Ok...Where to begin
 

Thanks to a couple of suggestions on the board yesterday I went browsing around at some local junkyards. It was Sunday and most of which were closed so no luck.Then while passingbymy old job I saw a blazer that had been listed for sale since the beginning of the year. Its a black two door model, I don't know the exact year, but it looks to be in good shape. ( at least from what I could tell flying by at 55mph lol)

So whats stopping me:

I have a 92 explorer that the old man keeps insisting I keep, instead ofwanting an oldertruck. Hell after having belts changed out, installing a used transmission, new brakes system, new alternator, battery, shocks, new fuse etc. It should run well. Point is he doesn't want me to blow money on a vehicle I know little about. Which makes sense.

I have very little car knowlege in general. So inquiring about the blazer would label me an easy sucker. Especially when dealing with private dealers, you don't know what you'll get. Nor do Iknow anyone that would be able to give me helpful pointers.

I think I may just inquire about it just to humor myself. After one guy blowing me off and others wanting outrageous $$$ for these things I'm at my wits end.Oh well at least I can say I got to see one up close and personal, lol.

Any thoughts or suggestions on this? Be for warned I ask this question quitea bit. I like to hear other opinions and situations before I act out on impulse.

Thanks,

RE: Ok...Where to begin
 

The thing about buying a used vehicle, whether from a private party or a car lot is that you never know for sure what you're going to get. Just because it's a "certified usedvehicle" or whatever fancy name they come up with at a dealership does not guarantee that it is going to be perfect. My advice is this; if you know anyone who is knowledgeable about Blazers or atleast autos in general, have them go with you when you look at the Blazer if you are interested in it after finding out what they want for it. I happen to be pretty good friends with my mechanic and when I went to look at my current Blazer he went with me and we split the test drive so we both could see how it handled. Then he gave it a quick look under the hood, under the body, etc just to make sure that nothing had been "rigged" or looked to be in bad shape. I know that you said you don't know anyone, but who works on your current vehicle? Maybe they could meet you there after work, or you could take it to them for a once-over. If someone has nothing to hide they should not have a problem with a mechanic looking at it (although they may want to go along to make sure the Blazer makes it back!)

RE: Ok...Where to begin
 

That is a very good suggestion. Yes, unfortunately, I do not know of any machanics or have my own "personal" mechanic. I have had my truck done "all over" if there was a certain issue with it I went to that certain "specialist." ( Big Al's, Sears, heritage transmissions, etc.) I figured they wouldn't rob me blind.....though I certainly learned that's not always the case.

RE: Ok...Where to begin
 

well it really is best to have a mechanic or some one look at it....my dad is my vehicle checker outer.....but I've been to enough auctions with him...to know what to look for in a vehicle...paint color,texture, bolts moved...etc...there's lots of quick things you can look at to see if any previous work has been done on it..along with the test drive to see if the trannie shifts ok...listen the the motor....with any used vehicle...no matter how careful you check it out...you are ultimately inheriting some one else's used goods...in my personal opinion...if the vehicle you have runs good...you like it..and it's reliable...keep it....other wise be prepared to get a new vehicle that might need a little love..

RE: Ok...Where to begin
 

Good suggestions so far.
The first thing I do is act somewhat interested...never exited as I really am.
I look at it, take it for a drive and then leave, telling them that I want to make an appointment to get it checked out by a mechanic.
I write down the serial # and the plate # and go to the dept of motor vehicles and have it checked for clear title and any records of accidents ( cost me about $45) Then I go and set up a 1 hour appointment with a shop for a pre-puchase inspection.
If theowner lets me take it to a shop, I get an estimate for repairs, make a decision if I want it and how much I will pay.
Then I start to bargain.
The last truck I bought I got the price down 3 grand. The guy wouldn't go for my offer so I said "goodbye, call me if you change your mind"
He called me 4 hours later and accepted my offer.

That's how I do it.

Good luck!