My friend is planning to buy a used car and any of you guys/gals have a general check list on what are the basic things to check?
thanks!

 

brakes, tire wear, oil leaks, engine compression, all gears through the RPM range if possible for grinds, interior wear, funny noises, make sure all windows/wipers/heat/ac/radio work, all lights and signals, miles, carfax, maintenance history, if it veres to the right or left on the highway, etc

 

tnx!

 

+ if the car has been in any accidents, body straight, any paint peels/ rust, and any upcoming services needed to be done on the car.
-Andrew

 

Is it a WRX? If so, check if the turbo has been replaced. I wouldn't buy a used WRX where the stock block was used with a GT30R, SR30, or other giant turbo. I probably wouldn't want one where anything other than a TD04 was used. It might not be easy to figure out, but check the oil and coolant lines going to the turbo. If the hose clamps are moved or missing, it probably was replaced.

Replacement bodywork and repainted areas are a good sign the car was in an accident. You don't want a wrecked car.

I would suggest having a compression check done.

 

its not a wrx, but thanks for the heads up for future reference...

 

I read somewhere to bring a little magnet if you suspect bondo work on the body. Not sure if that helps.

 

check the door gaps and panel gaps. Check the edges of these gaps as well for paint drips. misaligned and paint ridges at the edges generally indicate replaced panels due to damage or accident.

If you really want good comparison, drive a new car of compariable range (2005 RS) if your looking for older RS. It can give you a sense of how "loose" everything has gotten over the years.

 

If the car costs more then $3000 or $4000 dollars i would take it to a shop and have them check the car out.

It should cost anywhere from $60-$120.

That way you have everything on paper, inspected by a pro and inspected on a lift which will give the person viewing the car a better look @ the body/powertrain.

Many/Most times you can use the shops report as a good tool to LOWER the selling price of the car...by alot.

 

thanks a lot guys for the inputs!
it helped a lot...

 

Sounds like its too late here, but also pull the dipstick and make sure the oil looks healthy. Also, look in the coolant reservoir. There should be coolant in there and no other crap.

 

ahh yes...make sure there is no water/coolant the oil..blown headgaskets suck