Need Advice on Car

CWU1357

MEMBER
ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS

Hello,
Kindly let me know what are the important points that must be looked into when buying a used car?
Also, what kind of deal to make? whether should I go for buying a car that needs repair after purchase or it should be defect free. I am looking for a car of upto $2000 in Ames, IA area. If you know some good car in this price range then do let me know.
Awaiting to hear from you for the above questions that will help me greatly in finding a car of my choice.
C Wu

4 Replies

BRUCE HUNT

MECHANIC
3,754 POSTS

Well, here you go

I would and have bought cars that were in a no run situation. BUT you need to have an idea, a really good idea, about what it will take to repair it. Price out parts, labor unless you do it yourself. Don't forget transportation costs as well.

About buying a used car. Test drive it and if possible that you are unfamiliar with that car model etc. Drive another one to compare. Take it to a mechanic if you are interested in that car. Just suggestions.

I have bought my last three cars on eBay. Had great luck with that and often the price is right and I can shop according to the geography. You should have plenty of options in the area you are from. I would almost always be looking for a Honda but that may not be for you. What I am trying to say is that you need to narrow down the models and makes of cars you like, trust, can afford, etc.

I trust all of my senses when I shop for a car. ALL of them.

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Thursday, January 25th, 2007 AT 4:19 PM

CWU1357

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hello,
I found a used car deal for the 1991 model of Buick Riviera, its 172050 miles on its digital meter. Today I got it test driven by a friend of mine. After driving for around 5 miles including around 1 mile on highway he told that car is ok for its age and mileage. The car's passenger window does not close completely, its indicator switch has some problem, and the wiper blades do not flush the water.
Kindly let me know how much price should I pay? Also, if you know of any regular problem that this model might be suffering!
Another of my friend told me that for Buick Riviera model generally 150000 miles means its age is over! Though the owner of car says that it runs great and one can even take it to highway. The average miles per gallon is told to be 29miles/gallon in town or highway, its a 6 cylinder car.
Please advice me if I should go for the mechanic chek-up or should I deal further or not?
Your earliest advice and suggestions will be of great help.
Thanks and Regards,
Wu

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Friday, January 26th, 2007 AT 5:35 PM

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

That's a lot of miles, although the price is also a factor. My experience says that if you spend less than a $1000 on a car, you'll probably put anothe $1000 into it right away. Not always the case but often enough. Always take a car that is being purchased to your mechanic to look it over.

This may help regarding values:
www. Kbb. Com

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Friday, January 26th, 2007 AT 8:13 PM

BRUCE HUNT

MECHANIC
3,754 POSTS

Here's the thing Wu. From listening to you talk and knowing your limited ability to work on cars yourself, I have to caution you that anytime you purchase a car that is used, especially in that vintage and mileage, you want to have car savvy and a maintenance manual to accompany it. Don't let a car be a nickel and dimer to you. Now your friend is good with car knowledge? I would not pay over $1000 for this. Do you have access to the history of the car for repairs and maintenance? Water pump, timing belt, oil changes, oil consumption, tranny fluid change, exhaust condition, etc.

You mention the wipers, that is normal and trivial, it is the other stuff that will get you. Anytime you purchase a car like this there is a risk and you have to be able to ask yourself if you are able to handle the risk. That is the bottomline. Good luck! The car history for that car is not any worse than others, it is just old and it may take you another 100,000 miles or 100.

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Saturday, January 27th, 2007 AT 1:16 AM