How to Check a Used Car Before Buying (Checking the Engine)
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- čas přidán 22. 04. 2016
- Learn how to inspect the engine of a used car so you don't get stuck with a bad car. I show you how to check for head gasket leaks, check the fluids, see if the car was in a front end collision, and much more!
Wireless OBD2 Scanner I use: amzn.to/1XNUGfz
Episode 1: The "Side of the Road Inspection":
• How to Inspect a Used ...
Episode 2: What is the car worth?:
• What is a Good Deal wh...
Episode 4: Interior & Exterior Inspection:
• How to Buy a Used Car:...
Episode 5: Test Drive and Negotiation:
• How to Test Drive and ...
Link to the FREE downloadable ChrisFix Used Car Inspection Checklist:
goo.gl/uqaWYa
Become a ChrisFix Subscriber→ czcams.com/users/subscription_c...
Instagram→ / chrisfixit
Facebook→ / chrisfix8
Website → www.ChrisFixed.com
My Channel Home Page → / chrisfix
*If the video was helpful, remember to give it a "thumbs up" and consider subscribing. New videos every Thursday*
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. ChrisFix assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. ChrisFix recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ChrisFix. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
I work at a dealership, and a older gentleman came into today using this checklist to purchase a vehicle from us. Thought that was pretty awesome!
I had a car with pressure coming out if engine oil cap, some ticking sound and vibration when starting the engine and also when shutting it. That engine did not survive long so this list is pretty damn accurate
The 2k+ thumbsdowns are from dealerships.
It didn't bother you as a salesman?? Because I'd definitely want to use it, but I'd feel like I'm coming off as pretentious doing so
@@rams812 It's a buyers market. Either the dealership wants to survive and have sales or you find another place to buy a used car :)
@@rams812 Not at all, we encourage it really! We always want to ensure that you feel like you’re making a good choice that you won’t regret.
11:33
Chris: _"Can you pop the hood?"_
Owner: **sweats intensely**
lolol owner had his own, *head* gasket leak
🤣
Chris: I'm about to end this man's whole career
Lol
😂😂😂
Where were you 30 plus years ago when I was making all the mistakes? I do hope young people see this amazing free guide, it’s easy to see why you have so many subscribers.
Thanks Mark
Im 21 looking for my first new car. I looked at my parents veichle using these videos so when I look at other cars I know what Im looking for.
@@JesusisLOVEJohn- wonderful!
I should have watched this before buying my first car last year - owner wouldn't let me test drive it cause it was only parking pass no insurance so he gave me a garbage tranny and unbalanced axles.
$2000 later .....
it's not free, there are many adds you have to deal with during the video, that's how youtube pays Chris so he can keep making move videos
"Hey, video boy. It's been an hour!! Do you want the damn car or not??"
I tried to have mechanic check out car they sold it the same day
I was thinking about this too, seeing the level of detail Chris puts on his videos I'm sure he must've taken a few retakes to get the shots perfectly.
@@LagParty seems like any potential car owner trying to sell would have exhausted his patience with all that checking different things out. .
(Evil side and off-camera) ChrisFix: "Hey man...STFU and wait before i spray your entire engine down with Soapy Wooder!"
He compensated the guy later. Irl a check like this wouldn’t take as long without commenting over every little thing
after watching this I feel like need to walk away from my own car :)
Lol
lol
lol tell me where u live so I wont buy it
Hilarious Bro!
Same here, seriously tho. I'm crying while watching.
The Seller: "So, are you going to buy it?"
Chris: "Naw"
Lol
+Jimmy M he bought for a good price ;)
+GordorBR did he make a video?
+Jimmy M for doing these long videos he for sure has paid him around $200 deposit.
I remember seeing the car in his transmission fluid video so he did buy it.
Thank you Chris...I believe this video helped me save ~$30,000 today. I watched this video last night (among others of yours on used auto buying) in preparation to look at a low mileage (
Glad the video helped! That’s my whole goal with my videos.
Bro? 30k for that pos? Why even get a tundra in the first place. What about an older pickup?
@@Aderin.who tf wants a garbage old truck
@@Aderin.Low mileage Toyotas under 10 years old go for a premium. Toyotas have a very good reputation.
Kudos to the guy for being so chill. Not many people would do that.
Maybe he's a friend who's just helping make the video.
Chris did say he was a serious buyer so that probably put the owner at ease
He's confident as it looks like he took care of it.
This video literally saved me from wasting 10k on a car today. Thank you dude!!
What was the problem?
What was the issue?
Trichome Juice your a lier ain’t you 😂😂
Trichome Juice 4 months later I’m curious what was wrong with it
@@joelinden82 lair
If the seller doesn’t slap roof of the car don’t buy it’s a scam
what do you meant whit that mate ? i buy honda civic and its not haw any problem at all for 1000 $ in bulgaria ....and the men told me that he sell the honda be couse he god 3 and its to mutch but still he didnt slap the car :D :D
"This baby can fit so much spaghetti in it"
This bad boy can fit so much fucking spaghetti in it
Perhaps I’m showing my ignorance by asking this, but I’m curious enough...what in the world is “slap roof” and “spaghetti”? Really? So it sounds like you want the owner to walk up and “slap” the roof of his car? Like with his hand or should you use a rolled up newspaper as in punishing a pet but not using your hand; don’t want the car to pull away from you next time you’re trying to sell it?! During the car inspection you always want to make sure the owner properly “slaps” his car silly, with my suggested newspaper trick, and follow-up by making sure he hasn’t hidden his lunch, in this case his“spaghetti,” inside the roof. This last part is important so you dont later find silverware or pasta sauce as this will attract ants and roaches that may have also enjoyed watching the car be punished via slapping it around... And that’s it, plz leave your comments below; if anyone has a good spaghetti sauce recipe, I think our other watchers could really benefit from that. (The obvious question: Am I this dumb or are these slapping and spaghetti comments based on same actual meaning??).
