Buying a second hand car

hassen1 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-03-2006, 11:59 AM

Buying a car is not a decision that you can take in a matter of minutes. After all it is an expensive commodity to buy, whether it is a new car or a second hand car. The rules are different in the case of buying a new car and buying a second hand car. In case of buying a second hand car, you have to consider a lot of additional factors in comparison to buying a new car. Let us discuss further, on this forum, the factors to be considered in buying a car, especially a second hand car. I invite you to write. Let's see what we can get at!

astros99 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-08-2006, 11:16 PM

This thread interested me, especially because I am about to buy a second hand car. The factors that I look for are mileage. It can have high mileage, but how does it run? Personally, I'm more comofortable buying a car of a friends that I know because then I have seen how the car is. Another factor: Condition of the car. Good condition? Bad condition? The most important factor-- History of car. How many times has it broken down? Number of accidents? To me, these are the things that are most important to me when buying a 2nd hand car.

hassen1 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-09-2006, 12:44 AM

astros99 One tip to see whether the car had met with an accident.

"Knock the body area with your finger. If you get a metal sound then its not damaged. If you get a huffed sound then you can be sure that it had been filled to cover the dent. "

This is how we check in Sri Lanka. I trust it will be useful to you.

astros99 · #4 (**permalink**) 11-09-2006, 12:47 AM

Wow, thanks for telling me this tip. Didn't know that. This helps alot because if someone's going to sell a used car thats been damaged before, they will try to hide that from me because they want to get as much money out of you as possible. What do most people consider safer? Buying from a used car dealer or a friend? That is what I've been debating to myself.

hassen1 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-09-2006, 02:23 AM

A friend is better if he's honest. However, I cannot say that all dealers are bad. I bought my car recently from a dealer. When I met him, I got to know that he was my classmate for about 2 years in the Secondary school. He gave me a good car (It was used in Japan). I am using it for about 9 months now. There's no problem. But, he charged me the market value and did not reduce b'cos I was a friend. So this is my experience. Good luck in your effort to buy a good car!

astros99 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-09-2006, 03:45 AM

The 2 offers I have right now is a Van for $2000, or a '99 2 door civic for $3000. I don't need a van because its just big and I just need a personal car. The van also has a lot more mileage. Both of the vehicles look fine. Both have no previous accidents. I suppose the Civic is better. At least from what I see. I've seen em both drive, it's fine. Now I just need to come up with the money and I'm good.

humpty · #7 (**permalink**) 11-09-2006, 08:21 AM

Go for the civic!
With it's famous V-Tec engines (hope it's V-tec in that car and not Idsi),
you're gonna have a fun time rambling it, cutting through the wind on the road.

I love the Civics, definitely hope you'll get one hehehe coz if it was me, I'd go for Civics anytime, unless I'm rich enuff to get a BMW of coz heheheheh

astros99 · #8 (**permalink**) 11-09-2006, 02:58 PM

Yeah thats why I want to get it. Civics are a nice, ordinary car. BMW? Hah, I wish I could afford that, if I could I wouldn't settle for a civic. The only problem is going to be getting that money. So far I have a weekend job, and occasional free-lancing. Weekend job is because of school and all that. I'm hoping to get that Civic!