5 Signs You Shouldn't Buy A Used Car

I love your channel, been a fan for some time, your knowledge and no nonsense approach to engineering and mechanics is unparalleled, for this I thank you sincerely. I have a question about the scanner you are using, can it also give you vehicle information about the car as you drive? I am looking for something that will give me engine temp and oil pressure in real time that I can have in my field of vision on my phone as I am driving, more just to monitor certain parameters in different driving environments. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, continued success my good man, I always look forward to your uploads. Best channel and best host on the subject!!!!

Yes, it actually has a live display where you can read things like temperature, throttle position, that kind of thing. It will depend on your make and model what it can read, but you can get live stuff and record data. It's quite neat! I'd recommend looking into compatibility with your make and model, but it's worked well with the cars I've tried it on.

Engineering Explained ever heard of diesel?

Hey, do all the points apply equally to a diesel-fueled vehicle?

LOL teamed up with progressive to make a video to help folks out there buying half-broken cars! As someone who just recently bought one myself, I can tell you progressive is the only one that'll insure me at a near-decent rate! $100 instead of $180-200

Yes those dead hookers sure do leave a mess, though a double layer of thick plastic sheet taped inside the trunk sure does help.

Shouldn't affect the longevity of the car

Those cars has ghost in it

I personally think it’s helpful so then I can do the same and it blends in

Fanny Shmella @holdup.comments

I buy cars and fix them up. Once they're perfect I sell them cheap because I'm bored of them..... it happens.

@@staydriven578 lol I do that too

@@staydriven578 yo I feel you.

You are funny :DDD i just LOL

I'd be glad. It's easy for a car to lose value if it has faults. Hard for it to gain value if your maintenance and mods have been exceptionally good, unless you are selling to someone who knows cars.

True!! I done that quiet a few times

there are a few persons especially if you look for a gtr or rx-7 that will tell you "NO I DRIVE YOU SIT"

Exactly! 😆

@@gameworkerty they have their 7 day return policy though, so at least you can have your mechanic check it out within that time frame and return it if anything bad comes up.

Apparently one dealership we dealt with was dodgy but did let us bring the car to a mechanic. The mechanic barely had to glimpse at the engine bay. He said it had been in a frontal accident and someone did a horrible job of, like, supergluing the internal parts back together. This was unnoticeable from the outside

@TheSorrowLand 😂

Cars boutta get violated

Alex Dow legendary

Deep Prostates exam

Alex Dow lmaoooo

"The engine just stopped, dunno what's wrong with it. You can have it back, I don't want it."

@@EngineeringExplained Would you still wipe dat' back bumper ?

@@EngineeringExplained Out of fuel.

just plan a vacation when you test drive it, take it out for a week :). Then you know if it's worth your money

You helped me a long time ago to find fake IC's, thank you!

Sheldon Cooper SDG thanks buddie

Thanks

THANK YOU !!! OMG what a beast !!
I wish more people would do this for their videos. and Timestamp their main points

a tip if you find a used car on the side of the road with a for sale sign, when you call them dont specify what car your interested in buying, this will let you know if they are a used car dealer because they will have to ask which car, also ask what price they are asking even if it says on the sign.

K m8 thnks

Hahaha

Never been beaten on...
*Has a 6266 turbo, meth injection, highlift cams, and stripped interior*
🤔🤔🤔

That's enough for me to give up the purchase.

"bro, this wing is totally functional, trust me." "What's a fart can?."

What if the tasteful mod actually _is_ tasteful, like a spoiler on a Coyote V8 Mustang, or four-barrel carburetor on a car that originally ran a two-barrel.

From the master himself, thanks Chris!!

Hey guys! Chris fix here. Is this you bro?

Hey its ChrisFix!😃

Saw some oil outside the oil pan, is that bad otherwise everything looked great

Aseem Agarwal could be a leak in the oil pan or the oil pan Gasket. Doesn't cost much to fix either one of those things so it's probably alright

I did too. @Engineering Explained talks about the issues, then shows a perfectly fine car as far as I can tell...

