Akpa ife: Wht abt plane?

automedics: The following are the very important things that must be rigourously observed when you presumably an average person without any form of technical automotive knowledge wants to buy an automobile.

1.Don't let the aesthetic,that's the shimmering or sexy look of the car fool you. Usually, vehicles prepared for sale are deliberately burnished to glimmer.

2.Be very observant, immediately you turn the key on(just simply by turning the key one stroke, no cranking sound yet and the engine isn't working yet), make sure that all the images on the dashboard are lighted up. Why? Some Smart Alec car sellers sometimes remove or tape over the bulbs, inside the dashboard, of the warning signs.

3. As soon as the engine is cranked within a few seconds, it must not be up to a minute, the entire dashboard signs' lights must go off.

4. If you notice the CHECK ENGINE light going off simultaneously with the ALTERNATOR light and/or the OIL PRESSURE,then something is wrong.
5.Once the engine has been cranked and is running at idle, the person/s in the vehicle must not feel any discernible vibration. If you feel any form of vibration, it's either bad engine mounts/s, or bad transmission mount or the engine is misfiring.
6. If the vehicle has an automatic transmission system,simply engage the gear with your foot firmly on the brake pedal, you must not feel any sudden shudder or jerking. It should be a smooth engagement with the vehicle simply trying to move in the direction("" forward and "R" backward) of the gear engaged.
7. If all the above observations have been satisfactorily met, while the vehicle's still running smoothly in idle, put on the AC(air conditioner). The needle on (or counter of) the RPM guage must still remain at the same position, allowing for maximum of fifty, over or below(not up to a movement between two stroke marks of the RPM guage). This is a good load test on the engine.
8.Before you make any payment for, or on, the vehicle: look through the lower region of the automobile's windscreen, literally in front of the steering wheel, or on the door frame of the driver's side, for the 17-digit VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)log on to http://www.carfax.com/, to get the vehicle history( service,ownership;incident-like accident/s etc).
If you are happy with the report and all observational and physical test explained above, satisfied, you can then pay for the car.
]http://automedicsafrica.com/new/?p=816
Follow us on twitter @automedicsnig

redsquare: Thanks for this timely piece. I just noticed the CHECK light showing on my dashboard. The car is just a 3weeks old 2001 Toyota Camry. Pls what does it mean? I know something is definetely wrong but i cant say what it is since i dont know much yet about cars.

page9: @Blackmann

It's called "Thermostat"

blackmann:

Usually on CARFAX you pay to have your vehicle reports given to you.

One more thing to add to the OP's post. Once you've satisfied yourself and have made your purchase, take the car to a very repuitable mechanic to have it thoroughly checked out. And there is a component that most mechanics say has to be removed that reduces the temprature of the engine(i've forgotten the name. Any of you guys can help me out here). this component usually makes the engine fan kick in once the engine gets hot. PLEASE DO NOT AGREE TO THIS. This component has been programmed to make the fan kick in when the engine gets too hot. If it is disabled, the fan will just continue to blow and this will put alot of stress on the engine of the car. Those that manufactured the car know why they put it there in the first place. At least we as humans will not put on an AC when the weather is very cold, will we?

almaliki:




I guess u talking about the thermostat.....anyway its major function is 2 regulate d heating system in d car...basically 4 temperate regions.....but in tropical regions like nigeria....d thermostat might be d root cause of overheating in car....dats why most mechanics always advise that it should be removed......had it removed in my car and not given any troubles so far....3yrs running....!

NLG_woodey:

It is one of those yahoo articles. OP, please credit your source appropriately.

The writer is generally clueless about buying used cars. CHECK ENGINE light is the
best haggling trick out there. Most often than not, it is something $20 will fix.

And why will I want to buy a tokunbo car that has CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, when other cars are available without any warning light ON

CARFAX or VIN reports give only information reported such as maintenance record in
major mechanic workshops, accidents(if reported), flooding(if reported), etc. If the
previous owner is a cheapskate that used side mechanics or a do-it-yourselfer, then
goodluck relying on CARFAX report. Most importantly, most Nigerian buyers do not
even know how to get the carfax report. Can a typical Nigerian buyer even know if the
carfax report is doctored?

FYI, Tokunbo cars refers to used vehicles brought to Nigeria road for the first time and not Nigeria used vehicles, hence VIN check is important

By the way, if the engine is not idling well, check if the car is omitting white smoke from the
exhaust. Remove the oil cap and check under the cap. If you see any white crud or smear, step
away from the vehicle.

You make sense here


With the car running, remove the battery terminal connector. Does the car stall? If yes, alternator wahala.

Check for leakages---engine oil, transmission oil or water.

I can go on and on, but there are at least 20 things you need to check before paying for the car.
Some of them are not big deals, just to get a better price. While some are just plain deal breakers!

If you know at least 20 things, we ll be waiting for you to open a thread on it instead of using your energy in PHD syndrome

redcliff: [size=14pt]Automedics finally on nl.here you have it people. The likes of siena finally in lagos. Totally recommend them for your car troubles. (dont say i dint tell you). They are steep[/size]

blackmann:

Usually on CARFAX you pay to have your vehicle reports given to you.

One more thing to add to the OP's post. Once you've satisfied yourself and have made your purchase, take the car to a very repuitable mechanic to have it thoroughly checked out. And there is a component that most mechanics say has to be removed that reduces the temprature of the engine(i've forgotten the name. Any of you guys can help me out here). this component usually makes the engine fan kick in once the engine gets hot. PLEASE DO NOT AGREE TO THIS. This component has been programmed to make the fan kick in when the engine gets too hot. If it is disabled, the fan will just continue to blow and this will put alot of stress on the engine of the car. Those that manufactured the car know why they put it there in the first place. At least we as humans will not put on an AC when the weather is very cold, will we?

blackmann:

Usually on CARFAX you pay to have your vehicle reports given to you.