Bon Appetite
lmao hahaha
5:23 Coolant
5:48 Brake Master Cylinder
6:01 Power Steering Reservoir
6:18 Check the oil
Thank you sir 🫡
My tip: fender and trunk lid bolts are usually painted matching the car's colour. If the bolts are scratched or unpainted, its an obvious indicator that that pannel has been changed or tampered with.
That's good to know, but what would you do with this information?
@@danielcurran6449 Walk away from the sale or inquire further about what the buyer may not be telling you about any previous accidents or " minor fender bender" its just letting you know that there had to have been a reason for those bolts to come out and most obvious one is collision repair.
I guess I'm unbolting parts of my car more than most people. I also haven't owned a car that's less than 15 years old. For me, if the drive train is healthy and the engine bay isn't oily, I'm g2g
that guy was probably shiting bricks hoping chris didnt find nothing wrong with the car.
Justin Carrillo lol yeah
Shitting bricks? If Chris did find anything with the car, its not the end of the world. Chris could have still bought it at a reduced price or if he walked away, the car's still for sale and somebody else could buy it. No need for any brick shitting.
Double negative.
He had already bought it. Or just likes his chrisfix license plates so much he gave one away.
Apothicca he covered the plate on the guys car so you couldn't link the car a specific person. He blurred his face too for that reason.
A+ on your production quality, man. No BS, no filler, no tacky 30 second intro, and all high quality delivery on solid info. You deserve every subscriber and view you get. Thank you!
And no junky music playing constantly in the background.
Thank you. I try to make sure all my videos are like this!
Amen
@@mudsinkmayor everybody loves junky music... wait. What is junky music? Alice in chains?
PO
A good tip is to find out how long the car has been for sale. If it has been for sale a long time (over 2 weeks), it is either over priced or there are significant issues with the car. This can help you get a much lower than asking price.
How can a car that’s overpriced get me a lower price?
@@DefundtheIRS1776 If it's been up for a long time the seller is not getting a lot of hits or a lot of people are backing out of the sale meaning they might be open to a lower offer especially if you mention you have payment ready, this however doesn't work for dealerships because at a dealership they want you to not have the money so you can buy the car on finance and end up paying more than the car is worth in interest.
wow I FEEL LIKE a PRO now after watching these videos. YOU'RE AMAZING Man
Awesome! That’s the goal!
You say "if you see this walk away"
I hear "if you see this you are justified in lowballing the hell out of your offer and listing all the issues to the seller"
Me
Unless the issues aren’t worth dealing with even with a discount
Not if it is an engine or Transmission issue as Chris states they can be extremely expensive usually the junk it, sale it, decision point of a car.
Well.........piss on me........this was just a joke. Of course some scenarios aren't worth it.
Just 3d print a new engine if there are any problems.
My tip: kick the tyres so seller knows you’re serious
exchange sandals or flip flops for steel toes prior to tyre kick ..
John Guilfoyle I use crocs bit each to their own 🙈
haha!!
You gotta spit out some of that dip tucked in your lip when you give the tire a good kick, that's how they'll know you mean business
pee on the tyres to show dominance :)
Great video! One thing that is also worth checking is the proper function of the a/c. Cooling, heating and no extra vibration when turning on the a/c, no weird noises, no excessive revving of the engine etc.
Yeah, fixing the A/C can be $1,000 if you have to replace the compressor, etc.
Yup, I've switched on A/Cs only for the cars to start shaking every few minutes...
4:16 - That's not a frame cross member, that is the bumper absorption beam. It is meant to bend like that upon impact and should not affect the frame unless the impact is severe (at which point you'll have more than just that beam pushed inward). They can be replaced with relative ease.
I feel like I just became a mechanic 😂 I'm learning so much. 👍
Im putting up an AD that im a specialist people can hire if they want to buy a car... just because i watched this video !!!) hahaha anything to make money bro
fraud.
You know better then a mechanic there all a bunch of rats 🐀
I'm so glad I found this. Very clear. I'm a 62 yo woman on my own. I'm getting ready to buy my first car ever. I know the bare basics, but haven't even driven in over 20 years, so much has changed. Now I'm starting over completely on my own, with finally enough to afford a cheap car if I'm careful. This will certainly help in my quest to not get suckered in this crazy modern world I'm learning to navigate.
@@leonnegro4504 life didn't go as expected. I ended up with an e-wheels electric trike lol. but that's working well for me.
@@leonnegro4504 I'm ok, I have MS so I decided to buy something that would keep me mobile. I'm in Michigan, so it's not able to get me to the store in the winter, but it's changed my life for the better. Especially during the summer. Thanks for asking. God bless.
Thanks. God bless you too. He's got all of this.
Congrats on getting out of prison
Um can you just come with me when buying a used car
That's why I made this video and the car inspection checklist! Now it's like I'm there with you!
