Hey guys,
My buddy's looking for a used car, he's asking me for help. I personally haven't bought a used car in a while, see what you guys advise before I go out with him.

1. Do I need to ask for a history, I remember someone mentioning Carfax.

2. He has an old Cavalier, 96, barely starts, worth less than what a tow truck would give him for scrap. Is there any tactics here to try and get some kind of trade in. Some dealer apparently offerred him $1000, but I figure that money is justy topped on to the newer cars purchase price.

So, basically, what would you guys do if you had a $hitbox worth maybe $50 and trying to buy a better used car?

Thanks

 

Yes, you have to ask for carfax. When i was buying my car the dealer shimself gave me the car fax and i looked online also so it wouldnt be old and it turned out to be perfect. i would open the hood and see how clean it is drive it obviously and make sure it drives straight. I would trade the car in and get the 1k maybe it can pay for the tax or registration. GLWS.

 

Don't put much faith in Carfax.
They have been proven to be less that reliable.

#1 on my list is getting an independent mechanics report on the car.
It'll cost you a few bucks but well worth the investment.
If the seller gives you a hassle about this, it's time to walk because he's hiding something.

 

carfax is for US. they show you everything for a US car but for us canadians they show nothing or the wrong info. get carproof. carproof is for canadians.

but like ^, get a mechanic to go to the dealership to do a service on the car. it might be more expensive than the documents but you know you're getting a car that has been inspected by someone you trust.

if the old car is worth $50, why not just do a trade in and expect 0 for it? at least saves you the hassle of getting rid of it.

 

thanks guys.
So carproof is what I should ask for and we should take it with 'a grain of salt'. Who pays for the carproof report by the way?

As for a mechanic, realistically, what can a mechanic see (that we can't) with the car just sitting there at the lot without lifting it up/removing the wheels? Unless, are you guys saying that we should ask the dealer to let us bring it to our own mechanic?

I agree with the trade in, regardless of how they take it, even a $100 offer for it would be better than dealing with a tow truck, and definitely less hassle.

thanks for the help.

 

Your friend could also donate the old car to a charity like the Kidney Foundation and at least get a free tow-away and a tax receipt.

 

carproof is usually provided by the dealer.

theres a new law starting at FEB i think regarding the fact that all the dealerships MUST give the customer full disclosure of the vehicle, thus making the carproof a must.

 

^cool, good to know

^^wow, never thought of that, donation to Kidney foundation, what do they do with it?

 

Dunno, sell it for scrap?

 

sorry if I wasn't clear. I agree he can't do it properly on site.

I never take a mech with me to the lot.
I take it into his shop where he can do a proper inspection.

 

Gotcha!

So Ian, seriously, I go to the used car dealer, and tell him before we even buy it or sign anywhere, that I need to take it to our own mechanic, who will lift it, remove wheels, etc, and do a full inspection?
---Is he supposed to let us do that?

 

Yes. If he doesn't, you should walk. He may try to say no, but you should be insistent.

 

^whs.
Remember, you're the one with the $, and if he wants it he has no choice

More than once I stood up in the middle of negotiations & headed for the door.
It's amazing how that gets their attention.

 

Cosmetically... Try and take it to a good body shop too! Alot body work can be done without getting listed on carfax...

I know I found out my car was patched after I bought it even though the car fax came back clean!
(or check for overspray/orangepeel yourself)

 

Awesome info, thanks guys, that will come handy, I'll let you know how it all goes down. We're gonna go shopping after all this commotion sometime in the new year.