Reason i disliked.. And the continuoustalkingwithoutpausesexhaustedmeinaminute

Lololo most enjineeeRs arent good with those things hajahaha

Just him showing off his perfect maintained s2000 lol

If the smoke doesn't look like a light gray that barely is visible, you gotta problem....lol

That also depends on the dealership/technician. I've worked for a hyundai dealership that would sell used cars with what I consider major issues without repairing them. They'd ask that I clean it up and make it as good as I can without any parts. I.e. I had a hyundai tuscon with oil on the front cover and they wanted me to clean it up and do what I can to slow/stop the leak but just pulling the cover and replacing the gasket and doing an inspection behind the timing cover was a no-no. I no longer work for that dealership btw.

@@oddieboi good karma choice.

@@oddieboi the used car dealerships always do that kind of things, at least in my country. I really hate that, the last car we buy is a Chevrolet Prizm 1999, i make sure that car was in perfect conditions, and i was right. Amazing car.

Humble mechanic. Sign 1 Honda released s2000 2.0 and it has 240hp name any make reliabilty like HONDA #1 sign 2 i have accord 2000 coupe. And my bro has the98 sedan never had a issue with so i guess the old cars are made to last longer than used cars

Honda's are extremely reliable I have 254k on my Honda civic that's breaking it in I seriously feel like I can easily hit 300k I took this thing cross country already. doesn't leak or burn one drop of oil.

😂 Man so true

This. And my other favorite are “it’s rare” and “it’s mint except.”

@@NGAAutoTV the best is the "unmolested" cars that have completely different wheels and interior

When I sold my used car, I listed everything that was wrong with it and sold it for a good price (lower than what other cars were listed at). Car went fast.

7th sign
"No high ballers. I know what I have"

Safety is paramount.

@@EngineeringExplained dirty hands dirty worker

Engineers wear gloves, mechanics don't. They just get in the way.

and safety glasses

If a buyer turned up to see my car and pulled out his surgical gloves I would drop the selling price straight away. 😂

😀

😬

How long is considered a long test drive?

@@matthewbarymow4402 word

@@matthewbarymow4402 put a 10000 miles on it and return if its not good

Exactly.. it means it's not.

Dealerships are the biggest rip off. They are selling a car they know absolutely nothing about. Most people just feel more comfortable buying from a dealer. And a dealer aint gonna sell a car that they cant make thousands on!!

I remember one time I took a used Dakota on a test drive and about a block away from the dealership I started smelling coolant haha. Needless to say that drive didn't last too long.

Lawrence Lentini your reader can tell you exactly how many miles since DTC's were last cleared.

@@baddrivercam Yes, try that 1st, but not all makes and models even years will give you that "miles since cleared" DTC, but as a fail safe, and as a general rule check the emissions like he said above. I do that before I even start the car or a test drive, if they can't explain why the car isn't ready, I walk. I don't even live in an emissions testing area.

Or like he said take it for a nice long test drive and make it throw the codes again.

@@kensperspective idk where you guys live but no ones getting a test drive on a used car in england lmao

@@ethani7137 Why?

No idea! 😂

Maybe someone just didn't judge it right.

My wife's grandmother, like 10 times lol

@@EngineeringExplained i think someone uploaded a video about it, his name was Jason too.

Pretty sure he drove the same type of car aswell @@josephbourne4078

Hahahaha

Selfie stick being used for something other then a narcissists next photo op, if it was only used for such purposes it wouldn't be banned in so many public areas.

Yes, a selfie-stick would be much better than leaving the phone on the floor recording, as you drive back and forth to get video of the bottom of the car. A "didn't quite judge it right" moment can cost you! :)

@@jaydunbar7538 yj

I guess long enough for it to warm up, and long enough to include a variety of roads (ie motorway / highway driving). 20 mins at least I reckon. You’re spending a lot of your hard earned money - the seller should understand if they’re genuine.

Turn the radio off and drive it and listen to everything while driving if you can take it on highway and floor it.......✌🏾

The suspention needs replacing? Nah just don't turn right, you'll get used to it eventually

I was thinking senor readiness monitors too. 😁

Emissions checks too. If they're not ready, either the codes were just reset or there's something wrong with the car anyway.

An addition for Nr5: good luck reading a Volvo with a generic OBDII tool.

exactly

How do you even check if codes have been cleared when you plug in a scan tool?

I've done that myself, but never totaled my car. A guy who didn't care to clean his car of snow properly didbthat job for me...

I don't know anyone that wrinkled a yellow S2000 while exiting their garage.

