Pre Purchase Inspection Options

[Muirner]

Hello Everyone @ 6GC,

This is my first post, but not my first celica. I'm hoping tomorrow to go put an offer on a celica i found on cars.com out of LI, NY. Linky Linky I have had a 5th Gen celica before and i LOVED it, but always thought the 6th gen was nicer.

So here is my problem. I'm sending my dad to go look at it, and as i can tell by the photos the interior needs some work, and it's not the most visually appealing car but! I still love it. I need a car just for the winter and rainy days as i ride a 08 ZX6R Special Edition during the summer every single day. Can someone point me to a resource, or help me identify some key points to look at when looking at the car? I already know the body kit wasnt put on the best and could use some work, and there is a dent in the drivers rear quarter.. But what can i have my dad look at, or check on his test drive to ensure i'm not gonna hate myself for this decision.

THANKS!

Muirner

[azian_advanced]

just some things off the top of my head:


Before the Test Drive:
-remember to introduce yourself to the seller and always stay friendly regardless of the situation.
-from pictures listed on the local ad in the paper or internet, have a general idea of what it's worth based on the details provided.
-check for corrosion under the doors, wheel wells, the fender where it meets the doors, rain holes under the rear hatch door.
-then the obvious dings, scratches, scuffs, clear coat peeling, paint quality.
-check if the gaps between the body panels are even (an uneven gap can mean it's been in a previous accident and may have a weakened frame).
-check the windshield and all other windows for cracks/chips.
-check for uneven tire wear (bring a tire gauge if you have one), check for cracks along the sidewall or any curb damage to the wheels.
-check if the rubber seals on the headlamps are there or if they're loose (very common on 6gcs) and cracks/holes on the lenses
-test all the locks (using the power locks and with the key)
-in the engine bay, look behind the engine on the intake manifold for the infamous valve cover oil leak, with the engine on pull the throttle and listen for vibrations/noise (leaks) and check engine idle (~750 rpms when warm, or ~1000-1500 rpms on cold start), check for features like abs, cruise control, timing belt replacement sticker on timing cover, dry or cracking hoses, aftermarket parts (intake, exhaust, turbo ). check for paint loss in the chassis as they can be sources for bent frames from a previous accident (especially around the front rad & bumper support bars).
-if possible, raise the car and look for torn cv boots on the drive axles, wiggle the wheels (vertical for ball joints/wheel bearings, horizontal for tie rods/wheel bearings), ask if there are any holes through the subflooring.
-check for discoloration or fading in the carpet (may show signs of being flooded or had a leak inside) and if the original carpeted floor mats (with the embroidered "CELICA" logo) are included.
-check for any missing interior panels
-check for typical wear on seats especially the outer side of the driver seat. test height adjustment, sliding and reclining functions work.
-check if all the speakers work
-check if the windows roll up at even speeds between the driver and pass. doors (a slow or unsteady window can lead to an aging window motor)
-from the driver seat (and with a friend) test the mirror adjust motors, shifter easily goes into all gears, front and rear wipers and washer nozzles, sunroof, rear defrost light turns on, with the key inserted & set to ON all the lights in the gauge cluster (tachometer, fuel, coolant temp once the car is warmed up, CC, ABS, Door, Brake, etc), front & rear lights, parking lights, turn signals, trunk and gas door release latch, seat adjust knobs and levers
-check if it still has the spare tire & emergency tool kit
-stand on the door sill and jump up & down and listen for any creaking noises/squeaks (can mean worn bushings or leaking struts). do this for each side.
-take note of any aftermarket upgrades (may add/decrease car value depending on the modifications)
-open and close the doors several times at different forces. having to close the door a little harder than usual means the door latch needs to be replaced (costs $400 new from dealer).



