Never bought a car before -- pls help

Subarus and blown head gaskets is a classic.

One thing I always consider is the tires. If a car has new tires on it that adds a lot to the value, on the flip side if it needs some thats an addition cost you gotta bear up front. If they have service records thats a really good sign. Depending on where you're located check for rust in key structural areas of the car.

What’s your budget to start with? Sometimes it’s almost cheaper to
go new. I had a forester that I bought new for less than a used one was going for.

Also used car market is super fucked right now

I bought a suv a couple years ago and it's so nice to sleep in and can slide in tge front seat without going outside but as far as buying maybe reaserch the particular model you're thinking if buying fir common problems etc and look at the seller. If it's someone who has raced or beat the crap out of the vehicle, not a good sign but if it's immaculate and the seller is some sweet old lady who babys the vehicle then there you go.

Instructional video

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/1014796/Borat---Buying-a-Car-HD

brotoInstructional video

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/1014796/Borat---Buying-a-Car-HD

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/1014797/On-the-Spot-With-Bobby-J---Check-It-Out--With-Dr--Steve-Brule---Adult-Swim

best parts of those two vids: 35-40 mph required to kill a gypsy, popping the balloon

CatdickBojanglesAlso used car market is super fucked right now

yea from the limited reading ive done in the past hour it seems like i might have to wait to not get railed on pricing. Having daydreams about like a minivan with all the rear seats removed/ folded down so i can build a sleeping platform


budget prolly like 8k

**This post was edited on Oct 21st 2021 at 8:52:21pm

KCoCMyea from the limited reading ive done in the past hour it seems like i might have to wait to not get railed on pricing. Having daydreams about like a minivan with all the rear seats removed/ folded down so i can build a sleeping platform


budget prolly like 8k

**This post was edited on Oct 21st 2021 at 8:52:21pm

https://www.amazon.com/TOPHORT-Mattress-Sleeping-Camping-Inflatable/dp/B093GWDGWJ/ref=asc_df_B093GWDGWJ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=532655185674&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6208747910249070504&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9005489&hvtargid=pla-1393658948041&psc=1

never tried one of these but kinda curious tbh

KCoCMyea from the limited reading ive done in the past hour it seems like i might have to wait to not get railed on pricing. Having daydreams about like a minivan with all the rear seats removed/ folded down so i can build a sleeping platform


budget prolly like 8k

**This post was edited on Oct 21st 2021 at 8:52:21pm

I'll sell you a Dodge Caravan for $500 CAD. Seats are already folded down.

WoFlowzhttps://www.amazon.com/TOPHORT-Mattress-Sleeping-Camping-Inflatable/dp/B093GWDGWJ/ref=asc_df_B093GWDGWJ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=532655185674&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6208747910249070504&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9005489&hvtargid=pla-1393658948041&psc=1

never tried one of these but kinda curious tbh

i like the idea but who the fuck is short enough to sleep width wise in their car lol

I think people have covered the basic things to look at- tires, rust, mileage.
If the door hinges are loose and/or the upholstery is wearing out those are signs the vehicle has been heavily used and neglected.

I'd recommend taking whatever used vehicle to a garage you trust and having it thoroughly inspected before purchasing.
You could get a ford ranger/ mazda B3200 and a cap. Depending on how tall you are it could work for comfortably sleeping in. Those trucks aren't great on gas and seem to need work half frequently but could be practical and affordable for your needs.
A ford transit would be a good option for a van. i think @CowboySkibop has one of those. An old Volvo wagon would be nice and have room for sleeping. Honda Element might be a good thing to look for too.

thanks for the advice, i almost tagged crunchyman to ask what he had 😂

skiP.E.I.I think people have covered the basic things to look at- tires, rust, mileage.
If the door hinges are loose and/or the upholstery is wearing out those are signs the vehicle has been heavily used and neglected.

I'd recommend taking whatever used vehicle to a garage you trust and having it thoroughly inspected before purchasing.
You could get a ford ranger/ mazda B3200 and a cap. Depending on how tall you are it could work for comfortably sleeping in. Those trucks aren't great on gas and seem to need work half frequently but could be practical and affordable for your needs.
A ford transit would be a good option for a van. i think @CowboySkibop has one of those. An old Volvo wagon would be nice and have room for sleeping. Honda Element might be a good thing to look for too.

