Buy a Cheap Car
Buying a car can be a stressful task. Buying a cheap car be more stressful because cheap cars tend to have more problems and repairs. However, some cheap cars can be very good and last you a while. When purchasing a cheap car, you should examine the main components of a car to determine whether or not you will be needing repairs in the future which could lead to spending a lot of money. Most people buy cheap cars because of their financial status. If a person buys a bad cheap car, they will be spending lots of money on it. Therefore, one should be cautious before buying a cheap car.
Steps
- Look for cheap cars
- Craigslist
- Facebook Market
- Used car dealerships
- Car and police auctions
- Go see the car in person. Do not purchase a used car online because you have not inspected it yet.
- Inspect the car when you meet the seller
- Check engine oil color and fullness. The color should be amber and clean with no signs of dirt. Check the amount of oil that is on the dipstick. The engine oil should reach up until the full mark on the dipstick. If the engine oil is dark and dirty, it must be changed. If the engine oil is less than the full mark, there could be leaks, burning oil, or high oil consumption.
- Open the hood and look for the engine oil dipstick. (located on the engine)
- Make sure to have a clean piece of cloth.
- Pull out the engine oil dipstick and wipe it.
- Insert the dipstick back in and look at the color and fullness of the oil on the dipstick.
- Check the transmission oil color and fullness. The color should be pinkish and clean with no signs of dirt. Check the amount of oil that is on the dipstick. The transmission oil should reach up until the full mark on the dipstick. If the transmission oil is dark and dirty, it must be changed. If the engine oil is less than the full mark, there could be a potential leak or high oil consumption.
- Start the car and leave it on for 5-10 minutes.
- Look for transmission oil dipstick. (next to engine)
- Pull out the transmission oil dipstick and wipe it with a clean piece of cloth.
- Insert the dipstick back in and take it out again.
- Look at the color and fullness of the oil on the dipstick
- Check the gear shifting. In one sitting, shift all gears and listen for any cracking or any kind of noise. A noise when shifting gears could mean problems in the transmission.
- Put the car in reverse.
- Put the car in Drive.
- Put the car in 3rd gear.
- Put the car in 2nd gear.
- Put the car in 1st gear.
- Check for leaks under the car.
- Look under the car for potential leaks from the front and back of the car.
- Move the car to spot any fluids underneath the car.
- Check all electrical components.
- Turn on the AC and check for cold air.
- Turn on the heat and check for hot air.
- Turn on all headlights and check for lighting.
- Turn on the radio system and check if it works.
- Check the horn.
- Check to see if all windows open.
- Check to see if all doors lock
- Check for body damages
- Walk around the car and look for any damages on the car.
- Keep in mind, body damages are normal for a cheap car.
- Check for rust on and under the car. Cheap and old cars will more than likely have rust on it.
- Negotiate with the seller
- After inspecting the car, ask the seller why they are selling it, and if there are any known problems with the car.
- The price should reflect the condition of the car. If you are satisfied with the condition of the cheap car go ahead and purchase it.
- Keep in mind, there could be other problems with the car which you are not able to examine. You will get what you pay for. Be careful when buying a cheap car. It could be a great car or a bad car!
Tips
- Items you should take:A friend, a flashlight, and a piece of cloth
Warnings
- Not all cheap cars are bad!
