CAR………………………?

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HOW TO BU A USED HYBRID CAR? WHICH THING SHOULD I CHECK?

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Answer by dick car guy
find a mechanic who is familiar with hybrids, work out a deal ahead of time to do a diagnostic inspection with his diagnostic computer, then tell him you want a wheels off inspection, and the condition of the tires brakes, frame, front end, rear end and any oil leaks (which is pretty much what he will look for. By getting the car up on a lift with the wheels off, you can see all the important frame members, and you can tell if its all original, or if any new work has been done of the frame and the four corners of the car. You should check all the heater, the air conditioning, the turn signals, lights, brake lights, radio , power mirrors, sun roof, power seats, what ever, your self.
I have always liked test driving used cars when cold after sitting at least overnight. Often times major problems show up when vehicle is cold, but go away when its warmed up (until something finally breaks) stands to reason a hybrid would also be able to run drive and stop good when still cold, fire up the engine, give it a minute to warm up and take off like you stole it. get it up to freeway speed , I always drive any used car at least 30 to 40 minutes, it takes 20 minutes for most cars to warm up properly, If you still like the car after your 40 minute test drive, call the mechanic, make a appointment, the mechanic can save you his fee right of the bat sometimes, because if he does ok the car to buy, but finds minor problems (you should make a checklist of all the things you checked, why pay your mechanic to check the brake lights again?) but if your mechanic finds minor problems, get a written repair estimate, and use this to negotiate the price down, (I always try to get them to knock off 50% , so if it is 400 dollars, try to get 200 bucks off for mechanical repairs.
If you are not mechanically inclined, here is a web site www.samarins.com that has tons of free information about how to buy, and what to look for in a used car, there is also a section for used car rewiews. the more informed you are, the less likely you are to get ripped off. Always remember, a dealer is not there to be your friend, he is there to do, or say whatever it takes to take ALL OF YOUR MONEY, AND PUT IT IN HIS POCKET. if the car has as is on the invoice, PLAN ON TAKING IT TO A MECHANIC. AND YOUR BEST DEAL will always be a private party. There are some dealers who offer warrantys, a 90 day warranty is pretty good, at least the car has been checked by a mechanic. but dont fall for the you buy the parts we supply labor. THAT IS NOT A WARRANTY. also, you need to check used car pricing, because dealers will overprice cars routinely, www.nada.com is a free consumer price guide, familiarize yourself with it by checking all your friends cars or family whatever but try to get an idea of what something is worth, so you do not pay too much. have patience, patience, and more patience, this is the best way to buy a car, never ever be in a hurry, there is ALWAYS A BETTER CAR AROUND THE CORNER.