| Here are some tips to set you on the right track in | | | | When opting to buy from used car dealers, be careful |
| buying a used car. | | | | not to be taken in by persuasive talk. Don't take their |
| 1. WHAT KIND OF CAR YOU NEED. | | | | word for it, check the car yourself. |
| It's okay to stick to a price range or budget. But first | | | | 5. TEST DRIVE BASICS |
| consider the kind of used car you need. Prices vary | | | | Be sure to watch out for these:a. Does the car |
| according to the brand and make of a car. For | | | | swerve on either direction? (Also, see if the tires have |
| instance, a small sedan is cheaper, but if you'd pack | | | | uneven wear.) If so, it would need a wheel alignment.b. |
| that car with lots of people or packages, that would | | | | Is the air cool enough? If not, check if it's simply a lack |
| cause tearing or breakdown. This would necessitate | | | | of freeon or worse.c. Are the brakes in good |
| lots of repair jobs which would mean more expenses | | | | condition?d. Do you hear unusual sounds? If so, the |
| for you. | | | | engine might have problems. |
| 2. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. | | | | 6. INTERIOR CHECKLIST |
| Check out the classifieds for the regular market price | | | | The condition of the interior gives clue to how much |
| ranges on the type of used car that you are going to | | | | the car has been used and taken cared of. Also, a |
| buy. | | | | very low mileage reading on a badly looking interior is a |
| 3. CHEAP IS NOT ALWAYS THE BEST. | | | | sign of meter tampering. |
| Don't be fooled by the price. Consider the amount of | | | | 7. CHECK THE EXTERIOR FOR RUST AND |
| money you will still need to shell out to recondition the | | | | PAINTOVERS. |
| used car once you buy it. | | | | It might have been in an accident before. |
| 4. WHERE TO SCOUT | | | | 8. CHECK THE GROUND UNDER THE CAR FOR |
| Private sellers usually sell at a cheaper price. The | | | | SIGNS OF LEAKAGE. |
| advantage though of buying from a car dealer is that it | | | | 9. CHECK THE OIL. |
| usually comes with good warranty. | | | | Oil should be clear. BLACK colored oil is not a good |
| Be bold enough to scout from private sellers if you are | | | | sign. |
| confident that you can assess the condition of the | | | | 10. CHECK THE MUFFLER FOR LEAKS. |
| used car fairly well. If not, maybe you could bring a | | | | A WHITE or BLUE colored emission would be the sign. |
| mechanic to check out the vehicle. | | | | Happy used car hunting! |