During the drive:
-when the seller hands you the keys, it's good to know if it comes with the original set. the master key has the key with a rubber 'holder' and the spare key doesn't. both keys have the toyota emblem on it, that's how you know it's original. see if it comes with the original key fob or aftermarket remote lock for alarm/starter.
-check if the heater blows hot and a/c blows cold, all fan speeds work cruise control, horn, etc
-listen carefully to the noises while going over potholes or speedbumps. clunking can mean worn bushings, loud slamming can mean blown shocks (you'll have to be driving kinda fast to notice this one), and listen to the exhaust for holes in the piping or any minor leaks.
-feel for any steering wheel wobble (can mean uneven wearing in the tires or a bent wheel), feel if it pulls to side or the other while on a flat road (if it does, it may need an alignment), with the steering wheel straightened.. accelerate from a dead stop and feel for any clunks (can mean worn bushings on suspension or front/rear motor mounts), feel how much you have to let go of the clutch pedal before it hits the friction point.
-drive up to an incline and test the e-brake to make sure it holds.
-take it on the hwy for any unusual vibrations (can mean an unbalanced wheel or bad cv joint)
-in a parking lot, let the car slow down to a full stop w/o using the brake pedal. if it jerks, it can mean a sticky or seized brake caliper




After the drive:
-keep note of what needs to be fixed/replaced and ask if the vehicle has a valid safety (may be required in some locations) inspection
-have an offer ready (if you're going to take the car) and be sure about it. keep in mind of the necessary repairs required, possible inspection fees or additional taxes (depending where you are).
-ask to get the papers for any repairs or maintenance and check when the clutch/timing belt/water pump/tires/battery were replaced.
-very important to talk to the seller too. inquire about maintenance performed, reason for sale, problems with vehicle, length of ownership, etc. for general idea of how it was taken care of & see if seller seems 'shady'. be friendly and inform seller of problems spotted on vehicle as it may lower his or her expected selling price.
-make your offer and be sure about it. start a little low and negotiate your way up. try not to lowball as it may insult the seller.
-if you buy the car, give it the full treatment (vacuum, wash, wax).
-then post pics of your new ride or 6gc will hunt you down..lol

This post has been edited by azian_advanced: Jun 6, 2011 - 4:53 PM

[johnnehh]

just some things off the top of my head:

You, sir, need a sticky.

[Muirner]

Azian - WOW!! THANK YOU!! I have sent the list to my dad, and we will see whats going to happen tomorrow. That was way more than i expected and gladly appreciated! Thank you again!

[cheela]

and I'd like to add......






















NOTHING! hahhaha he pretty much got it all. nice! tell us what happens alright?

[garin]

under the hood look for obvious leaks.
look at the exhaust for burning fluids.
keep alignment in mind while driving it.
look at tire wear.

never offer right away! come back to it. you can get a better deal that way!

sweet bike by the way!!!

[Muirner]

Thanks garin!! For anyone else wondering, i'll attach a picture of how my bike looks. The only real mod i've done is HID's which are 55w 6k, though being 55 watt there is a 30% color shift making them appear to be 8k.

So far i've already begun the process of talking the guy down if my dad likes the car. If he does i'm off to NY today to go look at it first thing tomorrow. We will see where we stand after that. I was told the tires have 60% tread left. The only real worry i have right now is the fact i didnt ask about the timing belt and i really dont want to get myself into that headache! Lets hope all goes well, i'd like to see that sitting in my driveway asap!

[DGAF]

I wish you the best of luck that celi looks like it needs a good caring home..

[Muirner]

So here begins the fun... I made a call to the shop to see what time they were open until today so that my dad would be able to test drive the car. I got ahold of a sales rep who was not there any other time i talked to the shop. She indicated she sold the car on Tuesday and just didnt tell anyone. WTF? Also little did the shop owner and other sales rep know... it needed motor mounts as well. As much as i would of enjoyed this car, seems to me that problems were deeper than anyone there knew or could articulate. Glad i didnt have my dad drive the 2 hours through NY traffic to go see it. But i'm still pretty livid.