What to check when buying a car
02-Aug-2009 | 01:08 PM
#1
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What to check when buying a car
Hello,
I'm wondering what type of checks you do when buying a used car? Most importantly, how do I check for serious engine problems like excessive oil burning, head gasket replacement?, etc
Thanks
I'm wondering what type of checks you do when buying a used car? Most importantly, how do I check for serious engine problems like excessive oil burning, head gasket replacement?, etc
Thanks
02-Aug-2009 | 11:17 PM
#2
A lot of answers there...
Simple things to look out for: Bring a Magnet to check the car for Bondo areas. This will show if the car has ever been in an accident, or rust out beneath the paint.
Have them start the car, watch from outside for exhaust fumes. You shouldn't see any. Theoretically, Honda's do allow a little oil to sneak by the pistons at start up, but I don't think that is noticeable smoke you would see. White smoke is rad fluid(though the pressure form the rad usually puts air into the rad system and not rad into cylinders), black or dark blue is oil, and check for a smell of gas. Gas smell means it's running lean(too much fuel, not being burned properly) Make sure the car isn't at running temperature when you're there. So you can see a nice cold start.
Start the car with the rad cap off, if there's any bubbles that come out/up once the car reaches operating temperature, you could have a head gasket problem.
check the Oil dipstick when the car is cold, then once the car has warmed to temperature and shut off. Looking for discolouration in the oil. Could be moisture/coolant/junk all bad things.
Look in the overflow/Rad for discolouration. More signs of head gasket.
Check the suspension. does the car look level? Is one corner lower than the rest. Are all the boots underneath in good shape(CV Shafts, Ball Joints, Rear Bushings, etc.). Is there grease or liquid noticeable from any of struts. the wear on the tires even or not.
Ask about accidents, Leans, etc.
I gotta jet for supper, hope this helps.
Simple things to look out for: Bring a Magnet to check the car for Bondo areas. This will show if the car has ever been in an accident, or rust out beneath the paint.
Have them start the car, watch from outside for exhaust fumes. You shouldn't see any. Theoretically, Honda's do allow a little oil to sneak by the pistons at start up, but I don't think that is noticeable smoke you would see. White smoke is rad fluid(though the pressure form the rad usually puts air into the rad system and not rad into cylinders), black or dark blue is oil, and check for a smell of gas. Gas smell means it's running lean(too much fuel, not being burned properly) Make sure the car isn't at running temperature when you're there. So you can see a nice cold start.
Start the car with the rad cap off, if there's any bubbles that come out/up once the car reaches operating temperature, you could have a head gasket problem.
check the Oil dipstick when the car is cold, then once the car has warmed to temperature and shut off. Looking for discolouration in the oil. Could be moisture/coolant/junk all bad things.
Look in the overflow/Rad for discolouration. More signs of head gasket.
Check the suspension. does the car look level? Is one corner lower than the rest. Are all the boots underneath in good shape(CV Shafts, Ball Joints, Rear Bushings, etc.). Is there grease or liquid noticeable from any of struts. the wear on the tires even or not.
Ask about accidents, Leans, etc.
I gotta jet for supper, hope this helps.
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