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pre-purchase inspections

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I am buying a used car, and the alternator is getting replaced in the vehicle before I get it. Does this raise any red flags?

A replacement of the alternator should not raise a red flag bu I would recommend getting the vehicle (inspected) [https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/pre-purchase-car-inspection] before you purchase it by a mechanic like one from YourMechanic. This will insure you do not have major problems...

I'm looking to purchase a 2013 Acura TL from an Acura dealership in Wisconsin, but I wanted to make sure rust wasn't an issue.

Rami: The areas of immediate concern when it comes to rust are brake and fuel lines and suspension or frame components. Rust on exterior sheet metal (body panels) is somewhat "cosmetic" although of course I understand that nobody wants to...

How much will a 2005 Volvo XC90 will run ?

At present, this vehicle typically costs around $3,000 to $5,000 range depending on sub-model, options, mileage, and condition. Inasmuch as used car repair, maintenance, and restoration costs are highly dependent on the actual, as found, condition of the vehicle, the...

I'm buying my first car and I have a choice of a 2001 Chevy Malibu no issues clean title with 150k miles for $1450 or I Have a 200

The two cars you are referring to are so mechanically similar that there is no meaningful distinction, going forward, as to cost of repair or expected remaining service life. Rather, the costs you may experience will depend on the as...

I'm looking at a car for my son. It's an awesome little car in excellent condition. Is this a bad idea for use as a daily driver? 2003 VW Jetta 1.8 T

Hello - awesome little car indeed! Despite the usual caveat of high-performance cars for (relatively) new drivers, a small sedan like this is a great choice. The usual cautions about taking care of turbocharged engines apply here - always use...

Is buying this car for $6200 a good buy?

The mileage is not excessive. If the engine was maintained as required, and the car was not abused, you could get another 100,000 miles out of it if you take care of it. The price is in an acceptable range...

What tools do I need to perform prepurchase inspection?

The threshold issue in entering the inspection business is NOT a "particular" complement of tools but rather whether you have the specific and intensive training that is required to carry out a meaningful inspection AND convey the results in an...

Is a 2007 Hummer H3 a reliable vehicle?

For the 2007 model year, GM replaced the problematic 3.5L engine with the 3.7L. This engine is pretty decent. The transmission is a 4-L60E, which is well known for having all kinds of issues. The GM 10-bolt rear end is...

Looking to purchase a car with 200,000 miles on it. The dealer said they had it serviced and can show receipts 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Hello - while it is always good to know (and verify) continuous, appropriate service on any used vehicle you might purchase, it is still a good idea to have an experienced technician look the vehicle over for items that may...

Should I buy or is it too risky? 2003 BMW 530i

Hello - the ad appears to be gone, so perhaps you already bought it?! I wouldn't blame you if so. As a long time E39 owner, they are an excellent sport touring car, especially if more than 2 passenger capability...

Hyundai sonata 2007 or honda accord 2005 both v6

In evaluating the wisdom of buying a particular model of car (used or new), consult the database of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA (http://www.safercar.gov). The NHTSA database contains model year specific consumer complaints, official recalls and factory service...

Buying used BMW 2009

Nothing adverse appears on the Carfax report. There don't appear to be any outstanding recalls. Inasmuch as used car repair, maintenance, and restoration costs are highly dependent on the actual, as found, condition of the vehicle, the only way to...

Plan on buying a 2007 impala SS with 124,000 miles on it. Would that be a good purchase?

Hi there. When it comes to buying a pre-owned vehicle, it is best to perform a pre-purchase inspection (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/pre-purchase-car-inspection) to make sure that the engine, transmission, drivetrain, and suspension is all in order and working condition. Also it is best...

I'm looking at a VW JETTA 2003 1.8T for my son. It's an awesome little car in excellent condition. Is this a bad idea for use as a daily driver? 2003 VW Jetta

Hello - awesome little car indeed! Despite the usual caveat of high-performance cars for (relatively) new drivers, a small sedan like this is a great choice. The usual cautions about taking care of turbocharged engines apply here - always use...

Hi im looking into a used infiniti, the owner gave me the description below, how much would all of the cost me and is it worth it?

Hello, thank you for writing in. It is nearly impossible to tell what kind of costs you are looking at with this old of a vehicle. 220,000 miles is a lot, but it sounds as if the car was maintained...

I was wondering if its okay to buy a car that has a rebuilt title.

When a vehicle has been totaled out by an insurance company due to damages exceeded to the vehicle exceeded the value of the car. Once totaled the insurance company will sell off the car and whoever purchases it can do...

I am thinking of buying. I have never owned a Nissan. How many miles do these cars usually last? Good buy at $7000? Drives well.

Hello, and thank you for writing in. Your head is in the right place about inspecting the vehicle and doing some research on it. While we can not advise you to buy the car or not, you should do some...

estimate on axle replacement

The rubber boots covering CV axle outer joints can tear and the grease can then leak out and eventually the joint wears excessively and fails. If the tear in the boot is detected early enough the joint can be saved;...

I am thinking of buying a 98 Lexus LS400 with 200,000 mi for $3000. IT runs great and is in beautiful condition. Check Engine light is on 1998 Lexus LS400

Hello - as to the starter question, if the starter starts to spin immediately after you turn the key to the "Start" position, spins the motor over briskly without strange noises, hot or cold - the starter is probably fine....

Transmission and other problems....pre-purchase 2007 Dodge Caliber

Hello - given the number and variety of problem codes you list, I would recommend a pre-purchase inspection (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/pre-purchase-car-inspection) by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to the cars location, perform a thorough survey...