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I just turned 16, and I have a $3000 budget to buy a car…
1. What do I need to look for when buying one from just an average person selling a car?
2. What do I need to look for when buying one from a used car dealership?

5 Responses to “What do I need to look for when I’m buying a used car?”

1. kurt c on May 25th, 2009 10:41 pm

   Whether buying from a regular person or a dealership, always get a report from carfax or some other trustworthy car history report vendor. Test drive the car, drive as slow as possible with the windows rolled down and stereo off, look for any weird noises when braking, idling, riding slow and hitting the gas. If the car has done more than 100000 miles ask for a proof to show the engine belt has been replaced. Ask for any service records ( you will most likely not get it, but no harm asking). Make sure the tires have enough life for at least another 6-12 months, by checking the treads and see that the wheels have not been balanced using corrective methods like weights etc. Check the edges of the doors to make sure it hasnt been repainted or anything (usually a sign of a pretty big accident or the car being totalled), try and buy a honda ( in my experience they are the best to drive after 100000 miles others kinda start giving up)!
   Hope that helped. Best of luck and hope you have loads of fun in that car!

2. mccoyblues on May 27th, 2009 12:54 am

   Regardless of who the seller is you need to look for the same thing with a used car purchase.

   Bottom line, you need to find the best car for the money. Overall condition and maintenance history are the most important. Make sure the car has never been is a serious accident, make sure the car has been well maintained and make sure the car has no mechanical issues that can’t be solved with a small investment in time or money.

   With a $3000 budget you obviously won’t be looking at newer low mileage cars. I would concentrate my efforts on a private party sale. Few dealers selling cars in that price range will have good reliable cars.

3. My Car is my Lover on May 30th, 2009 12:43 am

   - here’s a good website to look for real cheap quality car from government auctions!

   I bought my car for just $1250 with a milage of 5,270!
   And it’s been already a year I’m riding my car and it’s still doing well!

4. Car Girl on May 30th, 2009 3:39 am

   When you are buying from a Dealership, you need to make sure you are buying a car that is actually worth $3,000. Dealerships know all the Tips and Secrets to making a $1000 vehicle look like a $3000 vehicle, so do plenty of online research first! Below is plenty of info to help you.

   When buying from a private owner you need to make sure you are not taking on someone Else’s Nightmare, below are some tips for doing that.

   1. Get a Vehicle history Report, but don’t pay the 30 Bucks for them, i will tell you where to get them for $2.25
   2. Check out the car for Accident Damage. Check for Hidden VIN #s on each body panel there are approx 11 in total.
   3. If it is Automatic, put it in drive or reverse, if it takes longer than 2 seconds to engage especially followed by a jolt or jerk, the trans is toast, walk away.
   4. Check the tires on the inside of the wheel where it is hardest to see, if you find fine metal wires protruding, the car is unsafe to drive, have the owner replace the tires first.
   5. check all the dash lights come on when you start the car and then go off after a few seconds. if any lights don’t com on, or they stay on after the car has started then walk away. Lights you need to really look out for are Air Bags, ABS, Check Engine
   6. Check the engine oil for Black sludge or Mayonnaise, if you find these RUN away…
   7. Push down on each corner of the car a couple of times “firmly”, if it bounces like a basket ball, the suspension is gone and it is unsafe to drive.
   8. Pull really hard on each seat belt, if it stops instantly it is safe, otherwise, walk away. The seat belt is Kaput and will not save you from flying through the window in an accident!
   9. Check in the cigarette lighter holder for Penny’s, this is a fire hazard a can cause the car to burn to the ground or will continuously cause major problems like alternator burn outs, fuses blowing, or even complete electrical loss.
   10. Get some Expert Help and Advice from people that know Exactly what they are talking about. Every thing listed above and by the other people on the page is really good stuff, but to effectively buy a used car without getting ripped off you need to cover all your bases and this can not be done with a few simple answers!

   For Free Videos, Free e-Book, $3 Vehicle History Reports, Simple Vehicle Crash Tester and way more good stuff visit;

5. Everi1dizs on May 31st, 2009 12:14 pm

   That is a difficult since your budget is only $3,000 and you are trying to go through the dealer vs. private owner. You have to realize that most dealers will make at least $600 on a car priced at $3,000. Of course to the car-fax on the car, if your able to take the car to the mechanic and have them text drive it. Make sure there are no noticeable problems (leaks, funny engine noise, etc..)a

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