I only have $2000, but would like to buy something even cheaper. I know with this limit I‘m not going to find a brand new car, but I am looking for a good deal. I‘m trying to find a small 4 door car.I know the basics, to check for obvious leaks, but could I get advice on non obvious things to look for. Like I said, I know its going to have some wear and tear, but I want to make sure the engine and trans are still good.And I also double check pricing at kelly and Edmunds.Also, what does it mean when they say rebuilt title or salvage title?I‘m not too bad on normal mechanical knowledge, I‘ve drove alot of clunkers, but any advice would be helpful, thanks!!
Rebuilt and Salvage both mean the same just used by different states. Avoid them. They mean the car was considered to be beyond economical repair by the insurance company. Usually someone buys it up cheap, does a largely cosmetic repair and turns a good profit on it. The road worthiness of such a car is always in doubt. There have been cases where the entire front or rear clip was welded back and later fell off resulting in catastrophic damage. Insurance on a salvage title car will be higher and they will pay less in the event of an accident. Best bet, on any old car is have a good mechanic go over it before you buy. For $60 or $70 you can find out if it's really roadworthy.
I have had the same problem. Angered me for days until I realized its really simple. Look down by your foot brake lever. You'll see this cylinder looking thing with a nut on the top and a nut on the bottom. All you need to do is find 2 wrenches for each nut. Unscrew each nut then that will move the cylinder up ad down. It mostly likely will take a couple of times to get it right. You will have to tighten the 2 nuts at different places every time to test it. You'll figure it out.
The plastic housing on those rear brake switches tend to wear a bit and start sticking. Clean, adjust and give it a shot of lube such as WD-40.
Look at engine, transmission, and coolant levels for clean topped off fluids and presence of metallic particles. Exhaust pipe for unusual coloration or smoke after the engine is warmed up, and wear indicators on the tires. Don't be afraid to ask for maintenance records, or any other questions you have, including can you have a mechanic take a look at the car. Rebuilt Title, or Salvage Title often means the vehicle was involved in a serious accident or flood, repairs would cost more than the vehicle is worth. Not a good deal. Many problems can be hidden, but they'll become obvious shortly. Good luck on your search, it sounds like you know what you're looking for.
check for leaks like you said check for squeeks when driving especially could indicated problems with the suspension system. also listen for any whining from the rear could indicate a diff, or a wheel bearing. listen for clicking when turning from the front end which would indicate the cv joints could be going out. also if it's rear wheel drive listen for clunking from the rear could be a rear diff going out as well or the u joints are loose. have the owner start the vehicle and then put your hand close to the exhaust pipe and feel how hard the exaust is being pushed out at idle and then have him rev it and feel it. this will give you an idea of the compression the engine is putting out. listen to the engine with the hood up and listen for ticking could indicate rockers out of adjustment or valve chatter, also listen for any other unusual noises coming from under the hood. check the rubber to see how much is left and look for unusual wear on the tread which could indicate misalighment or something of the sort. also be sure see if the breaks grab or if there's a grinding from the front end. which could indicate a problem with the brakes. step on the brakes and see how firm the pedal is, also make sure the pedal isn't spongey. check the throttle repsonse to make sure it doesn't hesitate. also smell for something burning while driving could be a tranny problem or the brakes getting hot. check the steering and make sure it ain't wondering when you're driving that's never a good thing. just give it a good once over for sure. and the big thing if you're going to test drive it make sure there's enough gas.
