Used Car Buying Tips: Avoiding Lemons
From LoveToKnow Buy
Perhaps one of the biggest fears people have when they are buying a car is that they will end up with a "lemon." While lemon laws are meant to protect consumers, the best defense is not to get a lemon in the first place. So, what should you look for when you buy a used car? The following tips will help you buy the best used car you can find:
Expert Inspection
Needless to say you need to give the car a close inspection. Open all the doors, check the bumper, look under the car, run the engine, etc. However, you're most likely not an expert on automobiles, so it won't hurt to hire a mechanic to take a look at the car along with you.
Trust Your Gut
Utilize your judgment abilities when meeting the seller. Try to get a good feel for whether or not the person is trustworthy. Talk to them about their history with the car, why they are selling the car, and whether or not there are any drawbacks to owning the car. Avoid sellers who move too quickly in trying to close a deal, as well as ones who skirt questions you might have about the car.
Buy A Car Report
Purchase a report on the car from an agency like Carfax. A Carfax report tells you whether the car has been in accidents (always avoid cars that have been in accidents), and whether or not the car has a history of illegal activity associated with it. Carfax will even guarantee their report, in case there is an error.
Look Up Used Car Pricing
Always check the Kelley Blue Book for the price on the model of car you are considering. If the car you're looking at is being offered at a price way below the Kelley Blue Book price, don't buy it!
Check For Auto Recalls
Definitely check in with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for word on whether or not the model you are looking at has ever been recalled. Use their website, or simply call their toll-free number at 1-800-424-9393.
Educate Yourself on Lemon Laws
For complete and up-to-date news on lemon laws throughout the 50 states, visit Lemon Law America. This site will provide you with the information you'll need if you do indeed purchase a lemon.
Car Warranties
Make sure you get expressed/implied warranties on the car in writing. Never accept a verbal warranty. And at DMV.org, you'll find all you need to get started in getting a vehicle history report from the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state. All you need to have is the car's vehicle identification number.
Where to Buy a Car Online
You can find all kinds of used cars, many of them with warranties, at these Web sites:
- Cars.com Easily one of the most popular places on the Web to look for cars. Find classifieds for both new and used cars, plus research tools, auto industry news, and advice.
- Cars Direct Get prices on new cars by make and model, or look for used cars by entering your zip code in the allotted field.
- CarMax Buy or sell a used cars here. Also find research tools and car buying tips and reviews.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 1,103 times. This page was last modified 17:48, 8 February 2009.
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