RE: when buying a used jeep from your neighbor, what kind of questions should you ask?

RE: when buying a used jeep from your neighbor, what kind of questions should you ask? (Full Version)

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camille65 -> RE: when buying a used jeep from your neighbor, what kind of questions should you ask? (4/16/2009 10:50:06 AM)
Dings and dents mean absolutely nothing. Do you know anyone that has some engine experience? Yes make sure that you get the auto inspected before buying it, go in with the auto and ask them questions. If you can't afford to do that then I am worried you are going to end up getting totally screwed with this deal. I understand that this is a bit of an emergency situation, but those are the times when you need to be super careful and not jump into things. Do what Carrie suggested and research the VIN through CarFax. From experience, people selling used cars from their driveway don't give a damn what happens once you pull away. They just want the money and will lie to get it. Jeeps do have the reputation of being high maintenance. And 4x4's can cost a ton of money when something goes wrong. With a used Jeep something IS going to go wrong, it is just a matter of when. I don't want to discourage you, I want you to be very careful before investing money into something that could end up costing way too much. Already you can't afford to repair a vehicle, buying this used one is risky. Can you get your dad to co-sign on a used car through a dealer? Or maybe his parents or another relative? This is just such a huge gamble and I'm sure you feel awfully pressured to find something right away.

subtlebutterfly -> RE: when buying a used jeep from your neighbor, what kind of questions should you ask? (4/16/2009 10:52:01 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: sirsholly i am luvin' you, Butterfly! Youz alot like me! Ok..you already asked if it starts. Now you are checking the structure...good thing to do. Do the doors fall off when you open them? Last thing to do is make sure the radio works. It surprises no one, i am sure, that i do not buy a car on my own. you can always test drive cars[:D] get a car for a day n drive everywhere ya need..n then da next..n da next... n da next...and no need to pay for gas!

LadyTeazer -> RE: when buying a used jeep from your neighbor, what kind of questions should you ask? (4/16/2009 10:59:09 AM)
A Jeep? And it is a 4X4? AND your guy drives all day for a living?? Get ready to pay a small fortune in keeping gas in the tank!! I was thinking about buying a Jeep Cherokee some years ago, and took it for a test drive. I literally watched the gas gauge dropping as I drove it (city driving mostly, with a short run on the highway), and heard a loud sucking sound coming from the tank. I went through almost 1/4 of a tank in gas on just a short 20 minute test drive. Maybe mileage has improved since then. I don't know. As others have said, it is really not a good idea to buy a used vehicle from a neighbor for reasons they listed. How well do you know this neighbor? You could ask him anything you want about the vehicle, and he'd say " oh yes. everything is fine. never had a problem with it. etc", and he could be lying through his teeth. You pay him the money, are stuck with a lemon, and have no recourse. How well do you know this vehicle? How often have you seen the Jeep go into the shop for repairs? And for what? Having your own mechanic give it a thorough going over is a good idea, but still no guarantee you're getting a good and reliable vehicle. If you can't go to a regular dealership because of credit problems, what about one of those "Buy here, pay here" places? Not the best, granted, but with them you would still have some recourse if things go bad. Just had a thought.... no matter what you ask your neighbor about the Jeep, GET IT IN WRITING. Write out a question, have him write the answer to it, and then get that paper notarized. It may not be much, but at least you will have that if there is a problem with the vehicle and you need to go to court over it.

YourhandMyAss -> RE: when buying a used jeep from your neighbor, what kind of questions should you ask? (4/16/2009 11:03:42 AM)
LAT yeah it's going to be a deal breaker if he won't let us get it inspected. I mean why wouldn't he unless he has something to hide, cause I'd pay for it fully. quote: ORIGINAL: LaTigresse YHMA, seriously......if the guy will not let you take it to a mechanic of your choice to be checked out, don't buy it.

sirsholly -> RE: when buying a used jeep from your neighbor, what kind of questions should you ask? (4/16/2009 11:07:16 AM)
i am just going to toss a bit of sort of off topic advice in here. We always use the same mechanic...for almost 15 years. When i found myself in desperate need of a car, alone, with very little available cash and zero knowledge about cars, i thought i was screwed. However...a good mechanic is like a good hair dresser: they hear it all. I called him and explained the situation and he just happened to recall someone bringing their car in for (something or other) to get it ready to sell. He put us in touch, and i bought it sight unseen (i had no way to get out to see the car). The owner took it to the mechanic who looked it over and told me it was a good deal. I trusted the mechanic so i bought the car for 1,200.00 and drove it for over 60,000 miles. The point...establish a relationship with a mechanic. They can help you in many ways

YourhandMyAss -> RE: when buying a used jeep from your neighbor, what kind of questions should you ask? (4/16/2009 11:07:43 AM)
yeah I feel pressured is a huge understatement. I am worried for him, and his job security, this has taken a huge toll on his emotional health, he's tired he's stressed he's not sleeping so well, and above all else he feels like a huge ass and a huge fuck up for causing the situation in the first place by being at fault in an auto accident. quote: ORIGINAL: camille65 This is just such a huge gamble and I'm sure you feel awfully pressured to find something right away.

