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What to look for when buying new car?
Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2009 12:21 pm
by jon_d_h
Hi
I am looking to buy a new car and was wondering what to look out for. I know all the rust spots so thats ok. I just want to know if there is any way to see if the engine, clutch or gearbox are on there way out?
Cheers
Re: What to look for when buying new car?
Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2009 1:34 pm
by pnd
smoke from the engine any overheating slipping clutch and look for bills. e30's need money spending on them if it doesn't have lots of recent evidence of maintenance you will be paying and the value of the car can quickly be exceeded.
Re: What to look for when buying new car?
Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2009 2:46 pm
by Felix79
One thing I would advise to look out for is oil on the floor. Replacing the sump is an Apple Fritter of a job to do and if you have to get an garage to do it your looking at a few hours works.
Mayo in the oil cap and really badly smelling coolent can show the head gasket has gone.
Another thing I would say is how the owner treats the car if they take you out for a test drive, if they are driving it hard when it's still cold could show an abusive owner. There is an old saying , rough owners goes with rough cars.
Smell! If there is a musty smell inside the car is could point to mould/milldew which would show water is getting in somewhere. It could show a nasty new rust hole or a knackered seal.
These would be things I would out for as well as any other tips.