O QUE AVALIAR NA COMPRA DE UM CARRO USADO | BORIS FELDMAN - Cortes do Bora Podcast

Summary

The video transcript provides advice on buying a used car, highlighting key aspects to avoid a bad deal. The speaker emphasizes the importance of checking the car's mechanical condition, including issues like worn tires, oil leakage, or engine problems. They warn against relying solely on the odometer reading, as it can be tampered with. Additionally, the speaker stresses the importance of verifying the car's recall status, citing potential dangers like faulty airbags that could lead to serious injury or death if not fixed. Proper vehicle documentation is also mentioned as crucial.

Takeaways

• 🔧 Always take the car to a trusted mechanic before purchasing.
• 🛞 Check for uneven tire wear as it may indicate alignment issues or damage to the car's body.
• 💨 Inspect the exhaust; black and oily residue could mean the car is burning oil.
• 🛢️ Check the oil dipstick. If the oil level is too low or milky, there could be engine problems or water entering the motor.
• 🚗 Don't rely solely on the odometer reading; mileage can be manipulated by unscrupulous sellers.
• 💻 In newer cars, mileage can be verified in the electronic system, even if the odometer has been tampered with.
• 📄 Check the car's documents carefully, especially for any missed recalls or safety issues.
• ⚠️ Ensure any safety recalls, such as the Takata airbag recall, have been addressed to avoid serious risks.
• 🧯 Faulty airbags, especially in older cars, could lead to dangerous outcomes if not properly fixed.
• 🚨 Missing a recall could put the driver at serious risk in case of an accident, as safety features might not function correctly.

Q & A

What should be checked when buying a used car to avoid getting a 'lemon'?

You should take the car to a trusted mechanic and check for various signs such as uneven tire wear, misaligned body or chassis, and oil quality. For example, if the exhaust is black and oily, it could be burning oil. Also, check the dipstick for oil levels and any white residue, which could indicate water entering the engine.

Why is it important to check the oil dipstick in a used car?

The oil dipstick can indicate how well the car has been maintained. If the oil is too low, it means the owner may have been driving the car with insufficient oil, which can cause engine damage. If the oil is white or milky, it could suggest that water is leaking into the engine, which is a serious issue.

Why should you be cautious about a car's odometer reading when buying used?

Odometer readings can be tampered with by someone known as 'Zé marcha ré,' who can reverse the odometer reading for a fee. This makes it appear that the car has fewer miles than it actually does, which is common in the used car market. However, in modern cars, the real mileage is recorded in the electronic control unit (ECU), so a mechanic can check if the odometer reading has been altered.

What is the risk of buying a car that hasn’t completed its recall?

A car that has been called for a recall but hasn't completed it may have unresolved safety issues. For example, airbags from a specific manufacturer were found to have faulty mechanisms that could explode and send metal shards into the occupants during a crash, causing serious injury or death. It’s important to ensure all recalls are completed before purchasing.

How can uneven tire wear be a warning sign when inspecting a used car?

Uneven tire wear can indicate issues with the car’s alignment or suspension, which might mean the chassis is bent or the car has been in an accident. This can affect the car's handling and safety.

What is a 'Zé marcha ré' in the context of buying a used car?

A 'Zé marcha ré' refers to a person who can roll back the odometer of a car for a fee. This deceptive practice is used to make the car appear as if it has lower mileage than it actually does, which can mislead buyers into thinking the car is in better condition.

Why is it important to verify the car’s electronic control unit (ECU) data in modern cars?

In modern cars, the true mileage is stored in the car’s ECU. Even if the odometer has been tampered with, the real mileage can still be checked through diagnostic equipment. This helps ensure that the buyer is getting accurate information about the car's usage.

What is the potential danger of faulty airbags in used cars?

Faulty airbags, especially those involved in recalls, may explode with too much force, causing metal fragments to shoot into the driver or passengers during a crash. This has resulted in deaths and serious injuries worldwide, so ensuring the airbags have been repaired or replaced in a recall is crucial.

Why should you not prioritize the odometer reading when buying a used car?

The odometer reading can be deceptive as it’s often tampered with. Instead, focus on the overall condition of the car, such as its maintenance history, engine performance, and structural integrity, which give a better picture of its true state.

What are some key signs of engine problems in a used car?

Key signs of engine problems include black, oily exhaust smoke, low oil levels on the dipstick, and milky residue on the dipstick, which could indicate oil burning or water entering the engine. These issues suggest poor maintenance or potential engine damage.