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