| Buying a used car is a great way to save money, | | | | or without a warranty, always have the car inspected |
| especially when compared to new car sticker prices | | | | by a third-party, independent and certified mechanic. |
| that come stacked with import fees, dealership taxes | | | | An additional benefit of working through a reputable |
| and shipping. | | | | dealer is the potential time savings and avoided |
| However, the venture of purchasing a used car can | | | | hassles from not needing to call individual owners who |
| also come with a few consumer risks. If you're thinking | | | | sometimes aren't familiar with their own car, plus the |
| about bringing home a used car, keep reading for 5 | | | | often lengthy drive to their home simply to view it. |
| great tips that will teach you what you need to know | | | | 3. Get a Car History Report |
| to help save money and avoid being ripped off. | | | | Whether you do a title search or obtain a car history |
| 1. Research the Vehicle You Want | | | | report from a service like CARFAX, these options let |
| Before you step on a used car lot or start surfing | | | | you see the car's sales history including odometer |
| through your local classifieds, have a clear idea of the | | | | registrations and even major accidents or incidents |
| type of vehicle you're looking for. Even if you can | | | | where the vehicle has been in a flood. |
| narrow it down to two or three choices, you'll be able | | | | 4. Always Test Drive |
| to easily pinpoint your search. | | | | If the car is road-worthy and safe, always take it for a |
| When researching a used car, try checking consumer | | | | test drive. You'll get a feel for the vehicle, but also be |
| report reviews and online customer reviews to find a | | | | able to notice any peculiar sounds or feelings. Pay |
| vehicle that not only meets your needs, but has a | | | | attention to the brakes, the exhaust sounds, the overall |
| history of standing up as a reliable, fuel-efficient, and | | | | functionality of the vehicle, and make sure the |
| safe vehicle. | | | | transmission smoothly shifts into all gears, including |
| Thanks to their reliability and durability, popular used car | | | | overdrive. |
| makes include Toyotas, Hondas, Subarus and Volvos. | | | | When buying privately, also look at how well the car |
| You can also check a car's fuel efficiency by visiting | | | | has been maintained, both aesthetically and |
| fueleconomy.com, a U.S. government website that lets | | | | mechanically. Ask to see any and all maintenance |
| you compare cars by fuel consumption. | | | | receipts, and pay close attention to how well the car |
| 2. To Dealer or Not to Dealer | | | | has been treated by its previous owners. If the owner |
| While private sales often offer lower prices, you may | | | | does not have maintenance records, this should raise a |
| find the benefits of warranties and direct financing | | | | yellow flag in your mind about purchasing the vehicle. |
| available at local dealerships. If you're buying privately | | | | 5. |