Picking up a used car today... any pointers?
 

I bought a car a bit ago and learned some hard lessons in doing so. if they owe you ANYTHING make sure it is on the dealer buy order sheet, if not they will stiff you.

This dealership owes me another key fob and a 2008/2009 Nav disc and I said to make sure its in the docs or im not signing it. Also said to make sure it has a full tank of gas too :1orglaugh

Besides that, any other pointers? I'm bringing my gf's dad along because he knows a lot about these kind of cars and what to look for, but not looking to learn another lesson on buying a car

bend at the knees. lifting heavy things can hurt your back

Ask for a note from the previous owner, forget about carfax, a note is what counts :winkwink:


Thinking about it that could make more sense, if there is faults then I'm pretty sure it's easier to sue an individual than carfax that probably have a heavy liability write-off disclaimer somewhere :Oh crap

A third option is to take the car to a mechanic and ask for a quick inspection, no car dealer would have anything against that unless there is problems with the car :2 cents:

Car should be detailed nicely.
Full tank of Gas
Current inspection
Oil changed recently.
All Manuals there.

I just bought a pre owned certified BMW X5 and it came with everything including - Winter slush mats at no charge.

That dealer has secured a customer for life with how nice they were.

Well, there are federal and state (PA) lemon laws for those "just in case" type of things. Google turns up a lot of sites for lemon law pa.

I would just bluff that you are taking it for an inspection, if they resist you would know something is wrong :thumbsup

+1 for getting the car checked by an independent mechanic

Check the carfax and look for accidents, or a history of taxi or fleet or delivery use.

As soon as you take the car home, assume that no work has been done on it unless there is documentation for it. That means do an oil change, coolant change, plugs and wires, basic maintenance.

It does not mean that there are problems that they don't know about ...