@@chrisfix Chris get outta here and make some new videos even you are rewatching the old ones my man I gotta see you fix up that new ugly thing you bought it satisfies my cleaning ocd
he dont want sex..so please
@@EVAN-re2yo lmao😂
Do people do these checks when buying a used car from a dealer because I want to make sure of my purchase so I am literally going to be doìng all of these. I will have my flashlight, paper towels and everything in my handbag 😂
I would always do these checks no matter where you are buying the car from! And It's good that you are bringing all of that!
@@chrisfix i honestly knew nothing about cars and in a month or so I need to buy my own one and your videos have given me so much insight on a vehicle and I am going to practice these checks on my friends cars just to get comfortable with all of it*! Thank you!
Yeah learn what you can to not get ripped off. What car were you thinking of?
Don't forget your soapy woder
What car did you buy?
a good video for checking your own car even if you're not selling it.
Was thinking the same thing
thats why im here
Lol same i immediately remembered that i have to change my transmission liquid
i got sick of my mechanic always finding things wrong costing more than the mortgage ,did a trade in on new changed mechanic,never looked back.
& now I wanna go check my car..... lmao
Plus check my other car that has head gasket problems and see if it's truewhat he said about the signs to watch up for... but it's at the mechanic
I really like this guy's voice. So easy on your ears
yeah XD
Zaaino what a horrid English
it sounds like he is from Baltimore or D.C.
or A. C.
mamalo
The car seller told me that if the car was in good condition, he wouldn't be selling his car to me.
😂 so did you do all the checks
🤣🤣🤣😂🤣
Touché lol
Turn around and leave!
Hilarious! That's why I either used to get older used cars from older people or military people. The later normally have cars they can't take when they deploy or move especially if the car is older. You just have to watch out since those cars DO sit for long periods of time.
*hood struts bad but everything else is mint* REJECTED
lol
Underrated comment.
@@chrisfix lmao
Seller was on his phone looking for a Honda 🤣
Nathan Munson me right now
Nathan Munson 🤣🤣
😂
*Toyota
thank you who wants a piece of shit Jag when you can have Honda or Toyota
You forgot to check the muffler bearings and blinker fluid.
lmao
hahaha never gets old
also the WIFI CABLE
Visit mine for a singing dog
and rope oil
As a single woman living in a foreign country looking to buy a used car, this is very helpful! I'll just need to rewatch it dozens of times to remember/understand things better. Thanks a lot! I also just saw you have one of your downloadables available in Spanish, which is perfect ya que vivo en la Republica Dominicana y eso lo pone mucho mas facil explicar lo que quiero verificar (al mechanico y tambien al dueno).
Thanks a lot!
@chrisfix An almost 8 year old video, and you’re still thanking your fans/community for their engagement. Respect, sir🫡
Chris your videos are the reason I've decided to start flipping cars as a side gig, you should do a video on how to prep your car for sale to get a better price for it, since you do all the videos about the restorations. Like how to make a post, what photos to take, and what to say when describing the vehicle.
Thanks for the video idea!
I'll be waitin for this
Hey chris i have no check engine light everything cleared but my abs sensor when i start car white smoke comes out my tailpipe how long can i drive like this please help thank you
Jimmy Kudo sounds like a head gasket leak, coolant might be getting into the engine get that checked out ASAP
@@chrisfix kinda makes me sad you getting behind some random wannabe flipper.
Quick tip from me (I've paused the vid at 2 mins after you've started the engine) - don't just get in and start her up. Switch the electrics on and look at the dash lights, MAKE SURE THEY *COME ON* as well as go off! Here in the UK you'll fail an MOT inspection if, say, and ABS or airbag light is on, but you can PASS by removing the damn bulb, believe it or not! So there can be costly hidden things tucked away which can be verified just by taking a few seconds to observe the lights on the dash.
Love your work Chris, learned so much from you and am continuing to do so!
He used the code reader before, he started the car
Check blinker fluid, make sure its white/light blue free of contamination/leak
lol
Also make sure the left tires are on the left and the right tires are on the right
Listen to the muffler as you go around turns. If it gets really loud, the muffler bearings are worn out.
+brian0918 make sure the brake pedal does not depress when stopping! You have a serious brake issue if it is not stiff....LOL you trolls
Also make sure the LEDs have filaments .
Awesome video. Just a little tip regarding when checking the exhaust. put a clean white paper towel or tissue to cover the exhaust tip press it flat against the exhaust and cold start it. If the paper towel shows any blue it's an indication that it's burning oil. Sometimes cars burn just a little oil that you don't see just by looking at it.
Chris, as always great video. As someone with 15+ years experience in the dog eat dog world of used car business I can add a couple of quick but very important pointers to your list here...
First, morethan 50% of used cars in North America have had their odometers rolled back. It's important to know how to spot this.
If it's an older vehicle with an analog odometer, it's super easy to tell, the numbers must align absolutely perfectly, if there are any discrepancies then that odometer has been tampered with, no two ways about it.
If it's a digital odometer, then a computer scan with the right scanner will twll you, or do a thorough visual inspection like a detective at a crime scene to determine weather the odometer matches the wear in the driver's side area.
Look for the wear on the driver's side door armrests and on top of the center council where the right hand of the driver rests.
The steering wheel and its buttons.
The wear on the brake pedal and clutch pedal if it's a manual car
And also the rest of the buttons.
If the mileage does not reflect on the wear of the said items in the driver's side, then its highly likely the odometer has been tampered with.