One more thing to add to the OP's post. Once you've satisfied yourself and have made your purchase, take the car to a very repuitable mechanic to have it thoroughly checked out. And there is a component that most mechanics say has to be removed that reduces the temprature of the engine(i've forgotten the name. Any of you guys can help me out here). this component usually makes the engine fan kick in once the engine gets hot. PLEASE DO NOT AGREE TO THIS. This component has been programmed to make the fan kick in when the engine gets too hot. If it is disabled, the fan will just continue to blow and this will put alot of stress on the engine of the car. Those that manufactured the car know why they put it there in the first place. At least we as humans will not put on an AC when the weather is very cold, will we?

automedics: The following are the very important things that must be rigourously observed when you presumably an average person without any form of technical automotive knowledge wants to buy an automobile.

1.Don't let the aesthetic,that's the shimmering or sexy look of the car fool you. Usually, vehicles prepared for sale are deliberately burnished to glimmer.

2.Be very observant, immediately you turn the key on(just simply by turning the key one stroke, no cranking sound yet and the engine isn't working yet), make sure that all the images on the dashboard are lighted up. Why? Some Smart Alec car sellers sometimes remove or tape over the bulbs, inside the dashboard, of the warning signs.

3. As soon as the engine is cranked within a few seconds, it must not be up to a minute, the entire dashboard signs' lights must go off.

4. If you notice the CHECK ENGINE light going off simultaneously with the ALTERNATOR light and/or the OIL PRESSURE,then something is wrong.
5.Once the engine has been cranked and is running at idle, the person/s in the vehicle must not feel any discernible vibration. If you feel any form of vibration, it's either bad engine mounts/s, or bad transmission mount or the engine is misfiring.
6. If the vehicle has an automatic transmission system,simply engage the gear with your foot firmly on the brake pedal, you must not feel any sudden shudder or jerking. It should be a smooth engagement with the vehicle simply trying to move in the direction("" forward and "R" backward) of the gear engaged.
7. If all the above observations have been satisfactorily met, while the vehicle's still running smoothly in idle, put on the AC(air conditioner). The needle on (or counter of) the RPM guage must still remain at the same position, allowing for maximum of fifty, over or below(not up to a movement between two stroke marks of the RPM guage). This is a good load test on the engine.
8.Before you make any payment for, or on, the vehicle: look through the lower region of the automobile's windscreen, literally in front of the steering wheel, or on the door frame of the driver's side, for the 17-digit VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)log on to http://www.carfax.com/, to get the vehicle history( service,ownership;incident-like accident/s etc).
If you are happy with the report and all observational and physical test explained above, satisfied, you can then pay for the car.
]http://automedicsafrica.com/new/?p=816
Follow us on twitter @automedicsnig

metamorphus11: korrect post tanx
but does this apply in Nigeria too? the 17-digit VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)log on to carfact.com, to get the vehicle history"...

chubby-tee:
8.Before you make any payment for, or on, the vehicle: look through the lower region of the automobile's windscreen, literally in front of the steering wheel, or on the door frame of the driver's side, for the 17-digit VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)log on to carfact.com, to get the vehicle history( service,ownership;incident-like accident/s etc).

This is a nice post, i really enjoyed it. However, I tend to go against para 8.
Do I hear why? I'll tell you....
In this part of the world, we don't keep effective and detailed records of repairs
and pimping carried out on vehicles.
once again, your no.1 to 7, very accurate and impressive.

samm_miey: You will be charged when you log on to carfact.com 4any info on ur car,its suppose 2b free.

blackmann:

Usually on CARFAX you pay to have your vehicle reports given to you.

One more thing to add to the OP's post. Once you've satisfied yourself and have made your purchase, take the car to a very repuitable mechanic to have it thoroughly checked out. And there is a component that most mechanics say has to be removed that reduces the temprature of the engine(i've forgotten the name. Any of you guys can help me out here). this component usually makes the engine fan kick in once the engine gets hot. PLEASE DO NOT AGREE TO THIS. This component has been programmed to make the fan kick in when the engine gets too hot. If it is disabled, the fan will just continue to blow and this will put alot of stress on the engine of the car. Those that manufactured the car know why they put it there in the first place. At least we as humans will not put on an AC when the weather is very cold, will we?

Akpa ife: Wht abt plane?

lanetrips: Hi,pls wat causes the sudden shudder/jerking.regards..

chygoz3: Interesting piece of information. So if I check my father's car's VIN, I should be able to know who the car belonged to?

chubby-tee:
8.Before you make any payment for, or on, the vehicle: look through the lower region of the automobile's windscreen, literally in front of the steering wheel, or on the door frame of the driver's side, for the 17-digit VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)log on to carfact.com, to get the vehicle history( service,ownership;incident-like accident/s etc).

This is a nice post, i really enjoyed it. However, I tend to go against para 8.
Do I hear why? I'll tell you....
In this part of the world, we don't keep effective and detailed records of repairs
and pimping carried out on vehicles.
once again, your no.1 to 7, very accurate and impressive.

samm_miey: @op I logged on 2carfax.com,it only states my car has 25 history records and nothing more.where do I get to view d records?

tit:
it could be a thousand and one things.
it could be the air intake sensors.
it could be the exhaust sensors.
it could be the catalytic converter.
I had that check engine light (cel) on my 2002 Toyota sienna.
it turned out to be the charcoal canister. about $500 repairs.
you need to (get mechanic who can) run diagnostics on the car.