What to look for before buying a used car from a mechanic?

(2011-07-19 14:30:10)

1. cesar Says: Its a beat up 2002 Ford Focus, Mechanic is going to Fix it. Hes selling it to me for 2200
Is that a good price? Says hes adding a new Timing Belt and cleaning it up and fixing the dents.

2. Steve Says: NEVER, NEVER buy a car before it is fixed. Look on ebay and you can get some ideas for another car. When you find a car you like, look up its value at kbb.com. Consider the car average at best and pick private party used price. The price for this car, if it were repaired, less than 100,000 miles and in good condition, is fairly priced. But based on what you have said I would keep looking.

3. WENDEL HOMES Says: The bodywork, timing belt, engine soundings (listen to it running with a large screwdriver to your ear) keeping clear of moving parts whilst you do this is always a good thing.
Ask to be a spectator when he changes the belt that way you know this very important job has been carried out.
Dents are not a problem if he cleans them up but have a HPI check done just to be certain of the vehicles history.

4. Dave87gn Says: thats a ridiculously high price for a 2002 sht box..

Its worth about $500 fixed

mechanics usually have cars that people leave because the cost to fix them exceeds the value of the car

this is a terrible deal..terrible

5. Ali Shammari Says: Check the milage. And check the engine life left in it. For example if the life is more than 70% and its little milage it might be worth it.