Another thing I'd like to point out, which is very easy to spot when you open the hood is to look at all the bolts / screws that hold the front fenders. If the bolts have any wrench marks on them at all then that fender was removed or changed meaning it likely had an accident. The screws on any fender that is original and never opened would be perfectly covered with paint and be without any wrench marks.
Also look for original manufacturers stickers under the hood to indicate that the hood is also original.
Great comment, thx.
Learned something from this one today, fer sure ehhh, lolo.
used the checklist, bought a Bluetooth obd2, and saved myself from buying a junk sienna. almost threw away 4000 but saw sludge, ripped cv boot...seller looked pissed I found all that. He demanded to know if the scan was clean, I said it didn't even finish cause I immediately saw issues with the engine oil, no coolant in the res...he wasn't happy our meeting lasted less than 5 minutes.
ZedzDed Glad to hear you saved $4000.
I once drove 2 hours one way to see a Caravan and they drove maybe 3 miles. Seller's Relative: "Nah, it doesn't have rusty rocker panels and it needs nothing." *looks under the van and sees rusty rocker panels,* *seller gets pissed at me, may have insulted my father for buying the van we drove which WAS rusty as he ignores me saying "it didn't look like that when we bought it"; seller then drives off mad as I'm afraid he's going to punch me.*
If you're ever meeting, meet in a place where other people can plainly see you and preferably in front of security cameras. I was off to the side of an AutoZone building with no one looking at us, nothing ultimately happened except an irate dishonest seller leaving.
ZedzDed lmfao thats what im tlking abt u shuld of been there when i brough my car the thing tht pissed me off wen i brough it is id rather would of brough it by myself but the fact i took a machanic he diagnosed the car i still in the end found bars leak in my coolant it was something noticable under neath the car the bushin and control arm was fucked up im mad this idiot ddnt see it i would be less mad if i went by myself cuz i would of not known wat to look for but idk if i could fully blame myself in tht situation
Danielle H ..One of the very first cars I purchased on my own (used) turned out to be a financial disaster. So much needed to be repaired that wasn't noticeable right off the bat SMH. Hard lesson learned
Otoshigami me too.
I agree with abd h. A car dealer once told me to NEVER buy a car at night, and NEVER buy one in the rain. They all look good at night, and they all look good when they are wet.
In My Opinion just like a woman
Thanks, Tara, good to know
@@tyronehill3010 goddam that's true af
He was correct. I experienced same rain thing for my first car.
@@tyronehill3010 HEY-OO! **golf swing**
THANK YOU for making these videos! I am starting to look at used cars to buy and this is making me feel more and more comfortable and confident in what to look for to be sure I will not be getting screwed over!
I'm glad you find the videos helpful! Let me know how your search for cars goes!
I made the mistake of not checking the codes when I bought my 1st car, a 2002 Honda Civic a month ago (I didn't know what running the codes meant) and it has been nothing but constant repairs. From new tires, a new axle, cooling fans, a new thermostat, and even new output speed sensors. All these within 2 weeks of owning the car :( I've been trying to educate myself and understand more about cars since I'm a broke college student in CA with no family and these videos have helped me sooooo much! I really appreciate the details and effort he puts in his videos
Don't forget to check the blinker fluid. That's the most important thing on a car Chris!! If it's bad, might as well crush the car.
+HybridEdits if its bad, its automatically salvaged
+HybridEdits If it is bad, just walk away and find another car!
+HybridEdits Where I live in St. Pete, FL... We have been out of blinker fluid for ten years. there is no way to order it or anything. If you have a surplus please contact us to setup a sale.
This video saved my ass! Went to look at truck, checked the oil cap and sure enough! White milky liquid. I immediately walked away
+Mason Holloway awesome! Glad the video was helpful!!!
Mason Holloway that was cum
Either way, walking away was the right decision!
I fucked up by trading a car for a different one with a head gasket leak, overheated 10 miles down the road and when my dad inspected it there was white jizz under the cap and air bubbles coming out the radiator. I was a newbie back then.
That doesn't necessarily mean that there's a head gasket problem. In the winter when driving for short distances in the city you may see thin film on your oil cap, but that doesn't mean that there is a coolant in the oil.
Chris, I love that you still reply to a 7 year old video. We are lucky to have a humble dude like you guiding the car community in the right way. You're the older gear head brother we never had!
That dude parked hella far from you lol
this tips helps me a lot yesterday i was checking out a car and and i'm ready to pay for it but when i looked under the oil fill cap boom milkshake on the engine
Ryan Pineda could just have been condensation from short journeys...If you wanted to make sure of it then pull the oil dipstick and if it’s got the same stuff in there then it’s a bad head gasket
head gaskets are about $100 part. the issue is the cost of labor unless your a DIY guy.
Cam Mewton it is easier and recommended so if it’s a major leak, the mechanics can clean out all the oil residue. Also change out bolts/torque ratios
@@steven9186 Or pull off radiator cap and see if thee is oil in the coolant. If head gasket is leaking, you should get some heavy white smoke out tailpipe. It should be noticeable.
Great vid I learned a lot of things.
May I suggest a couple of more things to check?
-Put your finger in the tail pipe and drag out a little residue on your finger tip. Almost without fail you will have a black residue. Rub your fingers together, if it just rubs dryly into your skin, that's an indication of running rich--OK! If the residue balls up, that's an indication of oil and that's a--NO! In some rare cases you will find no residue, gotta think that's good.
