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utfootball4
User
Jul 22, 2011, 9:44 AM
Post #1 of 14
(2145 views)
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A couple days ago my girlfriend was test driving a 2002 bmw x5 98,000 miles. As she was turning into the parking space going at a low rate of speed the engine shut off - would guys say no to this suv? It was a nice suv and drove very well but the engine shutting was a concern.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 22, 2011, 10:40 AM
Post #2 of 14
(2134 views)
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That's something you could be chasing for a very long time at considerable expense.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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zmame
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jul 24, 2011, 7:59 AM
Post #3 of 14
(2116 views)
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I would stay away.. When you buy a used car your buying other peoples problems.. like hammer said, you could be into some expensive diag figuring out whats wrong.
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utfootball4
User
Jul 24, 2011, 8:08 AM
Post #4 of 14
(2112 views)
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thanks guys, i think she's gonna go with a 2006 bmw 325i 80kmiles for 15k total including fees etc. it has a warranty includes Engine/transmission/engine/trans components, drivetrain..including rear end
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utfootball4
User
Jul 24, 2011, 11:20 AM
Post #5 of 14
(2101 views)
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I have a check list/questions, anymore I should add.
What service has the dealership performed on the used car since acquiring it?
carfax
what needs to be done/service record
Before the test drive, check the undercarriage, engine and body for rust or damage.
Check the interior for cleanliness, comfort and size.
Inspect the tires for wear.
Check the oil for the proper level and color.
Check the coolant and radiator for leaks or corrosion.
Drive on the highway to gauge acceleration and handling.
Test the brakes.
Test the steering and alignment.
Practice parking for maneuverability and sight lines.
After the test drive, inspect the engine for leaks, odors or smoke.
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Sidom
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jul 24, 2011, 12:25 PM
Post #6 of 14
(2095 views)
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Those are all good questions.....
By those questions it really seems like you are planning on taking it in to have it inspect by a mechanic before you buy it.
If you aren't, you really should do that on the one you're serious about........ $100+ might seem like a lot of money for a car you don't even own but if it catches a big problem you may have missed then it would turn out to be dirt cheap in the long run...
Once you sign/pay it's yours.....
You did mention getting one with a warranty which is an excellent idea but you should still have it inspected...
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utfootball4
User
Jul 24, 2011, 12:29 PM
Post #7 of 14
(2090 views)
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Yes the car comes with a warranty it includes Engine/transmission/engine/trans components, drivetrain..including rear end - I need to find out how long the warranty is tomm.
I have a company in my city and they only charge 40 bucks but this car is located 1.20mins away so I may have to call around.
(This post was edited by utfootball4 on Jul 24, 2011, 12:30 PM)
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Sidom
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jul 24, 2011, 12:47 PM
Post #8 of 14
(2083 views)
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That's great...
Hopefully the place you take to will let you take a look underneath as well.......Some places don't let customers under cars but some do.
Just realize this inspection is just looking for obvious problems that are already there. It's would be next to impossible to tell if the engine or tranny is going to go. This is just getting in the air and taking a look of stuff broken or oil leaks. I mean I'm sure they'll take if for a drive, if it shifts funny or has some weird engine noises that would be different....
A red flag for me would be if they steam cleaned the underneath. They all clean the engine compartment on the top, that's normal. But there's no reason to clean the bottom.
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utfootball4
User
Jul 24, 2011, 3:14 PM
Post #9 of 14
(2076 views)
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Well, i may not be able to take it to a place but I'm gonna try my best.
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zmame
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jul 24, 2011, 9:28 PM
Post #10 of 14
(2068 views)
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I also would keep an eye out for bad body lines.. make sure all the gaps are same width side to side and up and down.. look for any slight variation in paint color. If there is then it was in a accident at one point.
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utfootball4
User
Jul 24, 2011, 9:30 PM
Post #11 of 14
(2066 views)
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Thanks for all the pointer.
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re-tired
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jul 25, 2011, 8:07 PM
Post #12 of 14
(2044 views)
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More important than what the warrenty covers is what it DOES NOT cover . Read it very carefully ,look for words like ,ONLY ,IF, and EXCEPT. I have had many customers think that they had bumper to bumper coverage and find out it only covered the bumpers .NOT. But there have been cases where they would cover a $100 part but not the 3 hrs it took to diagnose the problem. . Or cover the electrical system except the alternator .Guess which electrical part fails the most on most cars?
LIFE'S SHORT GO FISH
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utfootball4
User
Jul 27, 2011, 8:56 AM
Post #13 of 14
(2030 views)
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We test drove the car - it would jerk when at idle - only when the AC was on. This is what the dealership had to say:
Its the air compressor turning on and off. When the set temp is reached, it deactivates the ac compressor, and when temp drops-turns ac compressor back on. This causes a load on the engine since the compressor is driven by the belts of the main crankshaft. So when ac compressor turns on, it puts a load on the engine and that is what your feeling.
Thoughts? Otherwise everything else checked out.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 27, 2011, 11:07 AM
Post #14 of 14
(2028 views)
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And if you believe that, I have some swamp land for you. How many Beemers do you thing they wiould sell if they all did that.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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