Advice for Buying a V8
Buying a used car is seldom an easy task, from searching the cars for sale sections of websites and newspapers through to negotiating a fair price, there are many pitfalls to avoid. These are multiplied when buying a vehicle with a large-displacement, possibly modified, V8 engine. Whether it's a late-model V8 vehicle, an appreciating classic V8, a private car sale or if you're buying from a used car dealer a good rule is to never assume anything and if it's a very cheap car, then be very careful. But like any time you purchase a car, if you do your homework and take a cautious approach then you'll end up with an exciting new vehicle in your garage.
There are always plenty of cars for sale, so firstly, do your research. You probably already have an idea of the model you want, but investigate the different engine options, if there were any special editions and at what years important updates were made. Once you've been successful in finding an example of the used car you desire, then get in touch with the owner and find out how long they have had the car, if it's only been a short time they could be passing on a lemon. Next, check the ownership and other details at Checka for a full vehicle history report. If it all checks out, then arrange to view the car for a closer inspection.
Inspect the car during daylight hours and carefully look over any receipts for repairs and maintenance or certification for modifications that the owner may have had done. Checking the car's body very closely is an important step, take your time and look for signs of rust regardless of the vehicle's age. Pay particular attention to doorsills and under the vehicle's body. Also, look closely for visual signs of repair like mismatched paint and misaligned body panels, you can also take a magnet to check for any patches of filler. Be sure to inspect the springs and struts to make sure they are in good original condition or have been upgraded correctly. Under the bonnet check the motor oil for clarity, inspect belts for signs of wear and also the engine mounts. Look extra closely at any engine modifications like a supercharger system or extractors to be sure the installation has been professionally done. If the vehicle was used for racing find out exactly how it was prepared and what steps were taken to return to a street machine. Now, start the car, if it doesn't start easily that's a big warning sign of problems ahead, likewise if it blows out excessive smoke. Rev the engine and listen closely for any unusual rattles, knocking or harsh sounds.
Finally, take the car for a road test; this is a chance for you to not just continue checking the vehicle's condition but also your own enjoyment of driving it. However, be careful not to get emotionally attached at this stage and switch off to any suspicious sounds or vehicle behaviour. Be sure to take the vehicle to the motorway, on-ramps are a good place to check its acceleration in each gear and you can also get a feel for its ride comfort and noise levels at the speed limit. Also, find a car park to safely conduct lower speed tests by turning the wheel full lock both ways to check the CV joints and pushing hard on the brakes to make sure it pulls up well.
If it all checks out and you have no further concerns then negotiate the price with the current owner and don't be afraid to walk away and mull it over. Unless it's a very rare classic V8, chances are another model will come up for sale shortly. Just remember as the buyer you hold the money so you also hold the power.