-You can buy something that looks like a stethoscope with a long spike at the end or you can use a very long shanked screwdriver. When the engine is idling place the tip of your instrument on the block of the engine. If there is anything other than a purring sound i.e. thumping or grinding, that's an indication of bearing problems and is a--NO!
-Wheels. Squat and put both hands on the tire at twelve-o-clock and shake back and forth. Do the same with your hands at 9 and 3. If there is movement, clunking, etc. That's wheel bearings. Either don't buy or subtract the cost thereof.
-Driving at a low speed in an empty parking lot break the car with your hands off the wheel, it should continue straight to a stop. A pull to left or right means problems with the breaks. Don't buy or subtract the cost.
-Standard transmission. With the clutch in, engine idling and the hand break full on, slowly let the clutch out. Before coming out too far a good clutch will grab and the engine will die. The farther out the clutch has to come out before the engine dies indicates how much clutch is left.
-Tires: cupping indicates an alignment problem, wear only in the middle means over inflated, wear only on the edges means under inflated.
Would love to know if anyone knows of a way to check the condition of the exhaust system.
thanks for the info. i just ran my finger along the inside of my nostril, i think i'm running rich.
That stethoscope will bring out sounds from deep inside that you won’t otherwise hear. Dirt cheap last forever and are a MUST HAVE for anyone who does things with vehicles.
@@drizler oh yeah, wheeler dealers used one of those, recommend the show. Also rust around sills, arches and frame is a huge one as that's an mot fail and will need welding
9 and 3 free play instantly means wheelbearing? Haha don't get a job in a garage man, you could be looking at track rod end, drop links or inner rack joints.....
Check the exhaust system: With a cold engine idling, go behind the car and place your hand flat over the opening of the exhaust pipe to restrict the flow. Listen for puffs from the system upstream. It helps to have an assistant in the front with the hood/bonnet open, listening for leaks in the engine compartment.
Thank you so much Chris, I wish I saw this 4 years ago but I'm fixing the issue at hand rn. I'll make sure to print out the sheets you made for us to use on other videos, test drive it as well as you have, get a scanner and have a variety of questions to ask like you demonstrated. Seriously useful information, thank you again!
Of course! Thanks a lot!
Wow Chris, I am a female from OZ and I have watched 4 of your videos today and
subscribed to your channel. Very informative, as I am tired of buying bad lemons all my life and back in the market for another second hand car. Thank you heaps mate.
Welcome aboard! Thanks a lot, let me know how your search goes!
THis is funny because I went to go check out a car, opened the hood and had no clue what i was looking for lol. I looked like a pro though until i told the lady I needed to get my older bros opinion.
theory816. Buy an easy to work on car. I have been ripped off before. I really forced myself to do almost all work except electrical on my. 1994 Nissan Altima 2.0L (I think 2L sold the car) and now 1997 Toyota Camry 3.0L. Even did the clutch on the Nissan. If you can carpool or bus the time to learn is so worth it. My next car, will keep Camry, I hope a Lexus for nice car. The time and frustration of learning is worth it. There is even a different level of respect at the mechanic shop I go to.
Ok
Lol
Hahahaha been there too many times bro lol
theory816 lmao that comment really made my morning hey big bro how does it look
If there's no oil under a British car, there's no oil in it.
dallatorretdu lmfao
dallatorretdu reyqtb
That's true
Your statement is insulting to United Kingdom, may I add also that it is possible you have not had much experiences with British cars, here in Britain standard is to be kept across all borders it has been this way for a long period. I have never driven British cars or any car as of date, irrespective of that I have been made aware that Auto manufacturers take delight in having many of their cars manufactured by Britain simply because of the value it adds to the vehicle, an instance of such vehicles are Rolls Royce cars, Aston martin. Your comment states your desperate need to belittle Britain in Auto manufacturing, You know what I find interesting; British cars are notorious for being given the utmost attention to detail & are highly regarded and sought after - with that said it doesn't mean errors can't be made in the manufacturing process. My final point is; I resent the idea of all British cars are poorly manufactured when you stated "If there's no oil under a British car, there's no oil in it."
British cars?do you mean cars made in the UK or cars made by a British company?Nissan,Toyota and Honda build cars in the UK and are the most reliable in the world.
I was looking at a gorgeous 2016 Hyundai Sonata hybrid. I took off the oil cap while it was running and there were nearly hurricane force winds coming out of the hole. Then I looked under the cap and saw a creamy white film, not much but definitely the start of a head gasket leak. Thanks Chris Fix for helping me avoid an expensive repair.
I was so insistent in a perfect car that the only ones which passed my inspection were brand new cars.
You should mention the number one thing Chris for the buyer. Keep your early emotions on the vehicle in the trunk. Sometimes people bypass the full check because their emotions
+mtadriverdave1 I mentioned that in the last episode but that is a great tip!
With my pocket notebook I wrote down each inspection to do when buying a used car. I went to go see one and was about halfway into it checking the pump lines, and the owner got mad, and didn’t want to show me the car no more lol
Cejas G that means the car had some issues and the owner didn’t want you to find it. Just walk away.
You got him
Lmao lucky you, he saved you the trouble of finding the issues yourself. I'm gonna bring a notebook to all my car inspections just to see how the owners react.
Tell the owner before you see the car that you will take about 15 minutes to inspect it because you are meticulous.