KCoCMthanks for the advice, i almost tagged crunchyman to ask what he had 😂

I second the advice of getting an inspection. Call a local auto shop first and tell them you are looking to buy a used car and how much a pre-purchase inspection is and what they cover. Most shops are chill about it and usually dealers are cool with you dropping it off. If the dealer refuses an independent inspection or tries to bullshit you that their "In House tech" looked at it then tell them to fuck off and walk away. Inspections are usually like $80 and worth every penny. They can help you negotiate on a price too if there is a known problem that you need to get fixed. It also helps you know anything you may need to fix yourself if you do buy it. Its better to spend $80 and not buy a fucked up car.

Also, check the panel gaps around the car. If a car has a really big or small panel gap somewhere that means there is a good chance it was in a wreck before. Also check for little bubbles where there is rust that they just put some touch up paint over.

If it even remotely smells like cigarette smoke, immediately walk away.


Are you paying cash or financing?

If you are financing, never negotiate on your payment. Dealers will try to sucker you into a payment that "fits your budget" and you end up in a really long loan and pay a ton of interest. Always negotiate on actual price.

If you are paying cash, dont tell them this until you negotiate a price. They will always ask you upfront if you are paying cash and they do this because they wont negotiate a lower price on a cash buyer because they make no money on interest on the back end. Usually just be really wishy washy with your answer and say something like, "Im still looking at my options, I heard you guys do good financing though. Let settle on a price then talk about that..."

DONT BE AFRAID TO WALK AWAY! Car dealers do everything they can do get you on the lot and waste as much of your time as possible. They know every min you spend there is a min you are afraid you wasted if you dont buy a car. Even if you have walked around, did a test drive and negotiated for an hour dont be afraid to just walk out the door if it doesn't feel right. There is always another car on another lot to check out.

When you pick out a car listing on a dealer website check the Kelly Blue Book value and make sure its in line with the price of the car. Also check the history if you can. You want a good idea what the value of the car is before you see it on the lot. Also check how old the listing is. Cars cost dealers a ton of money as inventory the longer they are on the lot so if a listing is old you have more leverage to negotiate. A dealer would much rather make a little less off you than have to send it to auction.

If you are buying from a private seller, be weary of really clean engine bays. Its a well known hack to clean the shit out of an engine bay right before you show up to hide the fact the power steering rack or other expensive component is leaking.

**This post was edited on Oct 22nd 2021 at 12:01:40am

**This post was edited on Oct 22nd 2021 at 12:03:32am

2 More:

If you are buying from a private seller- Feel the hood of the car for warmth and when you get in to start it check the temp to see if the car is truly cold. Some sketchy people will know the car doesnt start well cold so they will warm it up before you show up.

Also, when you hop in the drivers seat turn the key one click so all the lights come on the dash. Look for the check engine light. If it does not light up then get up, tell the seller/dealer he is a fucking idiot or worse and walk away. A disabled check engine light 100% means the car has a serious issue that is being hidden.

@SuspiciousFish youre a legend thank you for all the advice

skiP.E.I.I think people have covered the basic things to look at- tires, rust, mileage.
If the door hinges are loose and/or the upholstery is wearing out those are signs the vehicle has been heavily used and neglected.

I'd recommend taking whatever used vehicle to a garage you trust and having it thoroughly inspected before purchasing.
You could get a ford ranger/ mazda B3200 and a cap. Depending on how tall you are it could work for comfortably sleeping in. Those trucks aren't great on gas and seem to need work half frequently but could be practical and affordable for your needs.
A ford transit would be a good option for a van. i think @CowboySkibop has one of those. An old Volvo wagon would be nice and have room for sleeping. Honda Element might be a good thing to look for too.

yea I got a transit connect, its a solid vehicle. it just got a new trans and replaced a belt that blew so its running its best. fully built to sleep in too

you wanna buy it? I am tryna get a 4runner or a sequoia so I am thinking about selling it. PM me if you want more info

**This post was edited on Oct 22nd 2021 at 11:22:17am