how to check and test drive a car before buying.

[pwrn]

i thought i could share what i know about checking out a car and taking it for a test drive
i have lots of lady friends asking me if i could come with them to check the car for them before buying.

if the car's in a garage, that's good cos you should try to keep a sharp eye for raditator stop leaking fluid, bogs, paint touch up, glue, etc, to make some good questions to ask the seller.

whilst you in the garage check out the garage floor cos it tells how much oil has leaked out of the car.

you guys probably know how to do a rust check but may i add, dont be too scared to open up the carpet to check the floor for rust or cheap fibreglass job.

bring a magnet with you so if you're suspcious of a heavy bog/fibreglass job done.

if the car's got electric windows, roll em' all open! also check the usual roadworthy stuff hazard lights, wipers, reverse, brake etc.

confirm this for me if it's true told by a mate, with the car turned off, press the brakes hard all the way to floor, if it sinks slowly, means its got a hydrualic problem...?

check the bonnet if its orginal factory that came with the car (color matching, see the paint behind the bonnet if yes 90% percent chance that car's been in an accident

dont always assume sparkly cleaned engine means the car's been driven few times or well-looked cos they probably steam cleaned all of these oil and dirt

feel the hoses, if they are really really stiff, not so of a good sign and check the end of the hose because it could tell u that the car's been overheated before

don't be scared of getting dirt on your hands, touch the oil hoses, fuel hoses, etc to show signs of leaks or burning.

checking the raditator is IMPORTANT
a little bit of rust is normal i assume but if it's like sparkling green, probably been replaced recenty, ask questions and if it's got oil in, the engine's probably f*cked

leave the lid off for later cos u will start the car to check how's the pump and dont forget to screw back on

grab every dipstick you can find and give em' a sniff

rough liding is the first sign of a fuel devilery prob and on fuel injection cars, if it idles rough thats not a good sign, ask questions

check for oil drips on diffs, trans, engine NOTE: dont be too frightened by oil drips, maybe the screw just needs a new washer.

checking the shocks, push the car down hard repeatley if it settles straight again without bouncing, the shocks r good.

if you want to take it for a test drive always always always ask if its insured....

whilst you test driving it, check the gearbox by fast downchanges, if it crunchhhhes it may be in a need of an overhaul soon.

at a steady speed, foot on the acc pedal firm and quickly pump the clutch pedal, the motor should give you a good bump means the clutch's sweet, a slow return bump would mean the clutch's going.

take it up a steep hill, before going up, dont be too fast, maybe 20 kmph. when youre going up, push the pedal, the car should have plenty power and must not blow any smoke

if the owner of the car tells its got anti lock brake feature, you should ask him polietly if u can test it out, if yes, hit the brakes hard as u can, if the car skid out of control, the control's stuffed

after taking it for a drive up the hill etc etc
pop open the bonnet again and check everything again

feel the center of the rims, if it feels real hot, it's got a brake problem or worse, a bearing problem

if you do all of these above with a real serious expression, you might make the owner paranoid and he will surrender valuable informations.

and ring the encumbered vechiles registry to see if the car owes any debt or is stolen
dont be scared to haggle like hell cos you will only meet that person once in your life and dont care if he dislikes you.

what you think of above?

add more points to check and tips pleaseguys

edit: another point, if the car's a eldery lady driver etc etc check the windscreen for P plate tape or dot stains you know what i mean......

[EldarO]

also, take the car for a drive next to a concrete wall.

helps you hear if the wheel bearings are shot, suspension too if there are speed humps etc.

Eldar.O.

[Hypo]

Check for grip marks on the sills under the sides of the car. This will indicate that the car has been on a robot and straightend.

Check the bolts on the guards and the bonnet, this will indicate if the bonnet and guards have been removed indication of accident damage.

Brake at a reasonable speed and see if the car pulls to one side or another.

Let go of the wheel and see if the wheel alignment is ok.

The easiest way to check the clutch is to put the car in 1st gear with handbrake on and let the clutch out and let it stall or take off in 4th gear.

