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