YourhandMyAss -> RE: when buying a used jeep from your neighbor, what kind of questions should you ask? (4/16/2009 11:09:20 AM)
Holly yup they can, We're a small town and in small towns if you're a business and fuck someone over, well it could ruin you, and we go to zines, and they're always so helpful and friendly and because we're a small town, they're kept more honest in a way. quote: ORIGINAL: sirsholly i am just going to toss a bit of sort of off topic advice in here. We always use the same mechanic...for almost 15 years. When i found myself in desperate need of a car, alone, with very little available cash and zero knowledge about cars, i thought i was screwed. However...a good mechanic is like a good hair dresser: they hear it all. I called him and explained the situation and he just happened to recall someone bringing their car in for (something or other) to get it ready to sell. He put us in touch, and i bought it sight unseen (i had no way to get out to see the car). The owner took it to the mechanic who looked it over and told me it was a good deal. I trusted the mechanic so i bought the car for 1,200.00 and drove it for over 60,000 miles. The point...establish a relationship with a mechanic. They can help you in many ways

YourhandMyAss -> RE: when buying a used jeep from your neighbor, what kind of questions should you ask? (4/16/2009 11:14:33 AM)
yes we would most certainly have any questions written out and a contract with him in writing spelling out the whole deal, Those places are a good suggestion, those people who deal with you and don't mind if your credit is bad, we just don't have the ability right now to deal with the time it takes, We're still going to have to hunt down these lots, Someone is still going to have to drive us around to all these lots, or take a bus, and we're still going to have to spend weeks and weeks potentially on the subject looking at these cars and trying to find a dealer who'd deal with us. The very most we can spend is 3k, that's it. the only experince I have had with finding cars in our budget were junkers that'd cost 3k or more to fix and then may not run well when ya had fixed them. Your comment about gas did remind me In eed to ask about gas milage, and how often the tank has to be fuled up. quote: ORIGINAL: LadyTeazer A Jeep? And it is a 4X4? AND your guy drives all day for a living?? Get ready to pay a small fortune in keeping gas in the tank!! I was thinking about buying a Jeep Cherokee some years ago, and took it for a test drive. I literally watched the gas gauge dropping as I drove it (city driving mostly, with a short run on the highway), and heard a loud sucking sound coming from the tank. I went through almost 1/4 of a tank in gas on just a short 20 minute test drive. Maybe mileage has improved since then. I don't know. As others have said, it is really not a good idea to buy a used vehicle from a neighbor for reasons they listed. How well do you know this neighbor? You could ask him anything you want about the vehicle, and he'd say " oh yes. everything is fine. never had a problem with it. etc", and he could be lying through his teeth. You pay him the money, are stuck with a lemon, and have no recourse. How well do you know this vehicle? How often have you seen the Jeep go into the shop for repairs? And for what? Having your own mechanic give it a thorough going over is a good idea, but still no guarantee you're getting a good and reliable vehicle. If you can't go to a regular dealership because of credit problems, what about one of those "Buy here, pay here" places? Not the best, granted, but with them you would still have some recourse if things go bad. Just had a thought.... no matter what you ask your neighbor about the Jeep, GET IT IN WRITING. Write out a question, have him write the answer to it, and then get that paper notarized. It may not be much, but at least you will have that if there is a problem with the vehicle and you need to go to court over it.

YourhandMyAss -> RE: when buying a used jeep from your neighbor, what kind of questions should you ask? (4/16/2009 11:17:01 AM)
Here's why t he cars being sold, and you guys may say hell no run run run right now, or it may ease your mind a bit about it being used. It's not an "old car" or a junker someone wants to be rid of for a bit ofmoney, It was his step daughters, and grandma bought it for her and there was conditions on keeping the car, and then she totally blew those conditions got expelled from school and then when grandma said nuh uh no more, no car for you, till you straiten up and fly right the daughter stole it and took it out and disapered for a few day.. And that was the end of the line for grandma, and so grandma said I am selling it, and so here it is, up for sale.

camille65 -> RE: when buying a used jeep from your neighbor, what kind of questions should you ask? (4/16/2009 11:34:27 AM)
Okay. What year is the Jeep? Are the tires original? Is there a log or receipts detailing oil changes? What is the mileage? Is the spare tire in good shape, has it been used? Has it been taken off road? Driven mostly on dirt or pavement? Has it been in accidents? Has it needed repairs yet? Will the seller buy it back if there is a major mechanical problem found within 30 days?

