Want to buy a used car. Questions I should ask the seller. (10 pts.)?

First ask what the title status is.If they say it has a lein,leave it!If they say it has a salvage title be a little weary beacause it has been wrecked and it was totalled out but if everything is fixed(have them show you what happened and decide if the repairs look good.)The worst case scenario with a salvage title is you can't get a loan on it.If there is no title,there should be no deal.Next check for any "Check Engine" lights.Anything above 1995 will display this light if something is wrong in the engine.Turn the igntion on but don't start the car.Check to see the "Check Engine" or "Service Engine" light turns on.Some people will remove the light just so they can sell the car.The light should turn off when the vehicle is started.Then ask if anything has been recently fixed (past 5 years)If there has been alot replaced,be concerned.Check for any smoke coming out of the exauhst when started and running.White smoke=bad intake manifold gasket,bad head gasket,cracked cylinder head,or possibly a cracked block.Black smoke=Burning oil=Not good.Check the oil by pulling out the oil dipstick.If the oil is black, it's an indication the owners didn't maintain the vehicle properly which can cause problems down the road.If the oil is a "Milky"cream color,it means the engine is leaking coolant into the oil which also indicates it has a bad cylinder head gasket.Then ask to test drive the car.While driving,feel and listen to any knocking noises,hard vibrations on the steering wheel.Notice if the car steers to 1 side without touching the steering wheel.If it does that is an Alignment problem but take into consideration some roads are unlevel.Any clunking sounds while turning?If the car is front wheel drive it is the CV axle that needs replaced.Once done check under the car for any leaks (This should be done before the test drive also).I know $2000 will not get you a "like new" vehicle but it should be good enough to drive and not have to dump money everyday just to get it running.Remember don't buy a vehicle just for "looks" or else it will be a $2k lawn ornament.If the cars runs great but could use some cosmetic work,that is the best route to go because you can do little by little on the body work but still have the transportation.I wish you luck!

I don't like the way in which that sounds. Many times that you can go to those rental places and they sell their leases on a exclusive lot after they get so may miles on them. They in general are underneath blue book price. So, i'd examine round some of these condo auto places and to find you a good used automobile. Plus they must preserve those in good form or they'd have some principal court cases on their hand for enabling individuals to rent/pressure crappy automobiles. I consider I used to be told they sell them after they get three years historical. Have you ever checked into leasing a vehicle? Some men and women like that installed? I would not want to buy a neighbor's auto b/c if anything is not proper i would not want any difficult emotions come between us. Sounds fishy to me. I would say convey a mechanic with you however, he is a mechanic. I'd be asking all sorts of questions even those that hold forth the wall. Throwing a curve ball helps you see if the guy is on the up and up. But, no air.. Not good. No longer certain the place you live but, no air where i'm at would suck. Take care and just right success.

I would ask for all service history and accident reports. Also look for any dents and dings while you are looking at it!