Buying a Vehicle

Going for a used Vehicle

Let's face it, the price of a new vehicle just isn't what it used to be. An economy vehicle today can cost as much as a top-notch vehicle 10 years ago. And if you're already living on a tight budget, a high monthly payment is probably the last thing you want.

But if you can't put off getting a vehicle any longer, you may want to consider a used vehicle. Generally, the cost of owning a used vehicle is significantly less than buying a new vehicle. Of course, you'll have to take some precautions when making your purchase so you don't end up with a lemon.

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Where to start
Used vehicle can be purchased from four possible sources: a used dealer, a new dealer, a private seller, or a car rental or leasing agency. Following a few tips will help you decide which is best for you.

• Used vehicle dealer. Sometimes vehicles sold here are obtained from car auctions and are sold "as is" (without a warranty). In other instances, the inventory may have come from a new dealer because the vehicles' condition doesn't meet the new dealer's quality standards. Ask about purchasing a warranty if one is not expressly offered on a vehicle you want to buy.
• New vehicle dealer. You may pay more for a used vehicle from a new dealer than elsewhere, but you'll also generally get a written warranty with it. Be sure to read the warranty for loopholes that deny coverage for certain repairs. If the used model is the same make as the new ones the dealer sells, it's more likely that any needed repairs have been made, particularly if the dealer is also an authorized service facility.
• Private seller. If you know anyone in your family, neighborhood, or at work who's selling a vehicle, check with them before you look in the classifieds. Chances are you'll get a better deal and honest answers to your questions from someone you know rather than from a stranger. Be sure to have the vehicle inspected at a quality service center before you close the deal.
• Car rental or leasing agency. You can generally find reasonably priced, well-maintained models with low overall mileage from a car rental sales lot.

Evaluating a used vehicle
Most of us are not mechanics, but can make a preliminary evaluation of a used car's condition. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Check the general condition of the exterior and interior, in daylight
• Check the fluids
• Note the mileage on the odometer, and see if the wear and tear on the vehicle is appropriate for the mileage
• Check to see that lights, gauges, and all accessories work
• Listen for unusual noises
• Compare the vehicle's price to its actual value as listed in the NADA Official Used Car Guide
• Find out about the car's history. Services like Carfax can tell you whether the vehicle has ever been in an accident or subject to water damage. All you need is the vehicle identification number.
• Test drive the vehicle
• Look for leaks under the vehicle
• Ask the seller questions about the vehicle

If a vehicle performs well in your initial evaluation, then you should have a mechanic check and road test it or have a diagnostic service center do a complete check up on it. Avoid any seller who's reluctant to let you check the vehicle.

Whatever you do, don't make a hasty decision. Before accepting a price, get the seller to either fix the items needing repair before you pick up the vehicle, or deduct the cost of those repairs from the asking price. Rushing into a used vehicle purchase may be a costly mistake, so exercise patience and caution.

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