What to do when buying an old car

10 Jan 2008



There are several websites that has prospective sellers. I used autotrader.com and statesman.com to search for old cars but there are many others. The important point is that the good deals are sold early. It is very important look for newly posted advertisements. I looked for private party sellers as I assumed that private party cars will sell for less as compared to the dealers.

Once you have a formal talk with the seller go to kbb.com and find the private party seller value. Also find the trade in value. Your aim should be to pay a price between the trade in value and private party value. The actual cost will depend upon your instinct and the actual condition of the vehicle.

It is always good to be very very polite but alert while talking to the seller. Usually most of the seller will tell the true condition about the car. Try to get as much information as possible.

Have a written checklist ready with you when you take the key for a test ride. Here is my check list but it may not be exhaustive. Tick every item that you check. It actually does not take much time. But you have to be systematic.

1. Is the AC working properly. Is AC Fan working on all positions.
2. Is the Cassette player or CD working fine.Carry a CD with you if you are going to check CD player.
3. Are all window glasses opening properly.
4. Are all 4 (5) gears shifting properly.
5. Is there any abnormal engine noise.
6. Is the wiper ok.
7. Was there any accident.
8. How does the price compare with kbb.com private party value.
9. How is the tire condition.
10. Are the brakes working properly.
11. Is the engine heating shown less than half on the indicator.
12. Are all the lights working.
13. If the car has more than 80000 miles has its timing belt been changed.
14. If the car has cruise control , is it working properly.
15. Does it has rusts on its paint.


Remember that if any of these things are not working you will have to bear the cost of repair.

One of my friends bought a car that had a cassette player. He later found that the cassette player has a cassette stuck into it and he was not able to play it. He also had a back left indicator faulty which he got replaced. Had he checked them at the time of buying he could have paid lesser than what he paid.

As a common consumer you can not check the engine and can not ensure whether it will be problem free. In such a case the only thing that you can do is to take a test drive of at least 10 miles. Even if you are not an expert, open the front bumper and look for the conditions of the engine. If it has too much oil spilling and if it feels to you that engine has underwent repair – think twice before buying.

Honda , Toyota and Nissan have better overall life. They have better resale value. So, even if they cost more , you will get back more in case you sell them back. Personally my choice goes to Toyota , since you will be paying comparatively less without compromising quality.

This article was published first in epinions. The article is being reprinted with author's permission.