the mechanic
Greasy philosophy
From time to time family and friends call on me to help them avoid buying lemons so i thought i would compile a few tips for the coli brethren and sisters. so
1.Walk around look for anything that seems out of place like a shiny new headlight ,bumper and new fender usually means accident.
2.Start it and listen to it..listen for knocks,taps and squeals..knocks usually mean worn crankshaft bearings (very serious),taps usually are worn camshafts/lifters (serious) squeals are worn belts and pulleys(least serious).
3.Test drive make sure it can get to highway speeds watch for unusual vibrations, the steering pulling to one side THEN take it to a bumpy road at slow speed and listen for unusual thuds or clunks in the suspension.make sure the shifting is smooth and for manuals make sure the clutch engages and disengages with the pedal 1/2 to 3/4 way in .If you have to push the clutch all the way in its probably worn out.
4.Turn it off and then start it again for 3 minutes look for a check engine light.(some unscrupulous sellers erase codes so you have to turn it on twice for the code to come back).while its running IN PARK check the exhaust..a little steam on a cold day is ok but blue or black smoke is not OK
5.Open the hood and inspect the engine..look for leaks on the engine and under it,poor workmanship(ive seen too many cars with stuff held together by duck tape and hanger wire)
.Not every car can be tested using this list some old schools and muscle cars have normally noisy V8s
1.Walk around look for anything that seems out of place like a shiny new headlight ,bumper and new fender usually means accident.
2.Start it and listen to it..listen for knocks,taps and squeals..knocks usually mean worn crankshaft bearings (very serious),taps usually are worn camshafts/lifters (serious) squeals are worn belts and pulleys(least serious).
3.Test drive make sure it can get to highway speeds watch for unusual vibrations, the steering pulling to one side THEN take it to a bumpy road at slow speed and listen for unusual thuds or clunks in the suspension.make sure the shifting is smooth and for manuals make sure the clutch engages and disengages with the pedal 1/2 to 3/4 way in .If you have to push the clutch all the way in its probably worn out.
4.Turn it off and then start it again for 3 minutes look for a check engine light.(some unscrupulous sellers erase codes so you have to turn it on twice for the code to come back).while its running IN PARK check the exhaust..a little steam on a cold day is ok but blue or black smoke is not OK
5.Open the hood and inspect the engine..look for leaks on the engine and under it,poor workmanship(ive seen too many cars with stuff held together by duck tape and hanger wire)
.Not every car can be tested using this list some old schools and muscle cars have normally noisy V8s