The Car Thread

Moridin

Moridin

Shohin
Messages
426
Reaction score
1,544
Location
Sacramento, CA
USDA Zone
9b
Didn't see a car thread and as this is my background I figured I would start one as a thanks for all the knowledge I have found here the past few months. :)

I have 25 years of automotive experience as a Service Manager, Collision Shop Manager and Custom car builder. If you have driven it I've probably worked on it if it's a US car. So I figured if anyone had car questions, advice, etc. feel free to ask. Currently I run a large auto parts store so if anyone in the Sacramento area needs parts I have the hookup. :p
 
I'm super late to the car party, never needed one since public transport had my back. But I got my drivers license not long ago.

I'm thinking of buying a piece of rust on wheels, you know, one of those first cars where dents are more expensive to repair than the entire car is worth. Since our roads are as smooth as a bowling alley, most second hand cars don't have any suspension issues or mangled frames.
What are other things to look out for when buying a second/third/fourth hand car? I'm familiar with the layout and function of most parts, but I don't know what the indicators of serious dangers to the passengers and myself would look like, other than leaking brake fluid and the obvious stuff.
If you could share some advice about what to look out for, I'd appreciate it!
 
This keeps me happily busy when not caring for the trees. Original 40 hp engine, after 56 years of duty, finally spun the main bearing last week. Case and crank are currently with a skilled machinist and friend, hoping the align bore and thrust cut on the main bearing goes well and it's back on the road in short order.

Or maybe Moridin your have a rebuilt and refreshed VW 40 HP long block in your parts warehouse? Ha!

Sept 13 2020.JPG
 
After 15 years of kids, dogs, outside parking, chips, scuffs, dings, unevenly sun faded paint, some encroaching rust and a disappointing body shop repair, I repainted my car in the driveway a couple panels at a time.

Its acceptable from 10 feet away.

100% muscle.
 

Attachments

  • 20200508_073556.jpg
    20200508_073556.jpg
    247.3 KB · Views: 65
Wires_Guy_wires said:
I'm super late to the car party, never needed one since public transport had my back. But I got my drivers license not long ago.

I'm thinking of buying a piece of rust on wheels, you know, one of those first cars where dents are more expensive to repair than the entire car is worth. Since our roads are as smooth as a bowling alley, most second hand cars don't have any suspension issues or mangled frames.
What are other things to look out for when buying a second/third/fourth hand car? I'm familiar with the layout and function of most parts, but I don't know what the indicators of serious dangers to the passengers and myself would look like, other than leaking brake fluid and the obvious stuff.
If you could share some advice about what to look out for, I'd appreciate it!
Click to expand...
The best thing to ask when buying a used car is if the owner has service records that have been performed on it over its life. Also before purchasing always have a shop perform a pre-purchase inspection to get a overall view of the condition and possible upcoming maintenance needs.

I'm not to sure of the cars that are available in the Netherlands but if you let me know what your looking at I can do some research into possible known issues the specific vehicle may have.
 
butlern said:
This keeps me happily busy when not caring for the trees. Original 40 hp engine, after 56 years of duty, finally spun the main bearing last week. Case and crank are currently with a skilled machinist and friend, hoping the align bore and thrust cut on the main bearing goes well and it's back on the road in short order.

Or maybe Moridin your have a rebuilt and refreshed VW 40 HP long block in your parts warehouse? Ha!

View attachment 340000
Click to expand...
Love Ghias!

I have a '73 Super Beetle with the manumatic transmission sitting in the driveway at the moment that I'm redoing the interior and prepping for paint. 😃

And no VW longs blocks currently but I have a nice zz502 big block chevy if you ever want to shoehorn that into it lol
 
Brian Van Fleet said:
Test drove this M440i yesterday. Trying to convince myself I don’t need it, while my son is trying to convince me he doesn’t need a college education...and he’d rather ride around in this instead.😜
View attachment 340062
Click to expand...
I hate BMW's new grill/bumper design tbh

How did it drive though? 😃
 
I get it, but the grill is less beaver-toothed in person than photos; though it is a bit reminiscent of a mustang too.

It drove incredibly well, plenty of feel. Screaming fast and stuck to the road like bubblegum. I want one😜.
 
No pictures with trees, but my (at the time) one year old wants to take a spin!

IMG_20190610_063339.jpg

I did deliver my dad an apple tree in it once. Much easier putting it in the passenger seat than stuffing it in my Subaru.

It was my first car, I've had it 22 years now.
Getting a bit rusty, but what can you do in coastal Maine. Sadly didn't take it out this summer - too busy with a newborn and two year old, not to mention I barely drive my daily since working from home the past 9 months...
 
RJG2 said:
No pictures with trees, but my (at the time) one year old wants to take a spin!

View attachment 340139

I did deliver my dad an apple tree in it once. Much easier putting it in the passenger seat than stuffing it in my Subaru.

It was my first car, I've had it 22 years now.
Getting a bit rusty, but what can you do in coastal Maine. Sadly didn't take it out this summer - too busy with a newborn and two year old, not to mention I barely drive my daily since working from home the past 9 months...
Click to expand...
Love the classic 3-wiper setup!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom