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+--- Thread: Used car advice (/showthread.php?tid=5515)
Used car advice - parthiban - 21-07-2018
Need a bit of help here, hopefully I'll be able to gather a few tips. In a few days I'll be going abroad to buy my sister a car (she's currently studying overseas). It's basically going to be a cheap runaround, she's only there for another year or so - just need something reliable to get her from A to B.
I don't really have any experience of buying a car like this so what should I be looking for?
Used car advice - Lexusboy - 21-07-2018
Not sure what you have in mind but you may pay for a mechanic time if you want some one else to check it over also you need to make sure that the person selling the vehicles is the rightful owner.
I am sure the country that you are going to has a similar body as the dvla.
But Good small cars that hold their value well is some thing like to VW golf
Used car advice - Carpediem - 21-07-2018
1) what country
2) what budget
Used car advice - parthiban - 21-07-2018
Sorry it will be in the Cayman Islands, looking to spend about $5k which is just under £4k. Looks like that money will buy something like a 5 yr old Yaris/Suzuki Swift type car.
I'll probably avoid buying privately unless price is a problem and buy from some kind of dealer for peace of mind, but not really sure what to expect until I get out there.
Just wondered what are the basic things to look out for while on a test drive, etc.
Used car advice - TimmyK - 21-07-2018
Get your self a Starlet
Used car advice - SHAHZ - 21-07-2018
usual stuff mate, unusual noises/knocking sounds, blue/white smoke, leaks under/in and around engine bay, mayo under oil cap, uneven gaps on panels, unmatched paint shades, VIN/engine number matches the cars documentation, creases in boot/ under carpet, the countrys equivilant of HPI/RAC check
Used car advice - Lexusboy - 21-07-2018
Ok the best advice is get someone to do this for you it will be worth spending £50 -£100 for peice of mind.
If not the above i am happy to come on a all expensives trip to the Caymans, i been there before on a cruise liner it is a lovely place with some great people.
Used car advice - SHAHZ - 21-07-2018
Lexusboy If not the above i am happy to come on a all expensives trip to the Caymans, i been there before on a cruise liner it is a lovely place with some great people.
Im sure you would be:tongue_smilie::laugh::laugh:
Used car advice - parthiban - 21-07-2018
SHAHZ usual stuff mate, unusual noises/knocking sounds, blue/white smoke, leaks under/in and around engine bay, mayo under oil cap, uneven gaps on panels, unmatched paint shades, VIN/engine number matches the cars documentation, creases in boot/ under carpet, the countrys equivilant of HPI/RAC checkCheers some good tips - what does mayo under the oil cap signify?
Lexusboy Ok the best advice is get someone to do this for you it will be worth spending £50 -£100 for peice of mind.Yep if I can find a garage to help that I can trust I'll get someone to look over it before I buy.
If not the above i am happy to come on a all expensives trip to the Caymans, i been there before on a cruise liner it is a lovely place with some great people.
Lol, for the cost of an all expenses paid trip I could probably buy another car :laugh:
Used car advice - SHAHZ - 21-07-2018
Possible sign of a blown head gasket, iirc it could also just be a build up, however if its present defo needs looking into, im sure someone will have a more technical answer for you:thumbup1:
You are also likely to find oil in the water if it is a head gasket.
Some anti freeze can have a oil look as well when it is in the water...