I've got a few things to say about buying used vehicles: 1. Caveat Emptor (meaning: Buyer Beware, further meaning: if you didn't follow rule #2 then don't cry over spilt milk) - if you don't know the vehicle you're buying from a mechanical standpoint or just don't know the mechanical end of things very well then: 2. Pay someone that _does_ know a lot about the vehicle you're buying to go over it with a fine tooth comb. They won't catch everything, but they will get the majority of big $$$$ items and bring them to your attention. You can then use this information to realistically lower the price you're willing to pay for the car based on what the mechanic thinks it will cost to get the beast back in fighting trim. Also makes it a whole lot easier to walk away if the PO won't dicker with you. $100+ upfront prior to the purchase can save you $$$$+ in the long run. If I don't know the vehicle or the buyer it's worth it to me to take it to someone else for review. For the Volvos in my life there's a great local independent shop that will look over any Volvo I bring them for $0. Maybe there's someone in your area that will do the same. 3. DON'T fall in LOVE! More stupid purchases have been made because someone just "HAD TO HAVE" a particular car, then for any other reason. Treat the car like a potential roommate (platonic type) and you should be okay. The John Muir book, "The Idiot's Guide to Rabbits", has a great section on buying used cars. Gives you all the things to watch for, which amazingly is still applicable to today's cars, as well as "alternative" means for determining whether this particular car and you belong together. Very entertaining reading for both the old hand and the newbie. Jack |
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