Second hand car purchase advice

[Swordie]

I’m considering a car been off the road for nearly 12 months. Registration wasn’t renewed. It’s sitting in someone’s backyard.

What should I check if can’t drive it?

[zorro]

depends what vehicle it is, I bought both of my BMWs as non registered or hadnt been started for some time vehicles and knowing what to look for on E21s to pick up their condition ended up doing well out of both purchases.

with any car you want to do the obvious, see if you can start it. take a battery and a jerry can with you and try and turn the thing over. Inspect the motor/cooling system for obvious leaks, oil build ups etc. if its a manual check if the gears select ok, auto a bit tricky unless you start the thing. As old school as it sounds take a magnet and check for bogged up areas. check under the guards, lift carpet and feel around for any dodgy repairs.

Be thourogh with your inspection, take a mate with you who has some knowledge of vehicles. IMO 2 epople are better than 1. Don't go there with the intention of buying the car as you can get a tendancy to ignore little things that may end up being big dollar repairs later. Just remember that the car has probably been sitting for some reason either a breakdown or accident and the person wants it gone so if it all looks kosher bargain like hell and hope you get a good deal.

PS: Forgot to add do a compression test aswell if you plan on keeping the existing motor

[TheRealMadMax]

I’m considering a car been off the road for nearly 12 months. Registration wasn’t renewed. It’s sitting in someone’s backyard.

What should I check if can’t drive it?

Ahh, Rust? Engine/driveline operates in normal manner, oil leakes, interior, door seals, and and all hoses (deteriorate when not used). Check and see if anything is siezed.

I guess it depends on the budget/sale price. I personnally would look for a good body/paint, as unless you can do it yourself, you are up for big bucks, drivelline you can do second hand or reco, interior you should be able to do most yourself.

Good luck and try not to buy a bucket, unless you are prepared to spend time and money!

[planetdavo]

It's a used car buyers market out there, with usually plenty of registered, driveable options at decent prices. Arm yourself with knowledge, number one priority.
Is it that much cheaper that it's worth the hassle?
Why is it sitting lonely out in the weather in someone's backyard for 12 months?
What qualified person can inspect the car thoroughly on your behalf?
If you don't like the answers to any of those, walk away...

[Big_Valven]

Above and beyond your own inspection, an RAA or similar inspection would be worth the money on a car that's been sitting around IMO.

[Wonky]

Above and beyond your own inspection, an RAA or similar inspection would be worth the money on a car that's been sitting around IMO.

I don't know what they're like over there but over here RACV and VACC checks are typically not worth the paper they're written on. They generally tell you heaps of inconsequential niggly stuff like windscreen washer bottle low or wiper blades need replacing and miss most/all the big stuff.

Even if it's not an LS1 or even a Holden, see if you can get a sponsor you trust (if you have one) to look at it. It might cost you $100 or more for their time but depending on the car and how much you are thinking of paying for it it could be the best $100 you ever spent! Obviously that won't work if it's out beyond the black stump........

[markone2]

I don't know what they're like over there but over here RACV and VACC checks are typically not worth the paper they're written on. They generally tell you heaps of inconsequential niggly stuff like windscreen washer bottle low or wiper blades need replacing and miss most/all the big stuff.

Even if it's not an LS1 or even a Holden, see if you can get a sponsor you trust (if you have one) to look at it. It might cost you $100 or more for their time but depending on the car and how much you are thinking of paying for it it could be the best $100 you ever spent! Obviously that won't work if it's out beyond the black stump........



Best bit of advice you'll ever get concerning Rac * k off / NRMA etc etc.........

,if all else fails ,pay for an inspection from a selling dealership..not the jack of all trades..or www.beige Camry inspectors for school teachers .com .....as they are known in the trade.. :bow: so to speak.

.

[Swordie]

Thanks for your advice guys.

I have given the car a miss. It’s on eBay and the price is now more than what I think it's worth.

[hsv-maloo-R8]

So what sort of car is it anyway?? and how much?? thanx

[Swordie]

So what sort of car is it anyway?? and how much?? thanx

ED XR8 manual. It's not quick. I like the look and sound of the older cars.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110282574815&ssPageName=ADME:B:WNA:AU:1123

[hsv-maloo-R8]

Dont look to bad,,but by the time you add RW and rego,,and do the repairs,,it allways adds up few $$$,,, to many kms,,my price would be a $1000- $1500 max,, and l mean max.

[smokey777]

ED XR8 manual. It's not quick. I like the look and sound of the older cars.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110282574815&ssPageName=ADME:B:WNA:AU:1123

how ugly is that steering wheel lol