Buying a used vehicle

If you have a place where you always go for maintaining your vehicles they can check it out for you.
Or find a mechanic that will put it on a rack and also do an electronic diagnostic with a read out from the onboard computer.

 

I just a bought a new 2018 Tacoma via the Costco buying service and was very pleased with the cost,service, etc. They also have used vehicles I believe. I highly recommend it if you are a Costco member. Years ago when looking for a used vehicle I took them to my fav mechanic and for $80 got saved from being burned after a complete inspection by them. Both had been wrecked and repaired in TJ and weren't worth the cheap price being offered. Also watch out for previously flooded "hurricane vehicles."

 

I think that AAA has the same service as Costco. You don't need to have insurance with them just the membership.

 

If you're going there on your own maybe take a small magnet if you suspect body work, it could just be bondo fill.

 

I just buy old municipal vehicles from the largest such house in so cal.. ken porter auctions.. filled my driveway with three rides for less than 5k$.. have gotten my money back many times over.. they come smogged and I paid everything they could rip me off for in addition.. an expedition, gmc jimmy 4x4, and a crown Vic.. yes, I have had a shadetree mechanic change some parts on each for less than 1k a year, small price to pay, as far as I am concerned.. might be worth looking into

 

I bought a Sears service truck once and it was a super bargain never had any problems, I think these days I might try Hertz or Dhl maybe the Post Office they usually maintain them well.

 

Big companies have there own mechanics to maintain their vehicles.
SDG&E used to sell their cars and trucks but no longer do that to the general public.
In the South Bay pass Brown Field impounded vehicles and boats are auctioned off, as is thought.
I knew someone who got into a bidding war with a car dealer and won. He got a Ferrari at a good price. I believe that since the federal government is selling the vehicles, no tax.
Worth looking into.

 

The last time a guy wanted to meet me at a "neutral" place, I was scammed! What is he hiding?

 

Just beware of the Seller trying to hide his whereabouts. In my situation the title had the previous owner's address. That gave me a route to the seller. He thought I had no way of getting back to him. BTW, he had turned back the odometer. DMV nailed him!

 

Smart. Serviced regularly, and if drivers abuse them, people call the how-am-I-driving number.

 

Beware of fly-by-night auctions.

 

Only if they cut you off!

 

Or gross polluters, speeding like maniacs, etc.

 

Great way to go.