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d2jsp Forums > Off-Topic > Sports Coliseum > Motor Sports & Cars > Buying A Used Car- Test Drive/ Inspection
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Oct 17 2017 02:44pm
Ok, so this Friday or Next Friday (my days off) I plan on checking out car at a dealership. Ive been to this dealer before, and wasn't pleased with their sales. They have a show floor, but house their cars at a WH then send a runner to get it. I went last time looking at Corvettes, took 20 mins to talk to me, and then 30 mins after that I asked a guy so did anyone grab the car so I can see? They did, but never went back to me to lmk. I'm 28 now, was like 25 then. I don't dress to impress so most assume I'm broke AF.

Ive never bought a used car over $15k, so I usually don't care to much about inspections. Ill test drive it, check for sounds, look under, feel the steering and simple things like that. Never really had a problem. (Ive bought 6 cars I think) Only issue was a Starter went out a day after I bought. It started up fine, probably 6 times before I left the guys house but made a hard turn at like 40mph and that's when something happened no idea, but it wouldn't start afterwards. Since that, Ive had that car 2 years, no issues.



This car however is $30k for an 05. So if something does go wrong, Ill be a little more pissed off. I don't know any Techs in that area I can have the car inspected by. It has a supercharger which I like, but also makes me nervous.



So pretty much, my question is this, what steps can I take to feel a little more confident about buying a 10 year old, used $30k car?
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Oct 17 2017 05:15pm
What model is this 05? If it's a corvette, run away. The differential in the 05 is a 1 year only piece and it's weak af.
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Oct 17 2017 05:44pm
Quote (FMX_89 @ Oct 17 2017 05:15pm)
What model is this 05? If it's a corvette, run away. The differential in the 05 is a 1 year only piece and it's weak af.


Naw, a Lotus Elise w/ Katana SC. Looking to keep the C5 and have both lol.
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Oct 18 2017 11:05am
Just from a quick Google search it seems the cars are well built, electrical issues will probably be of most prevalence. Checking lights, radio, AC/heat and water leaks into the interior would be an easy start and help you determine how well the car has been maintained. My best advice is just do some specific research into the car and the supercharger company for common issues and address those during your inspection. Ask to borrow a scanner from a friend if you do not own one just to check for codes. Best of luck in your purchase.
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Oct 18 2017 11:32am
Quote (ReturnOfCar @ Oct 18 2017 11:05am)
Just from a quick Google search it seems the cars are well built, electrical issues will probably be of most prevalence. Checking lights, radio, AC/heat and water leaks into the interior would be an easy start and help you determine how well the car has been maintained. My best advice is just do some specific research into the car and the supercharger company for common issues and address those during your inspection. Ask to borrow a scanner from a friend if you do not own one just to check for codes. Best of luck in your purchase.


Appreciate the input. I do have a guy Ive met recently who has an Elise, Ill see if he has a scanner for his. Ive heard they have AC and Lock issues. He actually showed me that he cant lock his car lol. If he does, when he unlocks it and turns the key the alarm goes off. Said it was like $700 to fix, and he just wont lock it instead lol.

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Oct 20 2017 04:27pm
Gut the engine and swap in a k20.
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Dec 10 2017 06:40am
30k for used is pricy my opinion
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