# Buying a used car,

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-a-used-car/70882>\
**Category:** General Discussion\
**Created:** [February 10, 2012, 11:04pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-a-used-car/70882 "2012-02-10T23:04:15Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![ZForce](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7ea924/32.png) [@ZForce](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ZForce)\
**Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 11:04pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-a-used-car/70882/1 "2012-02-10T23:04:15Z")

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So, this is my first time buying a used car and i’m wondering what steps I should take. I know that you should check the car, but what kind of mechanic-like person should I bring the car into for them to examine it. But is there any other step I should take?

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**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\
**Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 11:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-a-used-car/70882/2 "2012-02-10T23:15:42Z")

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NOT Mechanic-Like…BUT a REAL mechanic.

Someone you know and trust…Or a recommendation of someone.

Biggest thing that’s going to determine how well the vehicle is…is service records. Unless you know the person selling the car then ask to see all service records.

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**Author:** ![ZForce](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7ea924/32.png) [@ZForce](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ZForce)\
**Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 11:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-a-used-car/70882/3 "2012-02-10T23:19:20Z")

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Could I take the car to any local body shop to examine it?

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**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\
**Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 11:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-a-used-car/70882/4 "2012-02-10T23:22:15Z")

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You can also increase your chance of success by buying a car from a senior citizen and only owner. They’ve had to maintain the car and by now have figured out that if they take care of it, the car can last a long time. It isn’t a guarantee, but it might work if you are patient. Reasons to sell might be no longer need two cars, can’t get in/out comfortably.

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**Author:** ![ZForce](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7ea924/32.png) [@ZForce](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ZForce)\
**Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 11:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-a-used-car/70882/5 "2012-02-10T23:32:06Z")

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Thanks for the advice!!