| A used car can save you piles of money. From "new | | | | car could mean the vehicle was a highway workhorse, |
| car" premiums to excessive taxes and dealer fees, | | | | while insufficient mileage could indicate potential |
| new cars will cost you a mint, and its value will | | | | problems with it sitting idle for lengthy periods of time. |
| immediately diminish once driven out of the dealer lot. | | | | If you suspect mileage tampering, do a title search on |
| Meanwhile a vehicle that's just a few years old can | | | | the vehicle using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) |
| cost tens of thousands less and be just as good over | | | | to find out the mileage rates the last time the car was |
| the long haul. | | | | registered or sold. |
| However, purchasing a used vehicle comes with risks, | | | | 3. Have the Car Inspected |
| meaning you don't always know its reliability or history. | | | | Before buying any used vehicle, it's important to have |
| If you're interested in purchasing a used vehicle, keep | | | | the car inspected by an independent, licensed |
| reading for great tips on how to buy one that will save | | | | mechanic. A third-party mechanic can give the car a |
| you money. | | | | full and objective overview that will help you make |
| 1. Do a Price Check | | | | your purchasing decisions. |
| Using the Kelley Blue Book or the NADAGuides | | | | 4. Always Test Drive |
| website, you can find out your vehicle's value based | | | | If a vehicle is drivable and road-worthy, always take it |
| on the year, make, model, condition, mileage and even | | | | for a test drive. Not only should you get a feel for the |
| geographical region. | | | | car, but also look for how it runs, brakes and idles. |
| Because a car's value can change whether it's on the | | | | Keep your eyes and ears out for any strange sounds |
| west or east coast, is being traded in, or is privately | | | | or potential problems. |
| sold, it's important to gain a clear indication of those | | | | 5. Check the Vehicle History |
| prices. If you're planning to purchase a particular | | | | A service like CARFAX can give you a fairly thorough |
| vehicle, do a search in your area for similar autos to | | | | overview of a vehicle's history using just the VIN. If a |
| get a feel for normal costs. | | | | car has been in a major accident that was reported to |
| 2. Check the Mileage | | | | insurance, subject to factory recalls or sold multiple |
| A typical owner will drive a car about 12,000 to 18,000 | | | | times, that will all show up on the vehicle history report. |
| miles in a year. Excessive mileage for the age of the | | | | |