuse. I've found that an open and informative seller is also a good gauge. Someone who has cherished a car will be able to go into a lot of detail and will prompt you to look at things that you may not have thought of.

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Question

Are the tag prices of all used vehicles at a dealership negotiable?

Community Answer

Yes, they almost always are. Depending on your charisma, you may be able to lower it from a few hundred to a few thousand.

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Question

How do I check a timing belt?

Community Answer

You don't. Checking the timing belt requires significant time and removal of parts (sometimes removing motor mounts). You can't tell the condition of a timing belt just by visual inspection anyway. Your only hope is to see a service record showing the mileage at which a timing belt was replaced.

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Question

What do I do if my oil cap is frothing?

Community Answer

Your head gasket is blown, park it and have it towed in for repairs to prevent further damage.

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Question

When buying a secondhand car from a garage, must I go to police station for ownership change?

Community Answer

Your state's DMV website will have guidelines for what you need to bring for ownership chage; they're the ones you go through.

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Question

How do I find a car mechanic?

vittoria Lucia

Community Answer

Look in the phone book or check out online review sites. Ask a friend who is a car enthusiast for a recommendation.

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Question

How can I tell if a vehicle has been flooded?

Community Answer

Look for water marks in places they may have forgotten to clean. New carpet is a good sign of flooding or water damage.

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Question

Does noise from a car indicate faults?

Community Answer

It can. Do your best to find it where the noise is coming from, then start by looking up common noise problems on that specific car or take it to a trusted mechanic.

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Question

What does it mean if the oil looks dark?

Community Answer

The oil has been in the engine too long, and the filter is not performing well anymore. It is most likely overdue for an oil change.

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Question

Should I buy insurance or the car first?

Community Answer

You should buy the car first. It's not possible to buy insurance for a car you don't own.

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Question

Does my license have to match the state I am registering a car in?

Mohamed Alhamdi

Community Answer

Not necessarily, however, you will need to check with the local DMV, as they require more documents like proof of address.

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Question

I just bought a used 2003 Acura TL from an individual, and two weeks later the transmission went. Do I have any recourse?

Community Answer

No. Unless you were given a warranty, then the car is sold as seen. Any fault is not their responsibility.

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Question

When buying a used car from a dealership, do they have to replace a rusty time belt?

Community Answer

No. There's really not much they HAVE to do. Be careful with those, too; expect to pay up to $6,000 to fix it.

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Question

What does R-134 mean?

Community Answer

It is a type of refrigerant used in your air conditioning system. It replaced the older R-12.

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Question

Can I take a car for a few days to test it before buying it?

Community Answer

That is not common, but you could always ask the person/dealer that you're purchasing the car from. Never hurts to ask.

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Question

Is it a bad thing if the car has done 97,000 miles in two years? It looks to be in good condition and drives well.

Community Answer

Not necessarily a bad thing, as long as the price is good. The car has likely been driven mostly highway miles, which are the easiest on any vehicle.

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Question

What paperwork do I need if I purchase a car from a private party?

Community Answer

The seller must provide you with the car title and a bill of sale (official template can be printed off from your local DMV website). You don't need to bring paperwork if you're a buyer.

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Question

How do I inspect a car I'm buying online?

Community Answer

You should perform a VIN check to get vehicle history report. You can use vincheckfree.net or any other provider.

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