sirsholly -> RE: when buying a used jeep from your neighbor, what kind of questions should you ask? (4/16/2009 11:39:23 AM)
if you have three thousand to spend...perhaps you might consider going a different route if this one does not work out. The economy is bad..car sales are awful, and three thousand is a really good down payment for a used car. Do not rule out financing because he has bad credit. You can still get financing (though with a high interest rate) as long as there is a history of steady employment. The question would be can you afford the car payment every month. But another added bonus is paying the car loan on time will greatly improve his credit. ETA...or make the down payment 2,000.00...leaving you with cash to make the first few payments and time to sort out your finances a little more.

LadyTeazer -> RE: when buying a used jeep from your neighbor, what kind of questions should you ask? (4/16/2009 11:42:33 AM)
I would be VERY wary about buying this Jeep. "Step-daughter" stole it back, and disappeared for a few days with it? Who knows what she may have done to the vehicle? Damaged something that may not be evident right away. Remember that saying "Drive it like you stole it"? I'm just saying..... Does Step-daughter also still have a set of keys for the Jeep? If so, what's to prevent her from taking it for a drive again just because it is parked in your driveway now? Or slashing the tires, breaking the windshield, putting sugar in the gas tank, cutting wires, etc, because she is pissed that Grandma sold her ride? This is your neighbor's kid. Her former vehicle is still close to her, and probably she will be seeing it every day. Getting PO'd about it not being hers anymore. It's not like the person buying it lives across town, far from her. Just another thing to consider. I'm so glad I don't live where you do! All you can get for 3K is a junker? Damn.... My former boy got a really nice used Chrysler mini-van for $1,000, from a big name car dealership. The mini-van was in good shape for being 8 or 9 years old - very clean interior, no rust on the body, mechanically sound. I forget how many miles we put on it, and he kept it for 9 months. he only sold (well, traded) it because he found a classic vehicle that he really wanted. And that paper with the questions on it about the vehicle's condition... get it NOTARIZED, not just signed.

camille65 -> RE: when buying a used jeep from your neighbor, what kind of questions should you ask? (4/16/2009 11:45:27 AM)
Rent a car. Do not cave into the time crunch, this is too much money to mess with. Sure it is easy to have something next door, but it may not be worth it in the long run. For now he can take the bus right? But if the Jeep is only a couple of years old, with low mileage then it may be a good deal. Yeah it will suck gas like there is no tomorrow so you have to consider that. SUVs and trucks are sitting in lots all over the country for a reason. People can't afford the gas. I understand why you need something bigger but seriously consider renting a car for a couple of days so you can look around.

YourhandMyAss -> RE: when buying a used jeep from your neighbor, what kind of questions should you ask? (4/16/2009 11:45:53 AM)
Ooooooooooh those are good questions! I do intend on asking him if it's been damaged oor repaired already, covered that the very first question I thought to ask him. I will write them down and ask him. I did consider maybe saying and if there's any major problem you give us the full amount back, but I don't think he'd do that since he's selling it for his mother in law. quote: ailing oil changes? What is the mileage? quote: ORIGINAL: camille65 Okay. What year is the Jeep? Are the tires original? Is there a log or receipts detailing oil changes? What is the mileage? Is the spare tire in good shape, has it been used? Has it been taken off road? Driven mostly on dirt or pavement? Has it been in accidents? Has it needed repairs yet? Will the seller buy it back if there is a major mechanical problem found within 30 days?

sirsholly -> RE: when buying a used jeep from your neighbor, what kind of questions should you ask? (4/16/2009 11:46:04 AM)
quote: All you can get for 3K is a junker? Damn.... My former boy got a really nice used Chrysler mini-van for $1,000, from a big name car dealership. this is my thought. Even if they have to go above and beyond the 3k, it does not have to be by much and the monthly payments may be affordable. Plus their may be a warranty

YourhandMyAss -> RE: when buying a used jeep from your neighbor, what kind of questions should you ask? (4/16/2009 11:58:14 AM)
We don't have money to rent a car, it's about 100 to 200 dollars a day, the loan we're getting is only for buying a car and only for 3k He's not willing to pay 200 300 400 dollars a week for us to rent a car, and with out his money we're fucked. WE already owe our soules to credit card companies and have no hope of paying them off, now we're going to ow our souls to my dad for two years for this loan Even if we did rent the car for just a day or two, that's still 200 to 400 bucks we just don't have, and won't have to pay my dad back. And yes he can take the bus, he has been for weeks, But we're on the good graces of his job being willing to loan him a company truck during the day to do his job... quote: ORIGINAL: camille65 Rent a car. For now he can take the bus right? But if the Jeep is only a couple of years old, with low mileage then it may be a good deal. Yeah it will suck gas like there is no tomorrow so you have to consider that. SUVs and trucks are sitting in lots all over the country for a reason. People can't afford the gas. I understand why you need something bigger but seriously consider renting a car for a couple of days so you can look around.

