Overhaulin'

how do you know if a used car for sale has a major problem the owner is trying to hide?

I currently own an 89 chevy 1500 (full size truck). It runs great and I've heard you can put hundreds of thousands of miles on these if you take care of them. My intention has always been to drive it into the ground but lately gas milage has really been an issue for me. I do a fair amount of highway driving as well as night driving on roads where I time all the lights (so it's like highway driving as far as gas milage). My truck gets 16 mpg city and 17 or 18 highway... What kind of used car could make it worth my while to let go of the truck? How do I know if a car will be reliable? I suppose there is always risk but I wonder if someone knows some tricks or ideas? I know if there is new oil in the engine that can be a bad sign that they are trying to hide that the oil/antifreeze mixes... looking for more tips I can use.

Public Comments

1. How would someone buying your 22 year old truck know it had no major defects? They would take it for a test drive then get it examined by a trusted mechanic prior to purchase.
2. I like to try to find cars owned by private parties who were owned by older owners, most of them do not even know what a craigs list is, and could care less about the internet. They may only advertise in the local newspaper too, so keep an eye on the local paper. If I find a car or truck that seems to be in decent condition for year, make and model for sale , I will talk to the owner and try to test drive it after it has been sitting overnight and is cold. The reason for this is that i like to do what I call a cold start test drive, I start the vehicle up and listen to the engine, it should start easily and smooth into a high idle in 5 to 15 seconds, with no clouds of blue smoke. I give it a minute or two for the oil to circulate and then take off in it like I stole it, any good used vehicle that is in good condition should run drive and stop good cold in the first 5 to 7 minutes of a cold start. I try to get it up to freeway speed 55 miles per hour . I spend 40 minutes to an hour driving the car around, and check all the bells and whistles to make sure everything works, including heater and power windows several times each. and check all the lights and switches. after that I get it to my mechanic and have him do a diagnostic on the car for two main reasons, one to verify it is going to get me somewhere and back, and two because minor mechanical problems are a negotiating point on the price, and I take a written estimate of any safety related repairs such as brekes and lights and things of that nature. Once we agree on a price it goes from there Used cars are a exercise in patience and there is no sure way to tell what will break next, but a good competent mechanical inspection and a long test drive can eliminate a lot of crap cars out there .
3. In the two previous answers, you probably saw a theme that rings true: Have a licensed mechanic check it over thoroughly before you even seriously consider it. I'm not talking about your "buddy who knows cars", I'm talking about an ASE-licensed, fully-accredited mechanic. This will cost you $50-100, but it'll be worth every penny.