what first?
05-10-2006, 01:38 PM
#2
6th Gear Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Hamilton, NJ
Posts: 15,042
RE: what first?
Make sure that it runs right obviously... make sure you look for rust...body damage... get mainteance records if possible and make sure you do a car fax report. Make sure the torque boxes are not ripped to shreds, etc. etc. etc.
05-10-2006, 01:43 PM
#3
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 1,092
RE: what first?
The number one thing to look for is rust...It will destroy the car faster than pretty much anything else. Check the frame, and the body to make sure nothing is rusting through. Also you obviously want to make sure the engine is running correctly.
If you're planning on driving the car right away check the ball joints in the front to see how loose they are. Jack up the front of the car and push and pull on the top of the wheel to see if there is any play. Also see if the steering wheel is sloppy or tight.
Of course make sure that the brakes work properly, too...We kinda need those.
If you're planning on driving the car right away check the ball joints in the front to see how loose they are. Jack up the front of the car and push and pull on the top of the wheel to see if there is any play. Also see if the steering wheel is sloppy or tight.
Of course make sure that the brakes work properly, too...We kinda need those.
05-10-2006, 01:54 PM
#5
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 1,092
RE: what first?
Well it depends on what he wants the car for...If he's buying a project car then that stuff doesn't matter...but if he wants a DD right away then I think it's good stuff to look at. Especially since having the ball joints replaced can run you like 600+ when you have a mechanic do it.
Just my .02
Just my .02
05-10-2006, 01:57 PM
#7
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Southwest VA.
Posts: 3,915
RE: what first?
has the timing chain ever been changed?
ORIGINAL: FordMustangXBA
The number one thing to look for is rust...It will destroy the car faster than pretty much anything else. Check the frame, and the body to make sure nothing is rusting through. Also you obviously want to make sure the engine is running correctly.
If you're planning on driving the car right away check the ball joints in the front to see how loose they are. Jack up the front of the car and push and pull on the top of the wheel to see if there is any play. Also see if the steering wheel is sloppy or tight.
Of course make sure that the brakes work properly, too...We kinda need those.
The number one thing to look for is rust...It will destroy the car faster than pretty much anything else. Check the frame, and the body to make sure nothing is rusting through. Also you obviously want to make sure the engine is running correctly.
If you're planning on driving the car right away check the ball joints in the front to see how loose they are. Jack up the front of the car and push and pull on the top of the wheel to see if there is any play. Also see if the steering wheel is sloppy or tight.
Of course make sure that the brakes work properly, too...We kinda need those.
05-10-2006, 03:24 PM
#8
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 506
RE: what first?
1)Damaged torque boxes & rust(as previously mentioned).
2)Cold start; blue smoke?
3) Drive it; does the T5 shift well? If AOD; does it work in overdrive?
4)At operating temps; does the trans still work? Engine smoke?
5)On test drive; someone following can see if the car "tracks straight' or looks like it's going sideways....(sideways is bad).
6) Look at the radiator support & sides of the engine compartment for obvious stress fractures & wierd metal deformation...
7)Inspect the title personally & make sure it is not a salvage title....
8)Obvious cupping, excessive inner or outer front tire wear
9)Shocks wet?
10)Floorpan solid with out fractures or rust through?
11)Looking through the rear window; seats look level or do they lean?(Fractures around seat mounting stud\broken stud or broken seat frame).
...I'm tired so I'll stop there....
2)Cold start; blue smoke?
3) Drive it; does the T5 shift well? If AOD; does it work in overdrive?
4)At operating temps; does the trans still work? Engine smoke?
5)On test drive; someone following can see if the car "tracks straight' or looks like it's going sideways....(sideways is bad).
6) Look at the radiator support & sides of the engine compartment for obvious stress fractures & wierd metal deformation...
7)Inspect the title personally & make sure it is not a salvage title....
8)Obvious cupping, excessive inner or outer front tire wear
9)Shocks wet?
10)Floorpan solid with out fractures or rust through?
11)Looking through the rear window; seats look level or do they lean?(Fractures around seat mounting stud\broken stud or broken seat frame).
...I'm tired so I'll stop there....
05-10-2006, 04:01 PM
#10
6th Gear Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Hamilton, NJ
Posts: 15,042
RE: what first?
ORIGINAL: anthonydalrymple
1)Damaged torque boxes & rust(as previously mentioned).
2)Cold start; blue smoke?
3) Drive it; does the T5 shift well? If AOD; does it work in overdrive?
4)At operating temps; does the trans still work? Engine smoke?
5)On test drive; someone following can see if the car "tracks straight' or looks like it's going sideways....(sideways is bad).
6) Look at the radiator support & sides of the engine compartment for obvious stress fractures & wierd metal deformation...
7)Inspect the title personally & make sure it is not a salvage title....
8)Obvious cupping, excessive inner or outer front tire wear
9)Shocks wet?
10)Floorpan solid with out fractures or rust through?
11)Looking through the rear window; seats look level or do they lean?(Fractures around seat mounting stud\broken stud or broken seat frame).
...I'm tired so I'll stop there....
1)Damaged torque boxes & rust(as previously mentioned).
2)Cold start; blue smoke?
3) Drive it; does the T5 shift well? If AOD; does it work in overdrive?
4)At operating temps; does the trans still work? Engine smoke?
5)On test drive; someone following can see if the car "tracks straight' or looks like it's going sideways....(sideways is bad).
6) Look at the radiator support & sides of the engine compartment for obvious stress fractures & wierd metal deformation...
7)Inspect the title personally & make sure it is not a salvage title....
8)Obvious cupping, excessive inner or outer front tire wear
9)Shocks wet?
10)Floorpan solid with out fractures or rust through?
11)Looking through the rear window; seats look level or do they lean?(Fractures around seat mounting stud\broken stud or broken seat frame).
...I'm tired so I'll stop there....
