| If you ask your local car dealer, the best used car | | | | the licensed dealers operating from accredited car |
| deals are just around the corner - on his car lot. | | | | yards and dealerships. The remaining few car sales |
| Nothing new, really. Expect the same answer | | | | are made directly by their owners, privately. Although |
| everywhere you ask. The used cars business runs | | | | the state and federal laws are targeted to eliminate |
| partially on half-truths, exaggerations, hard selling, | | | | bad practices in buying and selling second hand cars, |
| empty promises and occasional deception. But, there | | | | there's much to be done to stop dishonest sellers |
| are also used cars sellers who pride themselves on | | | | from taking advantage of the unaware buyers. |
| the quality and price. The question is where are they? | | | | So, how do you protect yourself from becoming a |
| Amongst thousands of used cars offered for sale | | | | victim of an unscrupulous car salesman? Here are |
| daily, there are truly great buys. Cars between 3-5 | | | | some practical tips to help you win the battle that |
| years old, with a low mileage of 20-30,000. Some of | | | | rages in used cars lots across America: |
| them will be in a show room like condition. Owned by | | | | - Don't buy in a hurry. There's always another day, |
| the same owner, garaged, driven carefully, and | | | | and another opportunity. |
| serviced according to the manufacturer's instructions. | | | | - When buying privately, ask for the fully |
| These cars were often bought as family's second or | | | | documented service history, and the ownership title. |
| third car. In most cases, the driver got bored and | | | | - Think twice before dealing with establishments that |
| wants to buy the current model. Here is your | | | | have been in existence for a short period of time. |
| chance... | | | | - Take your friendly mechanic with you. He can |
| However, the great majority of used automobiles are | | | | inspect the car and advise you as to its condition, |
| far from deserving the description of the best used | | | | and if any further repairs will be necessary. |
| cars. They had multiple owners. Each previous one | | | | - Try to buy a car with a single owner. |
| wanted to get rid of it as soon as possible, for the | | | | - Best used car deals are usually found during public |
| car was riddled with problems that were only | | | | auctions. Before you bid, find as much info about the |
| discovered after the sale was made. Some of these | | | | vehicle as possible. |
| vehicles will be outright dangerous to drive; many will | | | | Ultimately, when it comes to getting the best used |
| have persistent mechanical problems, like excessive | | | | car deal, it's all about being educated and acting |
| oil consumption, leaking radiator, intermittent electrical | | | | responsibly. Don't fall a victim of the sleek sales pitch; |
| faults, uneven steering, rampant rust, etc. | | | | reject emotions and invite a cool head. Spend only |
| Yet while people are looking for the best used car | | | | what you can afford, avoid accepting long term hire |
| deal, these wrecks are traded openly, and change | | | | purchase terms. And before you venture out, do |
| hands every hour in many places across America. | | | | some basic research and get informed. Only then, |
| Regrettably, most of the transactions are done by | | | | you'll place yourself in a winnable position. |