[YelloRolla]

Pull the oil cap of after a drive and see how fumey the engine is.

There is a lot of talk about cars being in acco's. I really am not one to mind too much if the car has had a bit of a hit, as long as it has been repaired properly.

[WiLo]

feel the center of the rims, if it feels real hot, it's got a brake problem or worse, a bearing problem

every car ive ever driven has worm/hot wheels after taking it for a drive, that includes brand new cars that left the dealership the day before.

[rj_darlow]

Pull the oil cap of after a drive and see how fumey the engine is.

You can take it off with the engine running and hold your hand a bit above the hole. If there is alot of air pulsing out then the engine may be worn (worn rings).

Don't think I read it above: A clunk when you move off is quite possible a broken engine mount.

Make sure it doesn't have any cracks in the headlights or parkers etc...

Cheers,
Richard.

[Robbos_Toyotas]

I do think reality has to prevail tho, dont think you arre going to get all of the above perfect with a $2000 or even a $10000 car - it just isnt going to happen. Most problems with a car thats within most used car budgets a blind man could see. some helpful advice for the worried though!!!

A key also is to look for a car owned by someone that knows their shit - ie they did all the work on it, they know the problems it has etc...Car enthusiasts are also a bonus, as generally speaking they look after their cars.

However, IF you want a perfect ride with no problem/ scratches/ noises, go buy a new car!

[Dust]

after taking it for a drive up the hill etc etc
pop open the bonnet again and check everything again

Except taking the radiator cap off, right?

Good tips though.

[BigBadBenny]

Right, well I agree with some of the points metioned, others I think are completly useless.
What about checking for CV joints, rough idle?....might have a bad lead, it's not the end of the world. loose steering wheel grip? tyre wear? auto transmisson behaviour?
There are too many things that you can point fingers at and not have a single what your talking about.
My advice is get a REVS check done on the vehicle and to take it to either your RACQ, NRMA or such state automotive group for a full vehicle pre-purchase inspection. If the seller is not willing to allow you to do this or to even take it to a local mechanic, then it's probably a good sign that there is something to hide don't you think?
I can pick a car to pieces as to what is wronge with it and if it's had any panel repairs, and to pass these tips and skills onto someone not well so educated and enthusiastic about cars is almost fruitless.
I ask you the question. How many times have some of you gone and looked at a car for a friend, the car was absolutly terrible and should be in a wreckers yard, and you tell them this but they still buy it because....aww heck it's got nice colour paint?....
Some people are just ment to learn by being nieve, even then you've just got to through your hands up sometimes in surrender.

Rant Over.

Benny

[andy]

i have some questions:
why do u sniff the dipsticks?
what sort of noise do worn wheel bearings sound like?
what dose it mean if a car pulls to one side when you brake?

[thechuckster]

1 - to smell for unburnt petrol (engine tuned very rich and/or rings are stuffed)

2 - they make a soft, repetitive grinding sound (like an out-of-round pushbike rim hitting a brake pad) during cornering and that sound changes with road speed (not engine speed)

3 - suspension is out of alignment and/or the front brakes are not braking evenly.

[thu187]

I seriously doubt anyone is going to let you slam it down a gear or brake real hard. Perhaps if you got them to do it.

Anyway, some nice tips Also I'd have a mate drive along behind you to check for the blowing of smoke etc.

[allencr]

Check the compression, or pull plug/injector wires to see if the result is identical between each cylinder.

[Jorrs]

the car blowing some smoke when going up hill doesnt mean anythings wrong with sum cars turbos cars do it alot as they boost up and run richer
but a N/A car might suggest engine problems though ?

[bnicho]

I reckon this is the best way to check for a slipping clutch, but some sellers don't like it...

Handbrake on and if possible wheels chocked.

Push in the clutch and select forth gear.

Bring the revs up to 2000-2500 rpm

Slowly let the clutch out. If the car stalls, the clutch is okay. If the clutch is slipping with the pedal almost fully up (or fully up!) the clutch is dodgy.

Cheers,