Heh, ditched my vehicle a few times, never totaled. Once because I didn't quite judge _what_ was crossing the road, I just saw movement. It was icy, and I slid. Turned out, it was just some turkeys. Wouldn't have been good, but probably wouldn't have been worth the risks I took if I had known what it was crossing the road.
As it turns out, didn't hit a single turkey, and no damage to the vehicle, so it worked out the best for everyone, including the turkeys.

Years ago, I learned that when you put tractor in a stall with an
overhead door the ROPS might be just a tiny bit taller than you
might have thought!!!
So THAT'S why it can fold down....D'oh.....

SAME

Too obvious, and the best part ... There will not be any rust where the hole is.

I have a special tool. It's a spring loaded magnet, you stick it to a panel and slowly lift of, when the magnet lets go it has a scale that tells you the thickness of the paint. Obviously if it doesn't stick at all, it's been bogged up. Sometimes the best time to check for smoke is at night with some one driving behind you. Their headlights will highlight the smoke. Also if it smokes going up a hill, then it's the rings, and when you engine brake down a hill and then you blip the throttle if it smokes it's the valve stem seals.

@@JayDee-xj9lu great info. How did you figure it out ? I'm learning little by little so anything is appreciated 👍

I have seen videos about the UK equivalent to the Nissan Frontier breaking in two due to frame rust. This was due to a plant in Spain not building the frames correctly. As far as I know, this is not a problem in the US.

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

and he said it with a straight face which makes it more funny.

I wondering if he was referring to anything in particular. Someone from another automotive channel actually did this with one of their long term vehicles.

LGwasherFan this comment is not for everyone

Up to 51 sneaky dealers

They’re not that bad👀

Promise you private sellers are the ones selling shitboxes

This is why the five star rating is better.

Nah, just couldn't stand the monotone voice + he did not show examples of what he was saying.

Thanks for sharing with your buds, it’s what makes this all possible! 😊

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoy them! :)

Exactly.

I had a matching set of 4 Tires on my truck, my girlfriend got a flat borrowing it for work and her boss bought me a brand new tire of a different brand that day. I didn't say no because tires aren't cheap, that's what it says about me.

@@saintsarecoming13 no But IT says enough if You love Cars or not

Good observation. I usually check down at the floorboard to inspect the brake pedal and clutch (if applicable). If the ribbed pattern is worn down to a smooth surface it's usually a good indication of how the car was treated by the previous owner(s).

This is why my number 1 priority when selling trash cars that have had no maintenence whatsoever, is to just buy a set of matching tyres for them before selling. People don't suspect a thing.

Thank you so much, appreciate you watching!

Shhhh!!! 😂😂

@@EngineeringExplained I'm thinking of buying 2014 GX460, even though some ppl suggested Equus or Genesis (I dont know anything about Hyundai :() but I'm familiar with RX which I had in the past and now with ES, but then I see this: "You shouldn't buy used car"! And it's true I hate headaches and frequent visits to mechanic ripoffs!!! Any suggestions? I am looking for a reliable SUV, crossover or similar high which can handle too many bumps, dips, cracks and poor maintained rough roads in Houston and sometimes major floods or even stagnant rain water lol!, at the same time a vehicle with safety features, very quiet and comfortable for my eldelry parents who ride with me most of the time. Thnx

@@seekfactsnotfiction9056 do your own research

@@seekfactsnotfiction9056 Im sorry im 1 year late😅.
But I do have some advice.
Being a used car doesnt neccessarily mean the car has problems, especially if the car has a low mileage. The gx460 is a solid choice, those things are bulletproof, along with their toyota counterpart: the prado.
I would also consider a 2011-2014 cadillac escalade. Since it has the same engine as a yukon denali, which isnt that problematic and is fairly cheap to fix. In addition to being literally being as floaty and comfortable as a yacht.
A wierd but real choice would be a w126-w140 s class.
Those things are so reliable they make toyotas seem like a joke.
my father literally made a profit selling one after more than a year of heavy use.
They are as luxurious as they can be.
Other honorable mentions include the ford explorer 2016, expedition 2015, land cruiser gxr 2013,
Nissan patrol platinum from around 2014, dodge durango of any model year, and a kia sorento/mohave/telluride. In addition to the hyundai santa fe or pallisade. I know I have alot of knowledge for a 15 year old. 😂

@@gram. rude

Bro I just bought a used car like 5 days ago and then this video pops up in my feed 🤦‍♂️😂😂

Lol ‘after that nice long test drive’

But it depends on which kind of liquids are leaking if it's a good or a bad sign

Definitely avoid any with a lot of rust around the exhaust.

