What are tips to buying a cheap used car?

Yeah what they said, in addition to andyburton check the frame it has, see if it has had holes before (and just patched) and also look for rust around the frame and rails underneath because the engine could be beautiful but its pointless if the vehicle snaps in half going over bumps and cracks the engine and transmission… I’ve had a problem with it before lol… but after that yeah do what everybody else said!

First: Always take the car out for a test drive before looking under the hood. Some key things to look/feel/hear for are: Engine: Does it hesitate when the gas pedal is depressed? Does it idle poorly? How is it under Wide Open Throttle? Is there excessive engine noise? Is there belt squeal? Does the car turn-over easily? Automatic Transmission: Does the vehicle shift into the next higher/lower gear easily or does it tend to downshift rapidly or not at all? How does it feel under W.O.T.? Manual Transmission: Does it shift into first and reverse easily? Do any of the gears grind when shifting? Does the shifter pop-out of gear (specifically 5th)? How does the clutch grab? Is there any clutch/flywheel chatter when starting to accelerate? Suspension: Are there any squeaks? How are the struts/shocks when going over bumps? How are the brakes (is there any grinding, squeaking)? Does it pull to the right or left? Do the tires have normal wear?

Under the hood: Engine: How greasy is the engine? (If it is very greasy, chances are there is an oil leak, or was an oil leak. Rule of Thumb: If the engine is mostly clean, the owner kept the car in decent condition.) How are the vacuum lines? How are the radiator hoses? How are the gaskets? How is the oil? How is the antifreeze? Transmission: Is the gasket on the transmission still sealed well? Suspension: How are the CV Joints? Tie rod ends? Steering rack? Power steering fluid? Do the brakes look worn? How are the suspension bushings? How are the tires? Do they have enough tread left? Do all four match?

The interior and exterior are just for cosmetics. There is no need to keep the outside and inside of the car looking good. If it runs well, but looks terrible, you have yourself a steal. Giving an example, I got a $100 car for my girlfriend, put $300 into it and now she can sell it for $1100. It doesn’t look too great, but runs just fine. Some questions to ask the seller: At what interval were the oil changes done? Do you have the papers to prove it? When was the last time the coolant got flushed? Do you have the papers to prove it? When was the last time the transmission fluid got flushed? Do you have the papers to prove it? When were the brakes done? “ “ How old are the tires? “ “ Who drove the car mostly? How many miles were put on each month? How was the car driven? Where did you usually bring it to get serviced? Are there any major problems with the car? Are there any minor problems with the car? Why are you selling it? Are you the first and only owner?

Always ask questions about the car, never go uninformed. Look up information on the internet, on forums about the vehicle that you are buying. Generally, people who have the same vehicle on forums know quite a bit about that particular vehicle, it’s quirks and flaws. If the seller is not willing to divulge any of the information, or if they seem they are hassling you to buy it quickly, do not buy it. It just might be a lemon. Always take notes on the cars, bring a pad of paper or a memo book with you. Write down the mileage, things that need/should be fixed after you possibly buying it, write down what the engine bay looks like, so on and so forth. It always helps to be the most informed buyer. Especially if you’re more informed on the vehicle than the seller, and that’s when you can get the upper hand in the buying decision.