Advice on a used car?

[Wayward Clam]

We are looking at buying a used car, in specific a white Chevy Lumina, 4-door unsure of year, approximately 1990 or so. It is safetied and they are asking $2000 Cdn for it (they were asking $2500 but knocked it down because they are a relative of a friend).
I know NOTHING, I mean absolutely nada, about cars. Anybody know anything special about this make I should worry about? Any advice in general? I much appreciate your comments.

[Fierce]

always a best bet, see if they have a listing of all the work done on the car, and the dates the work was performed, even down to oil changes...

check the wear on the tires
find out how many miles are on it
check out <a href="http://www.kellybluebook.com" target="_blank">www.kellybluebook.com</a> for more info

Hope this helps!

[cc_penguin]

My Aunt had this same car. And except for the fact of the side veiw mirror falling off (damn garage door ) and the paint peeling off, there was never any mechanical failure with the car, she loved it. I knew a few other people that had Luminas as well with no particular problems that I ever heard about. You probably wanted some more concrete evidence about the car, but those are the only experiences I have with them.

[Renée]

I wonder if <a href="http://www.carfax.com" target="_blank">CarFax</a> does Canada? I couldn't find anything saying "US Only" on their site. If so, you can get several free reports with any VIN from a used car.

Also, you can get recall information and technical service bulletins at <a href="http://www.alldata.com/" target="_blank">Alldata.</a> Good to check those before you buy any car.

[Morticia Addams]

Tell you what.. I would take a mechanic with you when looking at used cars. Even if your at a dealer. I was looking at this car that a woman I work with was selling . Sounded very nice realiable and was told is was a great car.
Took my dad with me to go look at it. And we discovered leaks in not so inexspensive spots. That unless you knew what you were doing you wouldnt have known a thing.
Hopefully the car is awsome if you get it and you get your moneys worth. Good luck

[confus-ed]

In the UK we have a thing called "Glasses Guide" a monthly magazine, with prices of second hand models by year, condition & mileage, periodically they also produce a supplement listing the major repairs and faults by model & mileage for cars up to 5 years old plus major jobs(New timing belt or whatever) up to 10 years.

I guess there must be a Canadian/US equivalent, your accompanying mechanic/car freak will probably be able to interpret it for you.......

[Wayward Clam]

Thanks for all the responses, I am going to check out every link posted here.

There is a Canadian equivalent--for anyone else who wants to know, it is called Lemon-Aid and is available in big bookstores.

I knew I could count on the WD crew for the inside skinny!

[MacGyver]

My dad gave me two pieces of advice when shopping for a car:

1. Make sure it comes with a block heater (kind of important in Thunder Bay )
2. Make sure it comes with a spare tire

[Akuma]

If you have a friend that knows about cars, take it for a test drive over to their place and have them look it over. Check, fluids, filers, break pads, belts, exhaust. If there is a problem and one of those needs to be replaced, see if the seller will do it before you buy. If not, see ya'!

[Poseidon]

I agree with MorticiaAddams, get it checked out by a qualified mechanic.

When it comes to buying a used car from an individual (including family members) a little voice inside of me says: Trust No One and Buyer Beware.

Did they tell you why they are selling it?

[Wayward Clam]

[quote]Originally posted by Poseidon:
<strong>Did they tell you why they are selling it?</strong><hr></blockquote>

They are a rich family; the girl who drives it now is being gifted with a brand new car. She will continue to drive this one for the next month and a half.

[Poseidon]

I would still get it checked out. You never know. Just because they have money does not necessarily mean they have had the car maintained / serviced as needed.

Just my .02

[Akuma]

[quote]Originally posted by Poseidon:
<strong>I would still get it checked out. You never know. Just because they have money does not necessarily mean they have had the car maintained / serviced as needed.</strong><hr></blockquote>

They didn't get rich from being foolish and selling things for what they are worth and no more. Good point Poseidon.