| Purchasing a previously owned vehicle can be a great | | | | so you know your rights. |
| way to save some cash while still getting a good car. | | | | 4. Look Up the VIN Number Having the vehicle |
| If you shop smart, you can find a used car that is in | | | | looked over isn't enough. That will give you an idea |
| good condition and will provide years of service. With | | | | of what shape the vehicle is in now. Researching the |
| a bit of research, shopping around, and patience, | | | | history by the vehicle's VIN number will give you an |
| buying a used car can be well worth the time. Keep | | | | idea of the car's past. The VIN is the Vehicle |
| in mind that for the long term, you're looking for the | | | | Identification Number, and it can be found on the title |
| best car for the best price--not simply the lowest | | | | or under the windshield. A VIN report will run about |
| price. A cheap car that costs you hundreds or | | | | $20 to $25, but it is worth the price. You may learn |
| thousands in repairs is not the best deal. | | | | important things about the car that are not evident |
| 1. Do Your Research Before you head off to a car | | | | otherwise. |
| lot or peruse the paper, do some research. Start by | | | | 5. How much are you willing to pay? When shopping |
| determining the type of vehicle you want, and then | | | | for a used car, you need to know the price range |
| narrow the field to a few models. Whether you're | | | | you can afford. Obviously, if you have a bit more to |
| looking for a sports car or minivan, if you are | | | | spend, you can buy a better car. If you're looking for |
| educated going into the process, you'll be in a much | | | | a relatively new car (three to four years old), you'll |
| better position. You'll know the kinds of questions to | | | | likely be looking at a range starting at $8,000 for a |
| ask and you'll be able to negotiate smarter. | | | | decent car. If you are in the lower price range, |
| Investigate the car's average fuel mileage, various | | | | looking for a car five years or older, it may take |
| features, upkeep, and average costs for repairs. | | | | more time to find a decent car that doesn't have too |
| Check reviews such as in Consumer Reports, talk | | | | many miles on it. Again, shop around and avoid the |
| with people who own the vehicle you're looking for, | | | | temptation to buy the first low-price car you find. |
| and call dealerships. | | | | 6. Don't Discount Dealers You may or may not get a |
| 2. Comparison shopping Once you know what you're | | | | better deal through a private seller, so carefully |
| after, start looking. Look up the blue book value | | | | consider using a dealer. Dealers will often give used |
| ranges and see what the going rates are for the | | | | cars a thorough check and offer some type of |
| vehicle you're after. Be wary of jumping on the first | | | | warranty on the cars. They will also ensure there are |
| good deal you see, however. A great price may | | | | no outstanding liens against the vehicle, something |
| mean hidden costs elsewhere. If you are buying from | | | | you'll need to do on your own if you buy from a |
| an individual, try to get as much information from the | | | | private party. When it comes time to sign the |
| person as possible. You may have the opportunity | | | | papers, be sure to read everything carefully, |
| for some type of warranty or repair plan if you go | | | | however. Make sure you understand the terms of |
| through a dealer. | | | | the agreement and any warranties or service checks |
| 3. Lemon Laws and Lemon Checks Whether you're | | | | offered. |
| buying from an individual or dealer, have the car | | | | 7. Consider Different Financing Options One benefit |
| checked by a third party. If the seller insists on a | | | | to buying from a dealer is that financing is often |
| deposit before you have this done, say thank you | | | | available for used cars as well as new. However, it |
| and shop elsewhere. Lemon Laws refer to each | | | | pays to shop around when it comes to finance |
| state's laws that protect consumers if they've | | | | options. A personal loan through a bank may carry a |
| purchased a vehicle that is persistently defective. In | | | | much lower interest rate than the dealer's plan. Take |
| many states, lemon laws apply if the vehicle requires | | | | the time to calculate total costs for different types |
| multiple repairs within the first thirty to forty days of | | | | of loans so you can make the best choice. |
| purchase, but the laws vary. Check your state's laws | | | | |