What kind of maintenance should be done once you buy a used car?

[htang4]

I'm looking to buy a used Toyota which probably has a little over 100k. Not sure which model yet.

When looking at a used car what things should I be looking at so the car won't crap on me and having to spend money to fix it? mechanically of course?

I read somewhere to check for blown head gaskets is check the oil if it's diarreah looking or if it's white and milky. Also, to start the engine when cold, radiator cap off and check to see if it boils over. Any other way, if it was warm because most chances are you have to meet the seller somewhere?

If the seller doesn't know the history of the service maintenance, I would figure you have to change all your belts, cam and crankshaft seals, spark plus and wires, water pump, thermostat and maybe hoses? Anything else recommended like fuel filter, transmission flush, air filter and etc?

Thanks,
Harry

[The Wolf]

I'd take it to the dealer and let them do a diagnostics/check-up on it. Should run you more than $100 (mine was $70-ish at Toyota). They'll check everything for you and list its condition. Of course, the best inspection is the one you do. When I got my Camry 2 and a half years ago, all I did was get the tires balancd and rotated, an oil change, and check the fluids and tires. Of course, the previous owner also had all his maintenance records and receipts, so that helped alot.

[dna59]

I usually change all my fluids and filters and check out the cooling sustem, charging system and steering to see if everythings ok.

[The Wolf]

^ Good point. Places like Autozone and Advance Auto will check the battery/alt for free.

[500KCamry]

See if the timing belt has been changed recently, if not bank on changing it. Get a dealer quote (think $350-$400 CDN).

Check the brake pads, see if they are getting to their wear limit. Cost a new set.

[ms_die]

I totally agree with 500kCamry, if you don't know when the timing belt was changed consider getting it done. I just bought my Camry in January with 116k. First thing my husband wanted changed was the belt as he suspected it was the original. The toyota dealer near us did the job for $300. That's alot for us cos my husband does all of our car repairs but at this time of the year it is too cold to do a job like this when you have to work outside. If it were summer he would have done it himself and not knowing the history of this car he wanted the belt changed now. The dealer showed us the old belt and it was indeed pretty worn. I had one break on my '83 Monte SS and the damage was major. Husband had to replace push rods & lifters.
Don't take a chance with the belt.

[islandboy57]

When do most of you guys change your timing belts? Right now my car has 67,000 miles on it. I want to get the car painted, got some small rust spots on the roof and hood

[500KCamry]

I do timing belts every 100K km or 60,000 mi. But I live in an area were temperature extremes are large. I learned the hard way about letting the belts break, 60 or 70 km from home, then getting towed. My 1st 85 belt went to 160K km before breaking, my first 95 belt went to 140K km before breaking. Both times I was driving down the highway at a constant speed of 100 km/hr and the motor just stopped without warning.

It's much easier to replace a belt that isn't broken, you don't have to be concerned with timing marks, just take the old off and put the new one on.