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Urgent need mechanic to check second hand car in palmerstown

  • 19-04-2004 10:48am
    #1
    Psygnosis
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,485 ✭✭✭


    Hi Lads

    Im looking at a car in plamerstown I really think I will purchase it but I need a mechanic to give it the once over as they say. This is urgent as the guy will let it go to some one else by the end of the day if I dont purchase it. So if some one could recommend a mechanic in the area that would be great.
    Please help


Comments

  • #2
    IrishRover
    Closed Accounts Posts: 602 ✭✭✭IrishRover


    Just remember, don't rush into any decision. It's a buyer's market as there are plenty of second hand cars out there. Cash buyers don't grow on trees and saying he'll let it go to someone else at the end of today if you don't hurry up and buy it is the oldest car dealer psychological trick in the book.

    A few general engine health checks you can do:
    When you are going to see the car, ask him not to drive it before you come over. Check the bonnet to see if it is warm when you arrive. If it is, he may be trying to hide a cold start problem. Check under the oil filler cap for any sign of "mayonnaise" which is a sure sign of head gasket problems. Any oily film in the coolant reservoir would be an indication of the same thing. Get the owner to start up the car while you listen to the sound of the engine and check the exhaust for any blue smoke or excessive amount of smoke.

    Ask the seller direct questions - how many miles? Is the mileage genuine? Has he got a service history for it? When was it last serviced? How often does he need to top up the oil? Has he got NCT certificates?

    After test driving the car, open the cap on the coolant reservoir slowly and carefully. If you get a rise in the level of coolant or coolant coming out the top, this is a sign that the engine is not in good condition. If you get just a gentle "whoosh" noise, this is a good indication.

    Check the bodywork thoroughly and check to see that the gaps between panels are even. If not, the car may have been in an accident. Check behind door pillars and wheel arches for any sign of rust. Pull up the carpet cover in the boot and check the spare tyre area. Often, boots can let water in and this can remain in the tyre well area and cause alot of rust. Make sure to have a look under the car too.

    Try to determine what kind of person the buyer is too. If he seems dodgy, the car probably is too.

    Once again, don't be rushed into any decision. Lots of people want to sell their cars, but there are not so many buyers!


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