mumof4 Posted March 22, 2007 Report Posted March 22, 2007 [b]This is compiled from posts from members of the forum.Hope this is of some use to those thinking of buying a Gal etc..Thanks to all who contributed. Appologies if some parts are duplicated, but i just copied pasted till i can edit it.[/b] Condition of wiper mechanism - is it about to stick Evidence that timing belt and tension pulleys? had been changed Check/ask if motor has been involved in crash Air conditioning - does it need regassed on the test drive... ensure 1.9 diesels get up to speed nicely - if it seems to be lacking - MAF sensor go over some bumps and listen for knocking noises - drop links try all electrics check for even tyre wear if automatic, test out the whole gearbox - including tiptronic check the sills arnt crushed check engine over - check service/milage inside.. Check interior, is it clean? check the steering wheel, has it got too much play in it? Foot rubbers, you can tell if a car has been clocked if they havent changed the foot rubbers as they wear over time. Check the seat belts, If the seats are supposed to move..move them and make sure that they do If it has a stereo, make sure that it works Make sure the air con works and the heater check paint work and body I think paper work should be checked aswell...MOT cert...V5....service history...and also how long owned for. always view in daylight. one thing no one does is take a cd/tape or md and check it works we all turn radio on but what about the other parts of the audio also test drive with all noisy items off radio heater (even on a cold day )but make sure it does work while car is stationary also leave heater of and see if car over heats as with heater on the car runs cooler also make sure car is cold when you get there as noises disappear when warm Also check the tyres for tread depth/damage also the spare if it has one. Check the body work/windows/ and that the wipers work! what about the engine compartment? All fluid levels, air filter, when was the cam belt changed?.....spark plugs tell a lot about the state of the engine...so check one if you can One tip.....if when you first see the car..go with your first impression..if you dont like it then walk away, as the longer you look at it the more you will convince yourself that you will like it! also if possible, take someone with you so that if you do take it for a test drive, they can see if it "crabs"..(subframes) quick check on the brake disc for scoring and lips,take it for a test drive brake at 30mph nice and easy,should not pull left ot right,if the road is smooth(hard to find one i know check the footwells for water Remove oil filler cap and look for creamy gunk either attached to the cap or in the filler hole. Could indicate either water in the oil (possible head/gasket problems) or condensation build up due to the car being used for too many short runs. Either way, a good indicator to run a mile or take a chance and haggle for big reductions on the price! Drive the car on an uncambered straight road (with no other cars around and only briefly for safety reasons!) and let go of steering wheel - should drive straight. Then brake without holding wheel and should brake straight. Any deviation to either side could be track rod ends, drop links, warped disks, unevenly worn pads, tracking, balancing etc etc. Again, either walk away if you don't want the hassle of trying to put it right, or use it to your advantage and get the price reduced! Considerations when buying a Gal... Does it have a log book.....if no walk away No Engine Spray Shield underneath....walk away Oily handmarks inside engine.....walk away Does the seller appear to be a Gypo......walk away If Diesel and the engine sounds like mine....walk away If petrol and the engine sounds like mine....run away quickly Does mileage appear very low for age.....walk away 4X4 if no driveshaft to rear axle....walk away Doesn't start...get your multimeter out....or possibly walk away Hope this helps Quote
Wigman Posted May 17, 2008 Report Posted May 17, 2008 Hello I want to buy a Galaxy for the first time,my budget is Quote
worras Posted July 7, 2008 Report Posted July 7, 2008 Be careful of getting an RAC inspection costing Quote
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