PDA

View Full Version : looking to buy a car, but need some help!

lazarus
Mar 7th, 2006, 12:59 AM
I just moved to Calgary, and I need a car (taking 3hrs round trip to work in the morning and home at night on the c-train/bus is nuts)
lazarus
Mar 7th, 2006, 01:08 AM
I was also trying to make a list of stuff I want checked on the car before I buy it. Here is the list I have of things I want checked:

** how many different owners
1) Engine compression
2) Brake Pads
3) Condition of the exaust sytem
4) Brake and fuel line condition
5) Condition of the tires
6) Under body rust
7) Alternator
8) Transmission
9) Clutch (if applicatble)
10) Timming belt
11) Radiator, hoses etc to the engine

That is all I can think of off the top of my head, but I was wondering if I am missing anything else.

I'm not too sure what else tends to be problematic on older cars, or at risk of dying.
lazarus
Mar 28th, 2006, 05:22 PM
Someone know a good site where I can type in a car, and they give you the book value?
lazarus
Mar 30th, 2006, 10:23 AM
anyone?
walleye*guy
Mar 30th, 2006, 01:32 PM
http://www.toyota.ca/

get to the first page, hover over vechicles, go down to appraise your trade in.
This will give to the trade in price for a vechicle (good starting point)
HTH
belgiangenius
Mar 30th, 2006, 01:42 PM
http://www.toyota.ca/

get to the first page, hover over vechicles, go down to appraise your trade in.
This will give to the trade in price for a vechicle (good starting point)
HTH

Good starting point yes...but if you're selling a used car in good shape, don't accept the value this renders - it's too low.

IMHO, if you're buying a used car in good condition and you can buy at the blue/black book value, you're getting a steal.

I would never sell my car for what this book says it's worth.
careener
Mar 30th, 2006, 02:28 PM
I suggest you read this site.

http://samarins.com/buying/index.html
walleye*guy
Mar 30th, 2006, 02:55 PM
I wouldn't sell a car for the book value either.
But you'll note from the OP
Someone know a good site where I can type in a car, and they give you the book value?
Usually you can get a car for 10 - 20% above the black book value.
You car also go to your local public library and get the gold book values, adjusted for local areas.