Words of Advice: How to Buy a Used Car - Pt. 1

Used cars give automobile buyers the best possible bang for the buck– except when they don’t. As a professional dealer, I could tell you stories of used car calamities that would make public transportation seem like the only sensible option. Tales of stitched together death traps that looked as new as the day both cars were born. Cars with supposedly clean registration papers that turned out to be hotter than Peachtree Street in mid-August. Instead, I’m going to tell you how to buy a used car without getting your proverbial clock cleaned.

Finding an appropriate used car is a pretty simple business: decide what kind of car you want, research it online (especially model and brand-specific enthusiasts’ sites) and then go out and find one.


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Htay7500 - 6/19/2007 10:43:18 AM

+3 Boost

the old beemers are more better to buy than old MBs

Bimmerstang - 6/19/2007 10:21:56 AM

+3 Boost

Rule #2...ignore Rule #1
I've purchased nothing but used BMWs (CPO and non-CPO)and I can tell you I've had no issues.
They've all averaged well past 100k miles and other then wear and tear I've had no major mechanical or technical problems...at all

Agent009 - 6/19/2007 10:55:56 AM

+2 Boost

My last Bimmer was sold with 175K on the clock and was running like a dream. So to say a used Bimmer is problem laden is a stretch at best.

Chip - 6/19/2007 4:02:47 PM

+1 Boost

I traded in my 04 330i off lease with 60,000 miles and it was still as good as new. Same with my 2001 330Ci, so GS300, quite simply youre wrong. Keep Hating.

Will_ - 6/19/2007 10:37:20 AM

+3 Boost

HMmm... The Manheim Market Report tidbit looks interesting. I never knew about that. Seems as if that would be more useful than the Kelley Blue Book since the MMR is a database of actual transactions of used car deals.

Agent009 - 6/19/2007 10:58:09 AM

+1 Boost

That will tell you what the dealer typically will get for your trade in and also what the dealer paid for the car on the lot. You can figure out the wiggle room from there.

Agent009 - 6/19/2007 10:59:31 AM

+2 Boost

So you are saying the engineering appear to be long term but the Achilles heel are the materials and assembly? Interesting.

Will_ - 6/19/2007 11:15:29 AM

+1 Boost

You wont get over on that one. I'd like to see the "random rattles" on the Lexus you're describing.

What good is the engineering if the final product still fails to meet standards? We all know that pretty much every automaker can 'engineer' a good product, but what good is that when the final product still falls to subpar? It is still the sole responsibility of the automaker to ensure that they use the best materials and utilize the best assembly methods.

Hello Lexus.

Will_ - 6/19/2007 11:54:10 AM

+1 Boost

Take a 1996 E-Class, 5-Series and then a GS out for a spin and then try and repeat this lofty statement.

Htay7500 - 6/19/2007 12:17:52 PM

+1 Boost

wrong. we ownd a 1989 accord lxi and it was solid w/ just a pwr window fix and a tranny replacement at 110k and 120k mi . a yr ago it was in an accident. its more better to expect problems after 10+ yrs or 100k mi of ownership.

please keep in mind that in order for a car to be reliable, YOU are to properly maintain and take good care of it. its not reliable if its not taken good care of.

Rule #4-choose the rite car based on YOUR opinions and thoughts, not others. What you like is what you get.

Htay7500 - 6/19/2007 4:46:57 PM

+1 Boost

we've also had a VW w/ mutiple problems within 9 yrs. you call tht reliable? we had out accord for 19 yrs and after 200k no problems and no frequent repairs except regular oil changes. honda didnt make this auto tranny in our accord. it is made from 3rd party suppliers. japanese cars are easy to fix and less expensive to repair. i have respect for german cars but you take it do a different level.

"Buy German and learn what reliability really means...problem free cars."

my dads best friend bought a used 02 ml class w/ the oil leaking and electrical problems.

Htay7500 - 6/19/2007 5:21:59 PM

+3 Boost

tell me how easy german cars are to fix. they too have problems, in fact lots of carmakers have their lows too.

Chip - 6/19/2007 4:08:30 PM

0 Boost

youre the one who said DO NOT buy a pre-owned german car, even thought its very clear youve never owned a benz or a bmw, so dont get upset when everyone calls you out on being such an ignorant little girl.

jt716 - 6/19/2007 3:16:05 PM

+1 Boost

Rule #5 If you like it and going to buy it first get a mechanic to inspect it.

Bmw8ter - 6/20/2007 12:12:31 AM

+1 Boost

Rule #6 - If it has an ///M, S, RS, TSI, GSX, V, R, SVT, SRT, AMG, SS, STI, MPS, NOS, XR, SC, anything that says V-Tec, or says Supra(warning, may have been owned by "my friend down the street who is pushing 1000hp on stock intenals"), badging, there's a 90 percent chance the car has been pushed to it's limit on more than one occasion.

DEFINITELY GET IT CHECKED - TAKE NO CHANCES. Especially in the case of the 1000hp Supra, because you know there has to be a load of horse S**t lodged somewhere between the steering wheel and the driver seat.