Wipe that back bumper

Is there an OBDII scanner for women?

Thanks Mathias, I appreciate you watching! :)

And how much have you lost in value since you drove off the lot? Excluding subaru's, toyota 4runners and ford Raptors?

lol

That's a good tip!

My dad told me that one

I get attached to every car I look at, so I usually end up buying them as long as they. Got five right now

Same with the radiator.

hgpo27 Got money, too...sigh

Thanks Gilberto!

Awesome to hear, thanks for watching and glad you’re enjoying it!!

On my channel I have a video on a Lincoln I got for 400 and made a grill and headlights for it. Still have that one but haven't done any work. Will make a video for the Geo eventually.

Geo Prizm aka Rebadged Toyota Corollas are great little cars especially the lightweight, fuel economy, vehicle simplicity, and affordable replacement parts due to worldly abundance of the model. After having newer vehicles, i decided to go back to the 90's era Corolla because it met many of the criterion that i wanted in a daily driver car especially living where vehicles tend to rust. After having a newer car that got flooded out and another car with many other expensive issues like dealer only PCM updates and recalls and such led me to this decision. No regrets.

@@xochiltepetzalailhuicamina2322 Hell yeah. Except my thermostat got stuck today and it is in the worst spot to fix it. Thought it was at the front but it is under the distributor.

hgpo27 sounds like your daily life sucks

@@Wyttt95 How do you figure? I haven't even told you about the shitty relationship I am in with this girl yet.

Congrats on the new ride, s2k is good fun!

Lucky. Lol

Not necessarily. I change the fluids on my vehicle religiously, and keep up with all the standard maintenance. Wash and wax regularly, and once a year I clean everything under the hood. The engine, panels, hoses, wire harnesses, blow out and hose down the radiator, everything. My truck is 12 years old now with 130k miles but still looks brand new.

Agreed. I do not like seeing a freshly cleaned engine bay in a car for sale. Cleaning engines is such a rare thing to do, it's suspicious to do so when selling. It might be innocent, but it might have been done to hide problems. I like to see an engine bay that is clean because there have been no leaks, but shows no evidence of having been deliberately cleaned.

I keep my underhood clean, as it makes it easier to spot a leak and servicing is much easier also

@@Bennysol it's suspicious when the dealer opens the hood and tell you: look everything is clean and shiny

@@Bennysol yes, maybe you really take care of everything, but when its cleaned few hours ago you cant prove it, just your words, when you see dusty engine never cleaned in years and no leaks, then it really not leaking.

No cat pillow here.

😂😂😂

😂😂😂😂

@Sona Falk Don't do clean. Don't do unoffensive either.

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

Dead af lol

does it have rust and leaks too?

My 159 has an appetite for timing chains too.

Christopher O'Grady KRplus seriously needs a LMMFAO option. That’s hilarious 🤣

So it's just like every other Alfa Romeo after it lleaves the dealership...

Awesome that he passed down the knowledge to you, great way to learn!

@@EngineeringExplained Yes sir! I love to learn anything I can about cars lol

That's why "excessive" rust was mentioned. Some rust is expected on the underside, how much obviously depends on location (climate) and vehicle age. Still, up to about 10 years old vehicles should have next to no rust. Manufacturers usually put 12 years of anti-rust warranty on cars (at least here in EU), so if it's rusted after 5 there's something wrong.

@@kenkalajdzic But (usually) that warranty only covers rusting though the metal from inside to out. So it really doesn’t cover any rust on the underside of the car. If you drive on the salted roads underside of 10 year old car will be rusty.

Ken Kalajdžič
Not everyone drives a BMW or Toyota.
Made in USA is not always an advantage.

STDrepository sucks to not be from California huh

@@krayzie281 Yes I am so jealous of you and your 4 dollar gas and homeless feces and syringe covered streets.

Sure thing! Here's what I use: amzn.to/2AwvtSQ

@@EngineeringExplained thank you!

look around on amazon...I only paid $20 for mine and its been working great for over 5 years.

@@bdanyluk but can it do OBD2 checks? I also bought one that was $20 but it cannot do those checks, it only does the different stats of the engine

@@EngineeringExplained Just curious what led you to choose this one over others or if you have tried others and this one eventually surpassed them? I know Apple compatibility can be scarce among the more affordable options from what I have seen. Thanks!