Spending a little time now may save you serious money later. 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.
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!
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.
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