Just to add, check the tires, cheap tire on half decent car is usually a bad sign, Ironman on a E63? Better run fast and far... Also bring an OBD scanner, a cheap $20 walmart unit won't be reading any make/model specific code, but at the very least you can read generic OBD and see I/M readiness has been reset, if they are, that means someone has recently cleared DTCs, although this is not necessarily a bad sign, but should be investigated further.
Worked on a lot of cars over the years. However, looking at a used car is always a guess as one never really knows what was done. Meaning, oil wasn't changed for 40K and they just changed before putting up for sale. My solution has been to buy a CPO, (certified pre-owened). Most all car mfgs offer these and give a better warranty then new and has a large multi-point inspection. Yes, you will pay a little more for the car but tires, brakes, updates, etc have been done.
I purchased my first European car I’ve only owned Hondas and acuras. It was a 2018 Audi A6 3.0. I’ve heard that the engines and transmissions are very reliable. I understand you will need to change the pcv, thermostat and water pump which require the removal of the super charger. One thing I didn’t know about were the OBD II scanners. Which you can do a scan and it tells you everything that is wrong with the car learned this after I purchased the car. The car needed a battery, motor mounts and it throwing a pcv regulator valve code. Wish I knew this before I purchased. I could have negotiated a lower price. Still love the car though.
My biggest, smoking gun has always been the brake fluid. You can dress up and doll a car with good detailing. but folks always forget the brake fluid and power steering.
Love how you used a BMW as the example! Never buy a BMW used unless you can repair yourself or have money to spend on repairs. That said, I own 2 of them 😫
I found a vehicle perfectly dealership maintained with complete records. Everything is perfect except the paint has a chip and couple scratches. Should I have a pro fix the paint or use touch up paint?
Did I miss the topic of tires? Just like you can tell the type of a man by his shoes, you can tell many things about a car by its tires. Are they evenly worn? Are they old? Mismatched? Cheap? Great video otherwise.
When I bought my GLI, I asked the dealership to put it up on a lift so I could inspect it. They agreed, and it was very helpful!
If they are quick to put it up on a lift for you - that's already a good sign.
Just to add, check the tires, cheap tire on half decent car is usually a bad sign, Ironman on a E63? Better run fast and far... Also bring an OBD scanner, a cheap $20 walmart unit won't be reading any make/model specific code, but at the very least you can read generic OBD and see I/M readiness has been reset, if they are, that means someone has recently cleared DTCs, although this is not necessarily a bad sign, but should be investigated further.
All very good points!
After a few grand in repairs on a bmw , the algorithm had pity on me and suggested this video 🤣
hahaha - it was telling you something!
Worked on a lot of cars over the years. However, looking at a used car is always a guess as one never really knows what was done. Meaning, oil wasn't changed for 40K and they just changed before putting up for sale. My solution has been to buy a CPO, (certified pre-owened). Most all car mfgs offer these and give a better warranty then new and has a large multi-point inspection. Yes, you will pay a little more for the car but tires, brakes, updates, etc have been done.
Great video with solid information...thanks for posting!
I purchased my first European car I’ve only owned Hondas and acuras. It was a 2018 Audi A6 3.0. I’ve heard that the engines and transmissions are very reliable. I understand you will need to change the pcv, thermostat and water pump which require the removal of the super charger. One thing I didn’t know about were the OBD II scanners. Which you can do a scan and it tells you everything that is wrong with the car learned this after I purchased the car. The car needed a battery, motor mounts and it throwing a pcv regulator valve code. Wish I knew this before I purchased. I could have negotiated a lower price. Still love the car though.
Solid advise, my good people!
Gorgeous Touring, Mike. Perfect tips..
My biggest, smoking gun has always been the brake fluid. You can dress up and doll a car with good detailing. but folks always forget the brake fluid and power steering.
The tale fluids tell - doesnt lie!
Love how you used a BMW as the example! Never buy a BMW used unless you can repair yourself or have money to spend on repairs. That said, I own 2 of them 😫
😁so manageable if you can turn a wrench , and have some patience though!
@@fcpeuroMy F30 & E90 have been a dream but I can turn my own wrench and maintained them by the book.. With that said 130K miles and driving like new.
I found a vehicle perfectly dealership maintained with complete records. Everything is perfect except the paint has a chip and couple scratches. Should I have a pro fix the paint or use touch up paint?
Check underneath carpets in the trunk and the inside of the car for signs of water damage rust etc.
Also a very good call - water damage can be a sneaky killer!
Thanks for the great information
Happy to help!
Did I miss the topic of tires? Just like you can tell the type of a man by his shoes, you can tell many things about a car by its tires. Are they evenly worn? Are they old? Mismatched? Cheap? Great video otherwise.
tires are the first thing I look at. they show how car was maintained cheap brand mismatched. stay clear. also number of keys
Yes a LingLong tire is a clear giveaway that the owner was cheap! 😂
LOL! My cars roll on Michelin Pilot Sport tires. My feet? Old sandals usually. 🤣
That was the old days…. Degrading electronics are nowadays the biggest used car risk.
Not wrong - electronics can comepletely make or break any car ownership experience
in before this video hits a million views lol
We hope haha - that'd save a lot of people from a lot of mistakes!
I wish there headlights want so expend
Dont buy a BMW