Buying a used car

[Evander]

I will be looking to buy my 2nd car after living several years overseas (I got my first when I was 17, and sold it before leaving), and will soon be returning to the US. Since I was just a teen last time and I went with my dad to the dealer we bought it at, I'm something of a noob.

Anyway, I found a car I'm interested in and for a good price from a private seller. When buying a used car from a private party, do most people insist on taking it to a mechanic to check it out first? In this case, the seller lives several hours from me, I'm seeing if he will come up to my area (I may compensate him if I buy it). Since I won't be back in the US for 2-3 weeks, I'll have probably my Dad deal with the seller. If it is usual to get a mechanic to check first, it seems like it would be a big hassle if the seller had to drive a few hours to see my Dad, and then wait for the inspection (which I'm guessing wouldn't get done on the same day).

I read on the Kelly Blue Book site the "advice" section when buying a used car. It seemed to indicate that you should ask if the seller had any objections to getting it checked out by a pro. But it didn't really say you actually should get the inspection, just take it as a red flag if the seller refused. It mentioned getting I think what they called a CarFax, which shows the car repair history based on vehicle number. If I got that and it showed a pretty good history, then I wouldn't need a mechanic to check it out?

For those curious, it's a silver '99 v6 Grand Am with power everything and cd with 130,000 miles. Kelly BB lists the value at $3600, ad said $3300 OBO, I offered $2500 and he said he's OK with that but he wouldn't replace the non-functioning taillight at that price (he said he'll check on how much it would cost to repair. how much does it usually cost?).

Also, any opinions from current/former Grand Am owners? Wikipedia lists the '99 thru '06 as all the same generation of Grand Am

 

[JammingJay]

I always request to check out the car with a good mechanic for a diagnostic before I buy a used car. IMHO its probably the best $100 you'll spend. Carfax is helpful in checking to see if your car was glued together after a accident, but doesn't tell you if that car's tranny is gonna die in a few hundred miles. Best of luck with your hunt

 

[Mermaidman]

Definitely get it checked out by a mechanic. I would expect to find problems typical of a car of that age and mileage, so what you want to avoid is major problems. Regarding the tail light, if it were a simple repair, I'm sure the seller would've fixed it before selling, so it's probably not anything obvious like a burnt out bulb. Also, you'll have trouble getting the car to pass inspection with a non-functioning tail light.

CarFax is also a good idea to rule out odometer tampering and title issues (e.g. salvaged cars). You should get the unlimited CarFax option in case the Grand Am doesn't work out.

Any arrangements you make with the seller should be very clear and preferably in writing--like if he is going to drive several hours to your area!

Have you looked into getting a used Olds Intrigue? You might find a 1998 model in your price range and they are much better than a Grand Am. Also, the Olds Alero is an upscale cousin of the Grand Am and should be just as cheap due to the discontinuation of Olds.

There are LOTS of used cars, so don't focus on one car. It's a buyer's market!

 

[syee]

Why not just have a mechanic (or a dealership) in his area (just not one on his recommendation) check it out for mechanical problems? That way, he doesn't have to drive it several hours out to where your dad is, and you can have an independent authroity's opinion. Just have them call you or your dad with the results or have the report faxed to you. Just pay for the inspection out of your credit card so you don't even have to make the trip up there until you're ready to pick it up.

 

[Evander]

Thanks for the replies. Yes, I suppose I could have a mechanic in his area of my choice do the check.

As for the taillight, it wasn't mentioned in the ad that it was broken, he said he intended to fix it w/o extra charge at the $3300/OBO price. I gave what I consider a lowball offer at $2500 ($1100 below KBB value, a roughly 1/3 off discount for me), and that's when he mentioned the tailight. It seemed reasonable to me, and we both agreed he would get an estimate on the cost before making any decisions.

Thanks for the advice on the Intrigue and Allero. Actually I wasn't particulary looking for a Grand-Am type car, I just happened to come across that ad and wanted to see if I could get it cheap. If I got it at $2500 (plus maybe an extra (guess) $200 for the light), I think I would have achieved my goal at getting a good value, well under kbb list price for a private party

 

[CrackRabbit]

Personaly a Grand Am is the worst car I have ever had the displeasure of driving.
The 3.1 ltr engine is also known for having problems with the intake manifold gasket, and that car is at the right age and milage for something of that nature to be happening. Not a cheap fix either.
I would say look elsewhere for a different car unless you are getting an absolute steal on it, and don't mind putting money in repairs into it.