Trying to himd something from you
Even as a car nut, it’s nerve wracking buying a used car. Thanks for the quick reminder to make sure I’m not missing anything important!
I’m super glad I’m checking all of these videos out because I’m 17 and I’m saving up to buy my very first ever used car and I didn’t know what to do or say in this situation, but now I do thanks Chris🤘🏻👍🏻
I'm glad you're learning before you go look! Thanks a lot Ivan!
A year later, how did it go?
@@OOAK__ got myself a 2014 mustang convertible
@Ivan Garcia
wich axyjin sensur getz ripleysd more freeqwintly - upsdreem or downsdreem؟!?🦧😶🤔
573 crooked dealers disliked this video and still counting .
Its like a Scooby doo episode "and I wouldve gotten away with it too if it werent for meddling Chrisfix!!"
Oil cap milkshake don't bring buyers to the yard.
And their like ... it’s better than buying BARS
dying lmfao
:D
Your comment makes no sense. What language was it translated from? Perhaps it was funny in your native tongue.
@@tedthompson1162 he made parody like lyrics from one song :D
I know this video is old, but I'd like to add something that may reveal an accident that wasn't reported. Check the bolts. The manufacturers paint right over the bolt heads. Crappy shops don't touch them up, and even top notch shops often forget this step. you can tell when a wrench has been on a painted body bolt. Check the hood hinge bolts, the fender bolts under the hood, and door bolts too. This may reveal the fenders, hood, or doors have been off the car at some point. Also, if it's an older car and they just weren't painted by the factory, at least make sure they all match.
It's the first thing I look for on "accident free" cars.
Been working in a junkyard for over a decade, and still managed to learn a couple things from your video. Appreciate you, man. Thanks!
You are a Genius especially when it comes to cars... I knew nothing about cars but for driving it. After seeing your videos l learnt a lot about the engine in just 30 minutes... You are awesome man.. Thank you...
The owner sure was patient. Great video Mr. Fix!!!
+islamicwaylive Frank was awesome! Thanks a lot, glad you liked the video!
He sir! With all my years with CZcams, you are the first that I am subscribing to. With aaaall of the information that you provide I will be tuning in for past, present, and future videos. You've given me the motivation to start on this journey as a auto mechanic. My past experience to the most, was doing an okay job by working in an auto parts store. The videos that have been popping up, all with your name, and content may make me pause it but I'll seem to always want to watch again all over again. Thanks for what you do!!!
I'm buying a car within the next 8 months, I'll be reviewing this video until I buy it.
Awesome!
@@chrisfix Hey there brother,hope you're doing good
So I got myself a car and it runs perfectly but when I took the oil cap away it was shooting some engine oil with some air,no white smoke from the exhaust or from oil cap.... is this normal for some engines?
@@bhushanbungshy1632 You took the cap off with engine running...if yes..normal..that is purpose of the engine cap.
@@josephpiazza97 Thanks for the reply bro... but isn't it a case of blowby?
@@bhushanbungshy1632 Not sure, you maybe right......
Buying a Jaguar for a DIY car youtube channel. You will never stop with new content!
It's been really reliable actually. Has almost 200k on it now.
@@chrisfix my dads 3.0 V6 X-type has always been a reliable car, the claims people make about X-type's being unreliable and problematic are either simply just made up or are due to people not looking after them correctly.
@@chrisfix I used to work for Jaguar in the UK and helped design the powertrain (no its not a Ford engine). I would never have considered getting one before due to the image, but just bought a 3 litre X type manual as a run about and couldn't be happier. We were going to do an X type R (supercharged) and a middle engine F type that used that same powertrain. Facinating times.
@@chrisfix Chris is "exhaust smell" on oil or transmission dipstick normal? The common advice is to stay away from cars with a "burnt" smell on oil or transmission dipstick, but how about regular "exhaust smell" on them? Is that perfectly normal?
Very nice of the owner to let you use his car for the video!
+Luke Den Hartog YES! Frank was awesome! Thanks Frank!!!!
Thank you so very much Chris. I got my first car a few months ago following this guide, and It helped loads! I ended getting a 1997 Eagle Talon ESI, and I love it. In the spring I plan to super clean it and do all the interior detailing myself, as well as any mechanical things that hopefully don't arise. Oh! And I'm gonna install a kill-switch. This afternoon I am going to go with my sister to look at a new car and I will be following this guide once again. Hopefully everything checks out! Anyway, thank you for putting all of this information out, it is extremely valuable to me. Thank you.
Me: Awesome! I have a potential buyer and they sound serious!
CF: My name is Fix. Chris Fix.
Me: ****!
A cylinder compression test on each cylinder shows how worn the engine is. If a car has a timing belt, it is good to know when it next needs changing. Love your videos Chris.
How is the average Joe going to do a compression test while out checking out a car in someone's driveway?!
Unless you're buying something expensive and you just need to know, then there's really no need for a compression test when all the dots are connecting.
Chris's checklist is excellent.
The only thing I'd add, check the odometer is matching with the wear and tear in the driver's side, the steering wheel, the pedals, the armrests, the buttons, etc, if the wear don't really match the odometer then it's highly likely that the odometer's been rolled.
P.S;
back in the days, I used to cut my teeth in Toronto's dog eat dog used car market.
@@yash_ar You take the car to mechanic shop and you ask the owner to come with you of course, and there they perform compression test and even leakdown test.
Compression test equipment is like 20-50$ depending where you buy it and quality.
