You are buying a used car. Any car is possible.
You've found one at a good price, but before you shell out that hard earned cash you need to take a closer look at the ride.
Describe your car, include what you'd check first and why.
I won't say what car it is, because being a car guy there are so many that I want. It won't be a Holden for starters and it won't be Korean, the rest are open. It is a car with a very high power to weight ratio, which is not necessarily a V8 (although I wouldn't say no). Convertible preferable, but a hard top or coupe is acceptable. Being used makes thing both harder and easier. Harder because of the condition and having the bits I want and need, and easier because some things don't matter because they can be replaced or upgraded.
For instance, radio, wheels and tyres aren't an issue because they'll all be removed and replaced anyway. Condition of suspension is important to make sure it's drivable, but again it will be modified to suit the increased wheel size.
I will look at the condition of certain critical things like the brake pedal and clutch/gear lever. Want to make sure it hasn't been thrashed too hard (It will be a manual, unless it is a tiptronic with minimum 5 speed). Next check hoses and belts to see if things need to be replaced quickly. Will do a visual around the head to make sure it hasn't blown as well as around the sump and lower end for leaks.
Drive comes next to check the engine, gear box, clutch etc are in good order or don't need too much work. Any noises, whines or rattles from up front (or rear if a Porsche, Ferrari etc) will more than likely result in a no sale. Happy to spend money on the incidentals, but when it comes to mechanical work, and my obvious ineptness in this field, that becomes a very expensive excercise.
Now little things I like to have. Cup holders! The greatest automotive invention since the internal indicator stalk and intermittent wipers (by the way looking forward to this movie when it's released) is the cup holder. Can't have enough of them. Also, can I fit golf clubs in the boot, or at least when the back seats are down. This is important. Cruise control for saving the licence on long boring stretches and the windows will eventually be tinted.
There are some safety things that I require and won't go without. ABS braking. I have had to call on this simple but vital piece of electronic wizadry on a couple of occasions. EBD is nice, but if I didn't have it that's OK. DSC, or ASC, or ESP, they're all the same thing, essentially stability control, is also a must have. Particularly if the car is a rear wheel drive, which is my preference (although FWD is fun and I do love getting a car into a little understeer then bringing the front back in and driving out of a corner).
That's it I think. For me a car is not transport to get from A to B. It is a thing of pleasure to be comfortable when cruising and capable when asked to be. I enjoy to drive and drive hard but drive safe.
2023 Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Lines - Disney Wish. Going to be awesome to be back!
