| I have always purchased my cars used. And each | | | | contract are transferable. Plus, other limits or costs |
| time, I got a great deal. Don't think I counted on luck, | | | | may apply. Before you buy the car, ask if it's still |
| though - no siree. There are a few musts for making | | | | under warranty or service contract, and review that |
| sure you don't end up drinking lemon-ade. | | | | baby carefully. |
| Spending a little time now may save you serious | | | | Some states will require vehicle sellers to pass a |
| money later. Check Consumer Reports on the safest | | | | vehicle inspection before a sale is made. That's not |
| cars out there. Looks are one thing, but don't ignore | | | | always the case, though. To find out what your |
| safety. | | | | state requires, contact your state Attorney General's |
| Go to a reputable car repair shop and ask if you can | | | | office or a local consumer protection agency. Hey, it's |
| bring the vehicle by for a look-over. While you're | | | | just a phone call. And it could save you a real |
| there, ask what cars they have to repair most often. | | | | headache later! |
| Take heed. Also, ask what the inspection includes, | | | | Whether you end up buying a used car from a |
| how long it takes, and the price. Always get this | | | | dealer, a co-worker, or a neighbor, follow these tips |
| information in writing - just to be safe. | | | | to learn as much as you can about the car: |
| Once the vehicle has been inspected, ask the | | | | Examine the car carefully yourself using an inspection |
| mechanic for a written report with a cost estimate | | | | checklist. You can find a checklist in many of the |
| for all necessary repairs. Be sure the report includes | | | | magazine articles, books and Internet sites that deal |
| the vehicle's make, model and VIN. Go over it with a | | | | with buying a used car. My favorite book that I've |
| fine-toothed comb and make sure you understand | | | | used several times is How to Buy and Maintain a |
| every item. If you decide to make an offer to the | | | | Used Car by Brad Crouch. |
| dealer after approving the inspection, you can use | | | | Once I bought a used car in August, and never |
| the estimated repair costs to negotiate the price of | | | | thought to test the rear defroster. Guess what? |
| the vehicle. | | | | Come November, I found out it didn't work. If you're |
| Are you going to purchase from an individual? | | | | shopping in the summer, don't forget to check the |
| Remember, private sellers generally are not covered | | | | heater. And if it's cold as ice outside, still turn that air |
| by the Used Car Rule and don't have to use the | | | | on full blast and make sure it works! |
| Buyers Guide. However, you can use the Guide's list | | | | Test drive the car under varied road conditions-on |
| of an auto's major systems as a shopping tool. You | | | | hills, highways, and in stop-and-go traffic. |
| also can ask the seller if you can have the vehicle | | | | Ask for the car's maintenance record. If the owner |
| inspected by your mechanic. If he/she says no... | | | | doesn't have copies, contact the dealership or repair |
| beware. No matter how nice the car appears, | | | | shop where most of the work was done. They may |
| something fishy is going on. | | | | share their files with you. |
| Now, a private sale likely will be on an as is basis, | | | | Talk to the previous owner, especially if the present |
| unless your purchase agreement with the seller | | | | owner is unfamiliar with the car's history. |
| specifically states otherwise. If you have a written | | | | Have the car inspected by a mechanic you hire. |
| contract, the seller has to live up to the contract. | | | | There you go. Do your homework, and it's very likely |
| The car also may be covered by a manufacturer's | | | | that, like me, you'll find yourself buying used every |
| warranty or a separately purchased service contract. | | | | time! |
| But that doesn't mean that the warranty and service | | | | |