The Idiots Guide to Buying a Used Car

For you college graduates buying your first used car, those down sizing to a more economical car, lets find out how to buy a used car properly. This is not your typical 5-point inspection. This is how you buy a used car regardless of what you know or where you are.

There are 3 options to improving your chances of buying a good quality used car.

1. Know basic symptoms for a used car with problems
   
2. Bring a friend who has some mechanical knowledge of a car
   
3. Take the car to a car repair shop BEFORE you buy!

1. Here is a basic checklist guide to follow when purchasing a used car.
   
   Tires
   Run your finger across the outer edge and inner edge of the tire. If your fingered is poked or the rubber is really smooth, then the tire will have to be replaced. Remember this as this will prove useful later during negotiations. When looking at the tire if you see deep horizontal wrinkles as in the picture that means the rubber is splitting meaning a new tire is needed.
   
   Breaks
   Get down on the ground and look directly behind the wheel in the center. You are looking for dripping brake or seal fluid. Rust in this area will be a good indicator the car leaks either of those fluids. Look at the Master Cylinder in the engine to see if it is rusted as well, which probably means it leaks brake fluid also.
   
   
   Clutch
   "On a manual-shift vehicle, accelerate hard in a higher gear (third or fourth) or while going uphill. If engine rpms rise without a corresponding increase in vehicle speed, the clutch could be slipping. It may need to be adjusted or replaced."
   "On a manual-shift vehicle, try shifting to a lower gear when going slowly. Does the transmission shift easily, without grinding?"
   
   The clutch wizard has 3 basic types of problems easily detected for clutches
   
   
2. All of the checks above plus more can easily be done when you bring a friend who has worked on cars.
   
   
3. Take the used car to a shop and have them do an inspection of it. Midas typically charges $20 for a brake inspection. A $20 brake inspection could save you a $500 brake repair job. Typically a shop charges $100/hr for any repairs with most repairs taking more than a hour. Obviously do not take every car you look at to the shop. When you have narrowed down your selection and you are serious about buying, take it to the shop is a MUST!
   
   As an example, they will be able to take the tires off and check the brake rotors. Most people when they buy a used car do not take the tires off.
   
   East coast states have a state inspection sticker, which does not mean much. You should still have the vehicle taken to the shop for a brake inspection b/c a state inspection will only check to see the car stops when the brake pedal is pressed (not a great check of the breaks). Also, beware of buying cars on the east coast b/c they salt their roads, which will cause vehicles to rust faster.

Negotiating Price
If you follow any of the 3 pts I listed above, it will put you at an advantage. You should list off all major problems and roughly the total cost. Then, ask for a lower price. Most people just ask for the lower price. By listing the flaws, you strengthen your position for why the car should be a little cheaper and make you a little richer. Good luck everyone!