How to Buy and Sell Used Cars for Fun and Profit

Now you need to know how to inspect a car. This is where specializing in a certain car type or model will come in handy. You will have an idea of what is prone to needing replacement. You may already know the difficulty and cost of such repairs. Remember, we are not in the repair business.

Don’t buy a car that smokes. Nobody wants to buy a car that smokes. Open the engine compartment before you start the engine. Check to see if the engine is cold. An engine is more prone to smoke if it is cold. The owner may know this and when he knows he is going to show the car he starts the car to warm it up.

Take your time on the inspection. Take note of your first impression? If the car gives a bad first impression, you may have a hard time reselling it. If it doesn’t look good to you it most likely won't look good to other buyers either.

First walk around the car and mention any defects to the seller, in a very casual and polite manner. This helps in getting the seller in touch with reality. But be friendly.

If you see a problem you might ask him if he has got an estimate on fixing it. Check for broken or badly scratched glass. Check for missing trim or dents.

Make small talk. Like, “wow, how did that happen? Ask him if he has replaced any parts. Also ask the seller if he knows of any problems. Things that may need to be replaced in the near future.

If you see the tires are kind of worn you can mention your safety concerns, and how much you might have to spend on some replacement tires. Tires that wear unevenly can be an indication that the suspension is in need of major repairs or adjustments.

Next inspect the interior. Ask for the keys so you can check the accessories. Make sure everything on the interior works. Check the headlights, turn signals, horn, and radio and take note of anything that needs to be fixed. Roll all the windows up and down. Start it up and check the gauges. Turn on the heater and air conditioner.

Finally, you need to check the engine compartment. You need to check the fluid levels. If the oil is dark colored it should be changed. If the automatic transmission fluid is not bright red the transmission is likely in bad shape. A major expense and not worth the time and trouble.

If the car is missing any pollution controls it won't pass the state emission test. The air cleaner and exhaust system must pass a visual test in most areas. It is a Federal offense to remove a catalytic converter.

Know your local and state pollution laws. In some areas it's the responsibility of the seller to provide an emission sticker.

You can run a vehicle history report online to see if the car has been totaled, salvaged, rebuilt, flooded, failed inspection, stolen, or odometer tampering. At carfax.com they can run a one-time report for $14.99 and unlimited reports for $19.99. These reports are not perfect but the can be very helpful. And they have a 100% money back guarantee.

Never buy a car you haven't driven. It is easier to inspect a car on level ground. That way you can tell if the car sits level. If the car you are inspecting is parked on uneven ground try to park it somewhere more level after you take it for a test drive.

People prefer a faded factory paint job to an el cheapo from maico or earl shieb. Check for straight body panels by sighting down the length of the car.

Check for torn rubber seals around windows and doors. They will make noise at highway speeds.

Cars owned by non-smokers sell better than those that are not. Cracked dashes are not very popular either. Pretend you are going to keep the car. Ask yourself if you think this is a car I could live with.

Now when your done ask yourself this. Is this a car that I wouldn't mind owning? Go with you gut instinct. If you just don't feel right about it tell the seller you need to ask you wife or something and thank him for his time.

If you are uncomfortable with inspecting cars here is a tip for you.

There are professional car inspectors. You will find them locally in your yellow pages. You could hire one of them for around $100 dollars per car and watch him inspect a car or two.

These guys are pretty amazing. They rarely miss anything and are usually quite helpful in explaining what they are looking for.