| Here are 10 things to keep in mind before you sign the | | | | if you're getting a good deal. |
| dotted line on a used car. | | | | 5. Have the car checked by a mechanic. Sure you'll |
| 1. Before selecting a used car you want to buy, read | | | | know if the car was in anaccident through the history |
| some reviews and check if thecar has a good track | | | | report but a mechanic can tell if the car was |
| record in terms of reliability. You may get an unreliable | | | | properlymaintained. It would be a shame to buy a car |
| carcheap, but it'll likely break down. Spend a little more | | | | and then realize that it needs a |
| money on something morereliable as repairs are still | | | | $1000.00 repair. A mechanic may find something that |
| expensive on cheap cars. | | | | you did not notice and itcould save you thousands. |
| 2. Find out the fuel economy rating of the vehicle(s) | | | | 6. Always stay level headed when looking at a used |
| you're interested in, and howmuch it'll cost to insure. If | | | | car for sale and try not to goalone. Having a second |
| this is your first car, insurance will be high especially | | | | opinion is very important. |
| ifyou're getting a sporty, 2-door vehicle. Staying with a | | | | 7. If you decide to take the car on a test drive, make |
| 4-door sedan will help youget better insurance rates. | | | | sure to try everything out,including the a/c, radio, and |
| Also, with gas prices on the rise, fuel economy | | | | power features (windows, mirrors, locks, etc) if |
| isbecoming even more important. | | | | soequipped. Drive the vehicle on a variety of roads |
| 3. Once you've selected a vehicle, make sure you | | | | and go to an empty parking lot totest the brakes and |
| know the history of it. There are avariety of | | | | handing. But remember, this is someone's car so be |
| companies that will run a history report on the car by | | | | respectful. |
| checking that the | | | | 8. Stay away from older cars that have a lot of |
| VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) of that vehicle was | | | | electronic gizmos. These are oftencostly to repair and |
| not reported in an accident,stolen, flooded, or | | | | are not as reliable as vehicles that are more basic. |
| repossessed. Most people are not up front as they | | | | 9. Although a lower mileage vehicle is great, a vehicle |
| want to sellthe car. Do your research and stay away | | | | with a lot of highway miles isnot bad at all. Highway |
| from anything or anyone you're suspiciousof. | | | | driving is very easy on the car. Stop and go driving is |
| 4. Find out the used vehicle value. Check online, local | | | | muchharder. The condition of the car is more important |
| newspapers, and the Kelly | | | | than the mileage so long as thecar was properly |
| Blue Book for what the vehicle is worth. Keep in mind | | | | maintained. |
| that the 'book value' is notalways the best measure | | | | 10. Stay away from ex police cars, cabs, or rentals. |
| for what the vehicle is worth as it just gives you | | | | These vehicles are traditionallydriven very hard and |
| theaverage value. Knowing what other people are | | | | sometimes not as well maintained. They're cheap, but |
| asking in the area will help younegotiate and determine | | | | risky tobuy. |