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Re: Mileage doesn't matter much Posted by MisplacedYankee [Email]  (#1756) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from MisplacedYankee) on Sun, 13 Jul 2003 10:31:55
In Reply to: Re: Mileage doesn't matter much, Jeff, Sun, 13 Jul 2003 09:44:08 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
Not sure if a GM dealer can do the certification - likely not. Maybe as part of the deal, if a Saab dealer is nearby, have the 30K service done. I think in 2000 that service was covered for all cars so it should cost the dealer nothing to do the service.
I only tinker on cars, but I buy and sell cars all the time and here is what I generally look for:
1) Feel the edge of the rotors to see how used they are.
2) Visually inspect pads
3) Tire tread - all tires match? Even wear - sign the tires may never have been rotated.
4) I look for Floor mats, owners manual, records, manual leather case etc. Even look to see if the little cigarette lighter plugs are in the car - often this will tell if the original owner gave a darn
5) Look at the oil - how dirty is it?
6) Check top of radiator cap for rust and goo
7) I crawl under all corners and look for underbody damage or anything that looks newer than other parts/areas
8) Make sure all the door lines are equal and close and open every door.
9) Look along sides for any paint work, creases, dings that have been fixed etc. Need good light for this.
10) Make sure all lights work
11) Make sure all bumpers and what not are attached correctly
12) Engine dirty or clean?
13) Any damage to interior/smokers car etc.
14) Look at rims for Curb rash
15) Put a CD in make sure it plays
16) Basically try every option in the car
17) Check the spare - has it been used? Everything you need there?
18) SID good?
19) AC blow cold
20) Note any extras added to the car (Cd Changer, trunk mat etc) - helps to know the options that year
On the test drive:
1) Hands off the wheel - does it run straight?
2) I take the car thru the gears hard - redline a manual
3) Get it up to 90 or so and see if you get any shimmys - don't worry about scaring the salesman - I have gone much faster than 90 to get a good feel
4) Any interesting rattles?
5) Slam on brakes - do they chatter or send you off alignement?
6) Hit some bumps and listen to the suspension
7) Check turbo boost gauge when running the gears
Like I said I also call a dealer and run the VIN for warranty work.
Most dealers will often let you take a car home for the night. I used to do this when I bought locally. They look at it as a way to sucker you in once you "experience" the car, but it gives you a good chance to check it out.
Thats just my high level list - I would dig into anything that is suspiscious. When I was 18 my Dad used to take me to the auctions with one of his buddies where I got a great deal on a repo - really tough when you can't drive it, but this system worked and I put 80K miles on that car before trading it a couple grand under what I paid.
Good luck.
posted by 12.239.19...
_______________________________________ Current: 1999 Saab Viggen Other Saabs Owned: 2000 Saab 9-3 Viggen 2002 Saab 9-5 Aero Other Current Rides: 2015 MB GL63 AMG 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Custom & Lifted 2011 Audi R8 V10 Spyder 6MT 2011 Bentley Supersports W12 2007 Honda CRV
, Sun, 13 Jul 2003 08:03:33, Sun, 13 Jul 2003 09:07:31, Sun, 13 Jul 2003 10:31:55 <-- Viewing This Message, Sun, 13 Jul 2003 09:10:37, Sun, 13 Jul 2003 14:17:15
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