And you will need it later for your car, it will last you a life time, just acquire the knowledge to use it properly.
Besides that, unscrew the spark plug, screw the testing equipment in and crank the engine, how hard can that be ?
@@kruskotv1311
And how many people are going to go out of their way and let you take their car to your mechanic?!
It's a waste of time unless you're buying a classic or high km car.
@@yash_arif the owner won't allow you to take the car to a mechanic then you don't need to buy the car. Obviously he has something to hide if he won't allow that. Ask Any mechanic worth his salt and they all will say to have a mechanic look at it. You'd rather spend 100 for a mechanic to check the car than to spend thousands on a bad car. A proper car owner will do what's necessary to assure the car is worth the asking price.
For me, if the car is shown in the ad with custom rims, I don't even give it a second look. NEEEEXT!
its true. nice looking rims mean the car will explode the second you open the door!
I wouldn't be overly detailed cars either. It usually means the owner spent a ton of money on rims and music but neglected more important things like the engine , suspension , brakes etc. plus they will try to use flashy rims as a selling point but the transmission is going out.
If they're "Bling Bling" it sure ain't stock and thinner tires = harsher ride and the wheels might not survive a single nasty pothole; I like my 15" wheels for that reason.
Brandon Bishop It could just be a car guy who wants to put money I to his car. And lots of times, aftermarket rims look better than factory.
JoshJLMG Productions that's the reason! Nobody puts new nice rims if they aren't going to enjoy it... Most likely they are in the urge of getting rid of the car because some problems. Well, unless they stole or got the free rims/tires.
This is so important to teach people. I have only started learning about engines this year, so I honestly never really know what I'm looking at when I buy from someone. I got scammed with the car I currently own by the dealer I bought it from. Paid $5,000 for a car that needed so many repairs I've already spent $3,000 fixing it. Thanks for doing an awesome service to the world by providing this information and knowledge. You make it way less scary to try and understand. Will be using all of this when I buy my next car.
'Clean but not too clean' - so haven't followed your 'super clean engine bay' video ! Your videos are amazing dude...
Chris don't forget to kick the tires too!
+juans daone lol thanks!
+juans darne hahaha I went with my uncle to check a civic once and he did that. :-)
+jasuanta harris That's an entirely different ballgame, IMO. I feel kinda like a dick saying this but if you have to ask then you won't know. Given that there wasn't as much refinement you can't go by many things here, you can't scan the computer unless it's 96+, and pre-EFI there often wasn't computers, but the similar parts you can check, you can still check for leaks under it. Though more engine movement and more smoke is normal due to the carburetion not being as accurate - but still, excessive blue or white smoke are warning flags.
I think the most important thing when looking at old cars is to check for rust around the wheel weels, floor pans, and rocker boards. This is the priciest part to cut out/replace, so this is where I would spend the most time if I was looking at a classic car.
So yea, basic engine stuff, same as the video, but don't expect the same level of refinement, but an engine is still an engine at the end of the day...and most importantly: Rust.
Klaudiosable
It's an old school thing!!.. LOL!!
juans daone your better off feeling the treads if you can get to the wear bar easily then you need a new set of tires
I wanna take you with me when I go buy a car 😐
CHANELL 1738 hi
Me too ill pay
Same I suck at checking lol
Once i bought a Toyota Mr2 in England, and he insured that i could drive it home to The Netherlands. When i got home, the next day i went for a trip and after a few miles, the radiator exploded. That realy scared me.
HAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHA
I just had a full day of driving around and testing cars. Found all of them (which were all dealers) had some sort of problems. Two had a huge puff of air coming from the engine oil cap--one burned my hand even, since the guy drove to where we met. Thank god for this video (and the series).
I would shit myself of Chris pulled up to inspect my car 😂
For 1mil subscribers do an engine block disassembly then reassemble the engine
Troii_ tyler16458 dooooo ittttt
@chrisfix
steve morris and Jesus
DO IT BROO
If you go to see a car and it's randomly setting in the grass you are going to have a problem. Seems like every time I see this it has an oil leak. They will put vehicles in the grass hoping people will not spot the oil on the ground if its camouflaged in the grass.
+kalabor106 Awesome tip! I didnt think about that! Thanks for sharing!
This is such a great tip, I've been sharing it thanks so much.
Thanks! By checking the dipstick and seeing metallic pieces just saved me from buying a lemon. Walked away without feeling bad. Amazing guide!
Dear god this video can absolutely destroy the Australian vehicle trade market
:o
As an Aussie trying to buy a used car, this comments sounds about right to me
haha very true
If you go to the residence,i always check how they keep everything else,yard,garage,kids bikes, chances are if things are unkept it's likely the car or bike has been treated the same
Same as a poor area, they aren't selling a good car.
The inspection was over for me when I saw it was a Jaguar.
😂😂😂😂
Why, what's wrong with them? Just curious. Are they bad cars?
Well yes and no, if you got money to maintain it sure, but if your talking reliable it's just know to be unreliable cars. Also be ready an
prepared to come out of pocket when its repair time lol overall if your in it for looks/style by all means get it, but if your looking for a reliable vehicle an a car to commute with TOYOTA is your best bet in my oppinion.
@@happygirl4218 They have a reputation for staying in the shop.
@@davidthecardcollector Thank you, I didn't know that.
I noticed you already affixed a Chris Fix plate on the front bumper before buying the car. You are a serious buyer.
