| During these uneasy economic times, most people | | | | will see if the odometer is working properly and the |
| are looking for ways to cut back on their expenses. | | | | car itself is not making unusual sounds such as a loud |
| One way of saving money is buying a used car | | | | muffler or squeaky brakes. |
| instead of a brand new car. When purchasing a used | | | | 5. Can you have a copy of the CarFax report? It is |
| car from an auto dealer, it is important that you | | | | important for you to see that the vehicle |
| know as much about the car as possible to avoid | | | | identification number for the matches the VIN on the |
| serious problems with the car after you drive it off | | | | CarFax report. |
| the lot. | | | | 6. Does the used car dealer have a return policy? If |
| The following are questions to ask a used auto | | | | so, what is it? You never know if there is a problem |
| dealer when searching for a used car: | | | | that is hard to discover such as an internal problem in |
| 1. Does the dealer have a copy of the car's history? | | | | the engine. It is important that you buy a used car |
| Whether new or used, each car for sale includes a | | | | from a dealer with a return policy. |
| Vehicle Identification Number (VIN.) The used car | | | | 7. Will the used car dealer offer a better deal if you |
| dealer can use the VIN numbers to acquire a report | | | | pay cash instead of financing? Many used car dealers |
| detailing such information as the car's history of | | | | will give a discount if one pays cash for the car. |
| mileage, accidents, service history, and number of | | | | 8. Are there new parts in the car? It is important |
| owners...etc. | | | | that you know if there are any new parts such as |
| 2. Has the used car been inspected and passed the | | | | tires or a muffler. You will want to make sure that |
| inspection? Before being allowed to go on the road, | | | | you are given the warranty documents. |
| every car must have passed a safety inspection. You | | | | 9. Is the used car odometer accurate? You want to |
| should also be allowed to see the mechanic's | | | | make sure the mileage is correct. There may be a |
| inspection report. If any part of the car has had a | | | | shady dealer out there who may reduce the mileage |
| repair or parts a replacement, make sure you see a | | | | in an effort to sell the car. |
| report of what was done to the car. | | | | 10. Does the used car dealership take trade-ins? You |
| 3. Where did the used car dealer get the car? You | | | | can often save money if you trade in a car when |
| should find out who last owned the car. Was it an | | | | purchasing a used car. |
| individual or auction? If it was an auction, make sure | | | | Because a used car has a driving history, it is |
| you have a mechanic check it over for any problems. | | | | important that you have all of the facts before you |
| 4. Can you take the car for a test drive? It is | | | | make a purchase. It will help you avoid a lot of extra |
| important that you take the car for a test drive. You | | | | expense or possibly buying a "lemon. |