YourhandMyAss -> RE: when buying a used jeep from your neighbor, what kind of questions should you ask? (4/16/2009 12:02:55 PM)
those are good thoughts too, and no she don't have keys to the car any more. We don't have the time or ability to go through businesses and used car lots, so we need to do it by people who have cars outside with forsell signs on it. We've gotten four offers for a car, cause I've asked around on bdsm sites and on freecycle, and through other sites, all under 1 k, but they were junkers, One car was 200 dollars, but it was sold through people who bought cars and then turned the tittle over to the DMV labeled as junkers, they ran but that was it. You'd have to pay for smogging and any fee associated with getting it on the road, one had a cracked windshield needed a new battery and hasn't run for 2 years, 750 dollars, One car needed a new engine which is 1 k alone, needed a new head gasket and had been mostly rebuilt and it had a casset player that never worked, 500 dollars. quote: ORIGINAL: LadyTeazer I would be VERY wary about buying this Jeep. "Step-daughter" stole it back, and disappeared for a few days with it? Who knows what she may have done to the vehicle? Damaged something that may not be evident right away. Remember that saying "Drive it like you stole it"? I'm just saying..... Does Step-daughter also still have a set of keys for the Jeep? If so, what's to prevent her from taking it for a drive again just because it is parked in your driveway now? Or slashing the tires, breaking the windshield, putting sugar in the gas tank, cutting wires, etc, because she is pissed that Grandma sold her ride? This is your neighbor's kid. Her former vehicle is still close to her, and probably she will be seeing it every day. Getting PO'd about it not being hers anymore. It's not like the person buying it lives across town, far from her. Just another thing to consider. I'm so glad I don't live where you do! All you can get for 3K is a junker? Damn.... My former boy got a really nice used Chrysler mini-van for $1,000, from a big name car dealership. The mini-van was in good shape for being 8 or 9 years old - very clean interior, no rust on the body, mechanically sound. I forget how many miles we put on it, and he kept it for 9 months. he only sold (well, traded) it because he found a classic vehicle that he really wanted. And that paper with the questions on it about the vehicle's condition... get it NOTARIZED, not just signed.

LadyTeazer -> RE: when buying a used jeep from your neighbor, what kind of questions should you ask? (4/16/2009 12:05:08 PM)
Exactly, sirsholly. 3K around here can get you a pretty good vehicle if you look around. Or use part of the 3K as a down payment on something else that will be better on gas mileage. Even with not-so-good credit, waving $2,000 cash in a salesman's face can make him do some remarkable things for you. And making payments can also build up your credit. YhMA -- you say that you don't have a car right now, so you can't go looking around at car lots for another vehicle. You have a computer, don't you? Well, DUH!! Use it to search carlots and dealerships websites to see what they have available. We can do that around here. But you are in California, so who knows what those goofy people do out there. (California - the "Granola" state - full of fruits, nuts, and flakes.) giggles I just sooo could not pass that one up....

LadyTeazer -> RE: when buying a used jeep from your neighbor, what kind of questions should you ask? (4/16/2009 12:14:18 PM)
not to hijack, but...... sirsholly -- I'll let the sad fact that you are from "Pissburgh" go. That alone is punishment enough for you. [:'(] (for those of you not from this area, there is a HUGE Cleveland-Pissburgh football rivalry.)

YourhandMyAss -> RE: when buying a used jeep from your neighbor, what kind of questions should you ask? (4/16/2009 12:14:43 PM)
we still have to drive to the dealership. and talk shop with a dealership. It's worth a try though.' quote: ORIGINAL: LadyTeazer Exactly, sirsholly. 3K around here can get you a pretty good vehicle if you look around. Or use part of the 3K as a down payment on something else that will be better on gas mileage. Even with not-so-good credit, waving $2,000 cash in a salesman's face can make him do some remarkable things for you. And making payments can also build up your credit. YhMA -- you say that you don't have a car right now, so you can't go looking around at car lots for another vehicle. You have a computer, don't you? Well, DUH!! Use it to search carlots and dealerships websites to see what they have available. We can do that around here. But you are in California, so who knows what those goofy people do out there. (California - the "Granola" state - full of fruits, nuts, and flakes.) giggles I just sooo could not pass that one up....

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