Decent second hand cars

[tbbr]

Where are the most reliable and best value locations for second hand cars.
We pass the main dealers on the 125 and the various car lots every time we come over but have no idea where to start looking for a car.
Does any one have any stories good or bad of their experiences.

[Guest]

I have a red Austin A 40 1967....left hand drive and only 35 K miles from new..( Well from overhaul) .and I am only one lady driver...the oil was changed last time after only 20K miles and no rust except around the usual places. The tyres are really good and it has a heater. It is MOT'd and taxed and ...well it runs good except a little slipping of the clutch, but this is normal for 1967 cars. I can do a really good deal. as long as its cash.......pls adv if interested...Oh its garaged and serviced regularly ....only little things wrong with it......

[Guest]

yes dont buy a car with a one service centre..like a saab where you will have to walk around faro for 8 hours in august in 120 f

buy something where if you dont like one garage you have a choice of another


alos from experience renault in portimao are bad...not even renualt in silves go there!

also had a honda in portmao which always seem to go wrong just after the service...
2 + 2 =

rover (miss em) in lagoa were good

[Guest]

I have a bike with no saddle

[Guest]

I brought my two cars from UK 7 years ago...and still drive them.....use little local garages to do an oil change and check brakes every six months.....never a problem...( He gives me an English MOT as well......a bit dodgy but thats what living here for 7 years does to you...) I never drive fast keeping to speed limits....my dear Portuguese friends go crazy carrying out huge 'Lunges' at break kneck speeds every day to pass me chugging along quite merryly.....(I cant spell ..but it is 5 am.....)

[cowboy]

Where are the most reliable and best value locations for second hand cars.
We pass the main dealers on the 125 and the various car lots every time we come over but have no idea where to start looking for a car.
Does any one have any stories good or bad of their experiences.

Stories, good or bad, won't do you a bit of good buying a used car, my friend.

Caveat Emptor is the key word when you buy a used car.

Here is an informative link......
http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/dmv/usedcar.html#8

To my way of thinking, the Drive Test is the bottom line....after all, if the damned thing craps out on you, or becomes a major expience down the road, what good is it?


Basic Test Drive......

Start the engine and press down on the brake.

The brake pedal should go down only an inch or two and should feel firm and solid, not spongy.

Press down on the brakes for about a minute.
If the pedal sinks slowly, there may be a leak in the master cylinder.



As the engine warms up, listen for any noises such as knocks, ticking and rattles, which could indicate engine problems.



Next, put the car in neutral and rev the engine.

Look in the rear view mirror to see if there is any smoke coming out of the exhaust.

If there is a lot of white or bluish smoke, the engine may need an overhaul.




At idle, the engine should be smooth and quiet.

Punch the gas pedal to see if the engine responds without hesitation and then returns to normal idle.




When first starting out, drive slowly to get the feel of the car.



The automatic transmission should shift smoothly without jerking, slipping or hesitating.


A manual transmission should shift smoothly between gears without grinding


The clutch should engage and disengage smoothly without grabbing or chattering

and don't forget to make sure the reverse works.




Drive on a flat, smooth road and lift your hands slightly from the wheel.

The car should track straight and be stable without vibration.

If the car pulls in either direction or "shimmies", a front end alignment or other front end repairs may be necessary.




To test the brakes, accelerate to 30 to 40 miles per hour.

Make sure there are no cars behind you, then step hard on the brake pedal, but do not lock the wheels.

The brakes should grab evenly and the car should slow down in a straight line.

If the car pulls to the left or right, it indicates the need for brake adjustment or a system re-build.

A grinding noise indicates badly worn pads or linings.




Drive at 35 miles per hour and listen for any unusual noises.

If you hear a whining sound from the rear-end, it may need replacing.




Next, accelerate to 45 miles per hour.

If the front end shakes or vibrates, the tires probably need balancing.




Drive quickly over a rough road and listen for any loud squeaks or rattles.

If the car bounces or bangs over small bumps, the shock absorbers may be worn and need replacing.



After you have driven the car for a while, check the temperature gauge to see if it shows a high reading or if the temperature warning light (be sure this works!) comes on.

These are signs of trouble with the cooling system and they can be very expensive.




To test engine response, accelerate hard on an empty road.

The car should respond immediately.

Back off and hit the gas again.

There should be no hesitation or smoke from the car.

The engine should accelerate smoothly with no strange noises.



You may want to find a steep hill to check the engine's power.

If there is a significant loss in power while climbing, the car may need an overhaul or a tune-up.

While you're on the hill, test out the hand brake to make sure that it holds the car.



When you are through with the test drive, it's a good idea to turn off the car for a minute or two.

Then restart the engine to see how well it starts when hot.

Check again for leaks under the hood and beneath the car.
Some leaks may only appear after driving.

It's also a good idea to check the tailpipe.

An engine that is burning oil will leave a black, sooty oil deposit.

A white, powdery residue usually means good fuel combustion.



Hope this helps, Tbbr.

[widge]

Is this a record for the longest message ever posted on the forum. Do the moderators have a view?

[cowboy]

Is this a record for the longest message ever posted on the forum. Do the moderators have a view?

It's called informing someone who asked a question.

Do you happen to be a used car salesman by any chance?

[blue]

Is this a record for the longest message ever posted on the forum. Do the moderators have a view?

It's called informing someone who asked a question.

Do you happen to be a used car salesman by any chance?

I had just said to H that Cowboy had posted some really useful advice on buying a second hand car.
As Cowboy said - buyer beware & it's good to know what to look out for

[kteee]

I agree, it is very useful advice on buying a second hand car.

[Guest]

No i'm not a second hand car salesman, nor do i question the advice given, I just asked if this was the longest message ever posted?

[nightrider]

No i'm not a second hand car salesman, nor do i question the advice given, I just asked if this was the longest message ever posted?

Should this posting be Moo Cow's Domain i.e.FAQ ...by the way....own up time.... it was me without a saddle

But definately not me above.

[maddi]

Cowboy has paranoia set in? Whilst the most obnoxious posts tend to be from 'Guests' (with one notable exception) it doesn't mean that every guest post is obnoxious! Honestly over the last couple of days Guests seem unable to join in the humour which riddles every thread without being accused of something - so if it is ok for us then it is ok for them.

Of course would be much less of an issue if everyone registered but half of those that have forget to log on, post as guest, or have a number of alias



Maddi

[blue]

Just because I'm paranoid it doesn't mean they're not out to get me

[cowboy]

Cowboy has paranoia set in? Whilst the most obnoxious posts tend to be from 'Guests' (with one notable exception) it doesn't mean that every guest post is obnoxious! Honestly over the last couple of days Guests seem unable to join in the humour which riddles every thread without being accused of something - so if it is ok for us then it is ok for them.
Maddi

Cowboy has paranoia set in?

Not that I know of, Maddi.

Whilst the most obnoxious posts tend to be from 'Guests' (with one notable exception) it doesn't mean that every guest post is obnoxious!

No it doesn't, does it.

Honestly over the last couple of days Guests seem unable to join in the humour which riddles every thread without being accused of something - so if it is ok for us then it is ok for them.

Fine....if that was humor, it went right past me. I saw it as a dumb remark.
(I get that way when posting something useful that takes over an hour to research and post......besides, there's been some really tastless BS posted lately, and passed off as "Humour")

As for accusing Widge of being a used car salesman, it was a joke, kids, it was a joke.

What we have here, is a failure to communicate.

How's about we all take a deep breath, count to ten, let it out slowly, and start over?

I'll even provide the background music.......
http://www.killsometime.com/animations/ ... .asp?ID=57