Buying a Used Car - How to Avoid a Lemon

Purchasing a previously owned vehicle is a great wayproblems with in a certain time period, usually 30 to 45
to save some money, while still getting a decent car. Ifdays. Make sure to check your states specific laws
you shop smart you can find a good used car that willfor the exact details. Knowing that you have the law
provide you with years of service. However, if youon your side will give you a bit more confidence, and
jump at the first low cost car that you come across,help you ask the tough questions that can help you
you might end up buying a lemon. If you do youravoid buying a lemon.
research, comparison shop, check your state's lemonLooking up the VIN number is another great way to
laws, look up the VIN number, and check the localavoid the purchase of a lemon. Once you have
dealers, you can come away with a car that will last anarrowed down your search, grab the VIN (Vehicle
long time.Identification Number) from the dashboard on the
Before you start your research you need to determinedriver's side where the dash meets the front
what type of vehicle you are looking to purchase.windshield. With the VIN and about $20 you can order
Have your facts and figures decided before youa report on the vehicle. While giving a thorough
make your way onto a lot or private party. Know theinspection of the car will give you an estimate of how
number of miles that you are willing to handle, as wellthe car is now, a VIN report will give you everything
as all of the features that you will want on your usedthat has been reported about the car, including
car. Start by looking at the values of the cars online,accidents and costly repairs.
and check the online car sales sites. They will provideDon't be too quick to count out a dealer for a low cost
you with a good base price for your desired car. Becar. Typically a dealer is a bit more expensive than a
aware of a deal that is too good to be true, it usually is.private party, however, the used cars from a dealer
A low cost up front most often means a large cost onoften go through a thorough inspection and can even
the back end for repairs.come with a warranty. This is an excellent way to
Be sure to check your state's Lemon Laws. Theseavoid a lemon. Remember that low cost is only part of
provide insurance for a consumer against buying a carbuying a used car; you want to make sure that you
that turns out to be a lemon, which is defined as aare getting a good value, not a low cost lemon.
vehicle that requires multiple repairs for multiple