Buying a used car and the inspections keep turning stuff up...

[Anonymous]

Do not buy those cars. When buying a used car, buy only certified pre-owned.

[Anonymous]

Non working a/c must be an American car.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do not buy those cars. When buying a used car, buy only certified pre-owned.

The second one that had all the leaks WAS a certified pre owned.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do not buy those cars. When buying a used car, buy only certified pre-owned.

The second one that had all the leaks WAS a certified pre owned.

That bums me out to hear. We are planning on buying a CPO for our DD (so as to avoid “spoiling” her with a new car and also the insurance will be cheaper on a 3 year old behicle) but I absolutely HATE bringing cars in for service. I thought CPO would be more reliable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dealer cannot sell a used car without it passing inspection. It’s the law.

Different meaning of "inspection."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:With all the flooding down south this year no way would I buy a used car.

This is an extremely valid point. It is critical for the next few years to have any pre-owned vehicles be inspected for water damage due to flooding. Cars from Texas, Florida and the Carolinas are flooding (pun intended) our DMV market. You must have your car inspected by a trusted and reputable mechanic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What kind of car are you trying to purchase? Some car manufacturers are more likely to have quality control issues than others. Also, I always have to question why people sell a car that isn’t that old unless they were annoyed by it.

We bought our DD a Honda Civic. We were aiming for a 2016 but the certified ones were insanely priced and had cosmetic damage to the exterior and interior. We decided to price new to see if it was worth the savings. At sticker price there was a huge difference but once we negotiated, it was well worth a few thousand to have a brand new car with warranty. No hassles of inspections and wondering what problems are hiding.

But we also looked at some luxury cars in the past where the savings was much more significant between new and used so if you’re looking for say a BMW or Mercedes then my experience probably doesn’t apply. But I do know several friends with those cars who constantly have them in the shop so wouldn’t be surprised if inspections turned up issues.

That is why often getting a new car is worth it, despite everyone saying buying three year old used. You have lost three years of life and not saved a lot of money with the more popular vehicles.

[Anonymous]

What a stupid thread. DONT BUT IT!

[Anonymous]

I'm betting these cars used to be rental cars at one time. Run, don't walk, away.

[Anonymous]

It sounds, from the descriptions of the problems, like you're looking at European cars, aren't you?

That's your first mistake right there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Non working a/c must be an American car.

A leaking rear differential and steering rack problems are hallmarks of German cars, mostly likely BMW.

I've made a lot of money over the last two decades replacing rearends on German cars.