Buying preowned.

[STFUdonny]

Hi guys. I have a refundable deposit down on a used 2017 convenience package with less than 2000 miles at a good price that I am very happy with. Id like to ask for input on any specific gotcha's I should consider or be looking for with this car especially when I actually get to the dealership to evaluate the car.

So far I've seen the carfax and there is nothing concerning there. Dealership has said the back story is wealthy owner bought it and had buyers remorse as he lives in high elevation mountain town with young kids. Dealer has said since the car just arrived, nobody has taken it for a joy ride like we saw in the video of those idiots. So to my simi trusting self I feel the backstory is not a concern. Might I also add this car isn't at a ford dealership rather an import who's reputation from Internet reviews seems rather respectable. Again, might not matter but worth mentioning.

So when I get up to evaluate if it's really in great condition as advertised, any advice on what to specifically look for to see that this car hasn't been abused or is hiding any dirty secrets? I obviously plan to evaluate any tell tale signs of panel damage repair, tire tread quality, interior ETC.

I'd really appreciate any help to ensure the good deal I feel I'm getting isn't too good to be true.

Thanks!

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[TxShelby350]

So what is your concern? With 2k miles the car is like new. Do the rear tires have excessive wear? If it has been flogged a lot they should. These cars were built to drive hard so even if it has been driven a bit there shouldn't be an issue and it still has the remaining warranty. If you buy it change the oil and make sure to torque the filter to spec and drive the snot out of it and enjoy.

 

[crs2879]

People do odd stuff with cars. I recall a dealer friend calling me about a '04 Cobra with 800 miles that someone had bought, driven home and basically put in the garage for 8 months. Guy brought it back and traded for an Explorer Sport Trac...off all things. I couldn't quite swing the $27K asking price at the time.......still kick myself over that one.

 

[STFUdonny]

So what is your concern? With 2k miles the car is like new. Do the rear tires have excessive wear? If it has been flogged a lot they should. These cars were built to drive hard so even if it has been driven a bit there shouldn't be an issue and it still has the remaining warranty. If you buy it change the oil and make sure to torque the filter to spec and drive the snot out of it and enjoy.

Thanks! My concern is simply if there is anything to be extra cautious of when buying these cars used and at a very good price.

 

[Aurelius]

In 2012 I picked up a Boss 302 with 2020 miles on it for a heavy cut on original MSRP. Got the story of some guy traded it back in because he wanted a '13 Laguna Seca version. Just look for what you would in a normal used car and grab it if it looks good. You have every right to be excited. I drove that car just fine for 4 years and loved every minute of it. Grats on the find!

 

[Bossing]

You'll have an intact factory warranty.... check the car thoroughly in & out and ask for service records if available, etc. Don't lose sleep over it. Lots of peeps buy used performance cars with zero issues... just do your due diligence.

 

[Shift]

I know Porsche buyers do a PDI where they check the ECU for over-revs. Making sure the motor hasn't been past redline would be my main concern, everything else should be like new.

 

[crs2879]

I was considering a GT350 last Spring (until the ADM reality set in) and asked the dealer I bought my '15 GTPP from about trade value. Car only had +/- 650 miles on it a the time and the dealer low-balled me by saying "we have a harder time selling ultra-low mile used cars because people think something's wrong with it". I will say that he has somewhat of a point because I would certainly ask for the back-story but low miles affecting value negatively is a tactic I had never heard from a dealer before.

 

[torque124]

I bought second hand... A lot of people jump in the bandwagon without thinking what exactly that xxx dollars a month payment means, and they realize they can't afford it later on.
Or they can't live with the seats, being larger folks or just plain fat (no offense, but these Recaro seats are better suited for the average if not skinny built ).
Or they just change their mind, and trade in for a more comfortable vehicle.

It is how I bought mine. But I went to the only private seller in US who was selling - at the time - a 2800 miles, 3 months old track pack
And it was the right color also ...

Bottom line: Don't be scared to buy second hand, just to your own visual and Carfax check, make sure it runs well and it hasn't been in an accident, and Bob's your uncle.
You still have full warranty, so ...

 

[Zcobra1]

Since you already have a Carfax, not always accurate but a start, you could have
your local dealer run the vin through the Ford system, see if anything else shows.

You could hire a paint and body/ or pro inspector to do a PPI on the car
to ease your mind and help with your decision ....

 

[GT_Dave]

Check under the front splitter and make sure the rivets haven't been scraped off.
Check the brake rotors, at 2000 miles there should be no high ridge on the outer edge.
Make sure the exhaust valves work properly, and you should be good to go.

 

[THE_AHJ]

sorry to revive an old thread. looking at buying used as well...carfax shows two owners, only 700 miles on the odo, what does the community say on more than a single owner for buying used, yay or nay.

thoughts.

 

[barstowpo]

Is it from Texas?

 

[THE_AHJ]

Currently sitting in Houston.

 

[barstowpo]

I would be wary of flood damage.

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