I just wanna buy an old car just so I can use it for work. I don't really know much about cars so I need help. This car is pre own.
The car runs perfectly fine the only this is the dash board is cracked... it has new tires, new front and back suspension.. selling it because the lady for a new car and don't need it anymore... it's a 2004 with 114k miles It was only driven back and forth to work... the lady lives 7 minutes away from the job...
That's all the info I got from the seller. I know I can replace the front. I just go to a junk yard and try to find one there.
Any advice before I go check this car out? I was also told this from a friend of mine...
Sounds like a good deal but he should drive it and leaving it running for about 20 minutes after the drive to make sure it doesn't over heat. Also watch the gages to make sure they don't too far towards the H = hot. It has a c and a h on the dashboard. Where is the car located at? Pop the trunk and look under the carpet for rust and any signs of sitting water. Also check the oil stick to check for milky or muddy oil. Check and smell the transmission fluid stick for a burning smell.
1) Open the bonnet/Hood (I think Americans call it) and check the VIN number corresponds with the number on the log book (This makes sure it hasn't been stolen and re-registered illegally)
2) Check for welding around the door panels to make sure it isn't a cut n' shut (2 vehicles welded together)
3) New tires all around is a great way to hide severely distorted track rod ends (Means uneven tire wear even after having laser tracking and balancing performed) So, when you take it for a drive, make sure on a flat road go about 20/30 mph and let go of the wheel (Covering it though in case) IF it veers left or right that could be the track rod ends. So they must do a laser tracking/ balancing on the wheels and then take that test again.. If it happens again? Don't buy it it means it has been in a BIG accident.
4) Jack the front of the car up and make sure the wheels turn freely and check for oil near the cylinders (Then check the rear wheels for oil)
You know? If I were in your position I would call up the breakdown service you are with.. Here the two main ones are AA (Automobile Association) and RAC and ask them if they can provide someone to come and assess a car you're interested in buying.. It costs £100 here so about $130 ish (If you're in The US) What;s good about that is they carry out all the checks I mentioned plus LOTS more.. Sometimes dealers won't let you do it, in which case the alarm bells should go off!
It's an Acura TL and it has a timing chain, not a belt. They are better than average cars generally, with no common major known issues. It's really down to how well it was maintained. It sounds like they changed the struts, which usually need replacing at around 120,000 miles, so that's good. It may also need ignition coils, but those are very easy to replace, just use factory parts (I would also change the spark plugs at the same time).
It would be worth having an inspection done to make sure that there are no less-obvious problems like severe rust or alignment problems or serious leaks (you really need a lift for this). Brakes should also be checked - brake parts are cheap but small problems can turn into big ones if not addressed.
Check all the lights, windows, and climate controls and make sure that it all works. Take it for a drive and listen for noises, and make sure that it tracks straight down the road. Let it idle for a while after the drive and make sure it doesn't overheat and that the electric radiator fan works.
An inspection should also include hooking up a scan tool and reading the codes from the ECU. This can tell you a lot, but you have to know what to look for.
Likely, this is going to be a good car, but there's always the possibility that it's bad for some reason.
Check under for any leaks, if you see a leak, touch it and smell it, if it has no smell then it's just water, when you test drive it make sure there's no weird noises, no banging, make sure it's easy and smooth when switching the gears, check the oil, you can kinda get an idea of the previous owner by checking the oil, someone that maintains their car won't let the oil turn black because supposedly it's supposed to be changed around every 3k miles, check the alignment as well, when driving let go of the steering wheel on a flat, straight and smooth road, if the car pulls to the side then the alignment isn't straight, thing is that it's a used car, don't expect it to be perfect, I had to do an 800 dollar job to change one of the Fuze boxes that burned within the first 2 weeks.
Check the Carfax. Acura has a good reputation but there is some serious sun damage inside. Does it use a timing belt or chain? If it's a belt and hasn't been changed yet, then at 114k it's due. On an Acura that's an expensive maintenance item. YOU HAVE TO DO IT. If you can get it for less than $2500 you've got a decent buy. If it needs new tires and a belt... I'd pass. Also, does it use regular gas or does it need premium?
Well, that's fair for him. I would price out that new dash you will need. And the cost of that timing belt could be as high as $1000 if you have a shop do it. 114k is low millage but I'd try to negotiate. Bring up the timing belt. That is a real thing. I had one break once and it destroyed the engine. They need to be changed at 100k miles.
What do you mean by the belt? Also I know there's damage from the sun that's why I'm not sure if it's a good go or pass on it and just keep waiting for another opportunity. I can only drive automatic lol
Definitely +1 on the timing belt service. That's a pretty major expense, and it should NOT be skipped. Also look for records / ask about what mileage the transmission has had a fluid and filter service. Should be about every 50-100k miles. If that's never been done, plan on doing it soon; it helps the lifespan of the transmission. The differentials should also have oil drained and refilled periodically, so check on that. Ball joints and tie rods 'should' be in good shape if they just did a front end rebuild, but look for those on the paperwork, as those are wear items too. Not trying to scare you or anything, just these are things you should pay attention to if the seller says it's been well maintained.
since you don't know, have a mechanic check it out. a carfax check is a quick way to eliminate, but not a substitute to check it out. parts and labor are expensive. Honda, toyota, lexus, acura generally good but check that year for its durabality.
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