| Get a comprehensive
vehicle history report before you buy a used car.
A free vin check will tell you if the car is a lemon,
or has a problem history. Millions of salvaged cars
are sold every year to unwary consumers resulting
in costly repair costs and even life threatening
driving conditions. FREE
VIN CHECK |
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First, you need to determine your needs. If you are buying
the used car for yourself, are you looking for something used
primarily for commuting, or for work? Are you looking for
a status symbol? A compact car, sports car or pickup may suit
you. Do you have children? For those with an active family,
you may consider a station wagon or a minivan. Are you buying
the car for your teenager? The safety of a mid-size or full-size
car may be what you're looking to buy.
Avoid buying a used car lemon
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Check out the cars repair record, maintenance costs,
and safety and mileage ratings in consumer magazines or
online. Look up the "blue book" value, and be
prepared to negotiate the price.
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Buying from a used car dealer? Look for the Buyers Guide.
It's required by a federal regulation called the Used
Car Rule.
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Make sure all oral promises are written into the Buyers
Guide.
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You have the right to see a copy of the dealer's warranty
before you buy.
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Warranties are included in the price of the product;
service contracts cost extra and are sold separately.
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Ask for the car's maintenance record from the owner,
dealer, or repair shop.
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Test drive the car on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go
traffic.
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Have the car inspected by a mechanic you hire.
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Check out the dealer with local consumer protection officials.
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If you buy a car "as is," you'll have to pay
for anything that goes wrong after the sale.
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The Used Car Rule generally doesn't apply to private
sales.
FREE
VIN CHECK - Check a Used Car History Report
Paying for your used car
Paying cash. The best way to buy a used
car is to pay cash for it. Not only does it make the transaction
easier, it is final. There are no lingering payments to lenders
or the seller. Sometimes it can work in your favor in negotiating
a price. If a seller is asking for $2400 and you show up with
$2000 cash in hand, they may take it.
If you plan to pay cash for a vehicle, establishing a budget
is critical. Determine your disposable income. To do this,
take your net income and subtract monthly expenses, your bills,
rent or mortgage, etc. What's left is money for savings, outside
interests and your automotive expenses.
Financing. Borrowing money to purchase
a vehicle does have it's benefits. Though you pay for it in
interest down the road, you can get a newer or better car
that you otherwise couldn't afford.
There are a few things to factor in when budgeting your
purchase, things which are often forgotten until it's too
late. Transfer of ownership can require a registration fee,
and that may also include a smog certification. You should
contact your current insurance broker, as well as other brokers,
to determine if your current insurance rates will increase
with your new purchase and by how much.
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