Car shopping, don't want a lemon

[Reverend Conehead]

I found a site where you can put in a car's VIN and get its history:
https://www.dmv.org/vehicle-history.php

Is that the site you would use if you were shopping for a car? I don't want a car with a lot of maintenance problems. My current car already has that.

 

[superonyx]

 

[bornafan1981]

Carfax/Carfox - vehicle history
Cars.com
Also, you should check the VIN on the manufacturers website to see if there are any open recalls

 

[YosemiteSam]

but, but,. but.... Getting a lemon adds flavor to your daily commute!

 

[Reverend Conehead]

but, but,. but.... Getting a lemon adds flavor to your daily commute!

i've already ODed on lemon with my current Saturn Ion. Really can't stand this car and can't wait till it's replaced.

 

[YosemiteSam]

i've already ODed on lemon with my current Saturn Ion. Really can't stand this car and can't wait till it's replaced.

Yeah, I heard Saturn's cars was known to have issues. Likely the reason for their demise in 2010.

 

[Reverend Conehead]

Yeah, I heard Saturn's cars was known to have issues. Likely the reason for their demise in 2010.

Some previous models were okay, but they really shot themselves in the foot with the Ion. It made one of those FB lists of the 25 worst cars ever made. It was only slightly higher than the Trabant. I'm looking into a Honda, a Kia, or a Toyota.

 

[CouchCoach]

Of course you don't. If you wanted a lemon you would be going to the grocery store.

 

[YosemiteSam]

Some previous models were okay, but they really shot themselves in the foot with the Ion. It made one of those FB lists of the 25 worst cars ever made. It was only slightly higher than the Trabant. I'm looking into a Honda, a Kia, or a Toyota.

Screw that. You should join Team Audi!

 

[Reverend Conehead]

Screw that. You should join Team Audi!

Great cars -- German engineering is excellent, but a bit out of my price range.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Carfax/Carfox - vehicle history
Cars.com
Also, you should check the VIN on the manufacturers website to see if there are any open recalls

Carfax or Carfox only work if the problem was reported. The best protection, IMO, is a trusted mechanic and a few dollars (well spent) to have he or she check it out.

JMO

 

[bornafan1981]

Carfax or Carfox only work if the problem was reported. The best protection, IMO, is a trusted mechanic and a few dollars (well spent) to have he or she check it out.

JMO

The Carfax report I received prior to purchasing my vehicle detailed things such as vehicle maintenance (fluids, wipers, etc,) rear brake job, when the tint was installed at a Honda dealership, headlight replacement, wheel replacement, oil changes, and recall/campaign work done.

 

[Chrispierce]

I found a site where you can put in a car's VIN and get its history:
https://www.dmv.org/vehicle-history.php

Is that the site you would use if you were shopping for a car? I don't want a car with a lot of maintenance problems. My current car already has that.

Just go buy a NEW car.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

The Carfax report I received prior to purchasing my vehicle detailed things such as vehicle maintenance (fluids, wipers, etc,) rear brake job, when the tint was installed at a Honda dealership, headlight replacement, wheel replacement, oil changes, and recall/campaign work done.

I understand what it is but the point is that only things that are reported, show up on car fax. Fixes that are not reported to Insurance do not. So, lets say you have somebody who pays cash for a fix or repair, there is no record on Car Fax. That's all I'm saying.

 

[Reverend Conehead]

I understand what it is but the point is that only things that are reported, show up on car fax. Fixes that are not reported to Insurance do not. So, lets say you have somebody who pays cash for a fix or repair, there is no record on Car Fax. That's all I'm saying.

Good to know, thanks. I'll probably get both the carfax report and have a mechanic look at it.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Good to know, thanks. I'll probably get both the carfax report and have a mechanic look at it.

There you go.

 

[Longboysfan]

It's easy to start the looking process.
Go to Consumer Reports first.
Look at the guide to used cars.

 

[lukin2006]

Some previous models were okay, but they really shot themselves in the foot with the Ion. It made one of those FB lists of the 25 worst cars ever made. It was only slightly higher than the Trabant. I'm looking into a Honda, a Kia, or a Toyota.

You can not go wrong with either of those brands, my sister has a Kia, she really likes, my dad has Toyota Camry, a real nice car, brother in law drives the Honda Civic...they are all nice cars...

 

[Xelda]

Carfax showed up and suddenly people thought every model car on the road had a listed history. I would aim for a Honda, Toyota or possibly Hyundai since they've been going above and beyond to prove they belong in the industry. If you're feeling domestic, try Ford. Check on line to see the most stolen vehicles list. Also check for recalls and the airbag issue which is on just about every brand. I'm fairly certain it was a young woman in Dallas that died when her airbag went off, a piece of metal came out and hit her jugular vein. She bled to death before anyone could get to her. It's uncommon, but it's a known issue and almost every brand is using that type of airbag. I'd give you the link, but it's at work and I'm not.

 

[Cowpolk]

i've already ODed on lemon with my current Saturn Ion. Really can't stand this car and can't wait till it's replaced.

VW Passat is a nice car