I have a friend who needs to buy a relatively inexpensive used car in Waco. He's as clueless as I am about cars and thus is a ripe candidate to get ripped off. Any suggestions of how to get a fair deal?
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Buying a used car in Waco
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Last: 20 hrs ago by Edmond Bear
It really depends on your friend's budget. 'Relatively inexpensive' means less than $8K to guys like me, but to a Ferrari guy it means something entirely different.
If it means the former, I'd look for a private seller and preferably something with a high reliability rating, as can be found on the internet.
Full disclaimer -- I'm about to sell two Mercury Grand Marquis that are in my Mother's estate. One is a low-mileage cherry priced at less than $8K, and the other is higher mileage and priced at less than $3K. Both run well, and will get a full detail job next week.
OTOH, Franklin Avenue has about every kind of used car one could ever imagine. Good luck.
If it means the former, I'd look for a private seller and preferably something with a high reliability rating, as can be found on the internet.
Full disclaimer -- I'm about to sell two Mercury Grand Marquis that are in my Mother's estate. One is a low-mileage cherry priced at less than $8K, and the other is higher mileage and priced at less than $3K. Both run well, and will get a full detail job next week.
OTOH, Franklin Avenue has about every kind of used car one could ever imagine. Good luck.
I would first invest in an inexpesive ODB code scanner. They're all over Amazon or any parts store from $20 to $100, depending on how far down the rabbit hole you want to go.
They're extremely easy to use, and will show you any potential engine/transmission issues that may be lurking.
It won't do you any good if a shifty seller has already erased sketchy information, but always take a potential purchase for a legit test drive, not just a 10-minute around-the-block mini-trip.
I'd be wary if a seller can't provide any service records. A car with high mileage that's had regular oil changes is often a safer purchase than a lower milage creampuff with no proof of work that's been done. Carfax can be your friend here, but it may not have recent (the last 60-90 days) information of a wreck, etc.
Good luck.
They're extremely easy to use, and will show you any potential engine/transmission issues that may be lurking.
It won't do you any good if a shifty seller has already erased sketchy information, but always take a potential purchase for a legit test drive, not just a 10-minute around-the-block mini-trip.
I'd be wary if a seller can't provide any service records. A car with high mileage that's had regular oil changes is often a safer purchase than a lower milage creampuff with no proof of work that's been done. Carfax can be your friend here, but it may not have recent (the last 60-90 days) information of a wreck, etc.
Good luck.
go test drive that silver merkur xr4ti on VM......
- UF
.... been there*, for like 41+ years.
* if it's still there**.
** wh/ it is not.
D!
Go Bears!!
- UF
.... been there*, for like 41+ years.
* if it's still there**.
** wh/ it is not.
D!
Go Bears!!
'The cup is raised, the toast is made yet again
One voice is clear above the din
Proud Aryan, one word, my will to sustain
For me, the cloth once more to spin'
One voice is clear above the din
Proud Aryan, one word, my will to sustain
For me, the cloth once more to spin'
Man, for some reason my brain read "Buying a Used Bar in Waco." That got my attention.
That's some solid advice for buying a used car, especially the tips about getting an OBD scanner and checking service records. It's easy to get overwhelmed, but having a plan and a few key tools can save a lot of headaches down the road. Also, don't forget to check if the car has a clean title. That extra step is a must for avoiding serious trouble.
I usually pay a local mechanic I trust to look through the vehicle before I pay for it. It costs around $120 and he checks things I would never think to look for and provides a full detailed report on everything.