My girlfriends dad has helped me look at both of my first two trucks before I bought them. The first one I totaled lol but I had no idea what he was looking for when we went to look at the tacomas but he literally did every thing in this video and then some. So glad I have him I’ve learned a lot about how cars work and what to look for when you have a problem mechanically. Your videos could not be explained better man! So clear and straight to the point👍🏼
Also smell the engine oil...if it smells reali burnt then that could indicate that the engine is burning oil
I concur! If an engine has been overheated to the point that the oil smells bad, the smell will never go away. Think bluish crankshaft.
LifeInTheTropics
Wow that’s genius.. if it smells burnt it may have burned.
I never thought of it like that 🤔
Marak Lia nice job copying triston, so original.
Hey Chrisfix! I wished I found your videos earlier because earlier this year I bought my first used car and I knew nothing about buying one and ended up paying a price that was overplayed for and I ended up having to completely change the brakes and my local Goodyear was going to charge me $1500 for a half ass job! Unbelievable, but thanks to you I completely changed them myself and I'm learning about cars more and more everyday thanks to you!
Antonio Campa I
$1500 for breaks is insane
brakes though is not something you probably should practice on
Great video, I like the fact you show an actual video clip of the problems to look out for. New subscriber
ChrisFix, you a real ass gangsta bro. i never leave comments but i have to thank you for being the most genuine youtuber and being honest. you cut straight to what people need to know. and you do alot for your community that makes all of our lives so much easier. im glad to be alive in the 20th century so i can watch chrisfix videos.
Haha thanks a lot! Just trying to help as much as I can!
Thank You ChrisFix! Such a great video and series. I love how you make everything SIMPLE, like checking under the oil cap for froth. You have helped me and others save lots of money and time on car purchases/repairs/maintenance.
This whole series is very watchable, informative and concise. It's a big responsibility to educate people about cars and you hold the mantle very well. Thank You! :)
Dude, you're the man. Great teacher and super useful. Thank you!
thank you chris
i used your technique coz im trying to buy a beater car here in germany.
the car i checked is not good.
me and my wife walked away and did informed decisions.
thank you!
Wish I had this video five years ago. Bought a car when I was young and stupid and didnt know that the head gaskets were bad and the seller had covered it up enough just to hide that fact for a few hour after driving it. Lets just say I had to limp the car back home and the seller fell off the face of the planet. Live and learn
Same bought a g35 piston blew a week later had to get new engine
That happened to me too
Same thing happend to me 😔
Best bit of advice I could give is to find an online owners group for the particular model or brand of car you are looking at.
Ask around about common problems, how to spot them and if they are expensive to put right.
Chris fix...I have an award winning idea for a new video series that matches your current programming. I’m sure everyone else does, too. I have a track record of providing game changing ideas into the marketplace. I choose you to share this idea with.
Man i wish i discovered your videos sooner...id be a car pro by now!! Thanks so much for all these amazing amazing videos. Your helping millions with this stuff.
I work for carmax and appraise cars daily, i can tell you a few quick tips, testing for flood damage, check the bolts under the seats for rust and corrosion, check carpets for large stains, and note any musty smells. For accident damage, Check to make sure all body panels line up perfectly, bumpers and such that don't mesh perfectly with other panels indicates replacement. Check for paint matching between body panels to indicate replacement. Rub your finger on the edge of doors, hoods and trunks for rough edges indicating a paint seam or repaint. Look under the hood at the front apron of the car, the part that chris was confirming was straight, the front apron according to NAAA guidelines is structural, look for bolts all around the apron, and fenders, and checked if these bolts have been turned ( paint broken, bare metal underneath visible, indicating they have been removed and replaced). Check the tac welds. They should be small perfectly round slightly indented holes. Any putty that has been wiped on and painted over points to panel replacement.
sorry to tell you this friend,but in Michigan we get salted roads in the winter,this salt ends up in the car and causes rust around the seat bolts,also some of the other places you mentioned. The interior carpet in my car gets white spots from the salt. I usually use a carpet extractor every spring to clean my carpet so thats more moisture to possibly cause rust. In Michigan rust is part of life in our cars.
+ToAstYNaChO Great tips! Thanks a lot!!!
+scott firman I understand that, but there is a difference between normal use stains, and water damage stains, such as stains in locations that never see wear (directly under your seat, shouldn't get stained, nor should any debri get under it, if it does, you should kick your shoes off more often before getting in)
Such great advice I wish I would have known before I helped a guy from a foreign country who hardly spoke English and knew absolutely nothing about cars, find a used car. Eventually it emerged as he later described to me the car I found for him (retired mechanic along with us too... but pretty old and good about engines but not about frame, body, alignment part of things) at 55 mph developed a strange shimmy and shaking my friend complained about. I swear next time I see that car I'm going to inspect it as you describe as I suspect at one time it was rear-ended! Thanks for sharing!
You’re really doing the best car videos on CZcams
I love that he talks louder when checking out the from crossmember to make sure the seller hears, good negotiating point. ;)
I'm looking for a used car now, blah blah blah, and the list goes on. Showing up as a lone woman to inspect a used vehicle for purchase is a bit comical. I need both affordable and reliable... good luck! Your check list improved my skill x10. I got this.
Many many mahalos for this detail. Keep doing what you're doing. You are educating and making a difference. Cheers.
This guy is great!! He’s is easy to listen to and moved through each step at a good pace..... He knows what he’s doing. Thanks dude!! Great job !!!