| In a struggling economy, it is understandable that a | | | | Do you have the car's history available on paper? |
| family trying to save money will wait until a better time | | | | Each car comes with its own Vehicle Identification |
| to buy a car. Sometimes, however, getting a new car | | | | Number, or VIN. Using the VIN, you can generate a |
| becomes a necessity even with a lean income. There | | | | report that tells you everything about the car - |
| may be a new addition to the household that requires | | | | accidents and mileage, number of owners, number of |
| a larger vehicle, or perhaps the trusted family car just | | | | times it was serviced, etc. If a dealer or owner is |
| doesn't have the power to make it another year. | | | | reluctant to give you this information, or even the VIN |
| Whatever the reason, be assured that there are | | | | number so you can find out yourself, that is likely a |
| options for car buyer in tough times. Considering a | | | | good sign you should shop elsewhere. |
| pre-owned vehicle is a good idea. | | | | Does the car need to be serviced right now? Take a |
| Where to Buy Used Cars | | | | look at the car's condition, and you may be able to tell |
| Car shoppers have more options available to them | | | | if any work needs to be done. A side-view mirror may |
| than ever before. Dealerships working mainly with new | | | | need fixing, tires rotated, oil changed, etc. Find out what |
| models may have pre-owned trades-in on the lot, and | | | | the owner is willing to do to get the car in good shape |
| there are businesses that deal solely with used cars - | | | | before you agree to anything. |
| chains like CarMax and privately-owned lots may be | | | | Did anyone smoke in the car? People smoke, and |
| found in your town. Other options, like browsing the | | | | sometimes in their cars. Long after the cigarettes are |
| Internet and checking the newspaper for "For Sale by | | | | stubbed out, the odor can remain in the fabric. If you |
| Owner" ads, are popular as well, but no matter where | | | | are a non-smoker and are irritated by the smell, find |
| you plan to buy the car, it's important to know | | | | out about the car. It may take more than a pine tree |
| everything about it. Test the car, and talk with the | | | | freshener to erase the smoke. |
| owner thoroughly before making a decision. | | | | The more informed you are about the pre-owned car |
| What to Ask a Used Car Dealer or Owner | | | | you wish to buy, the more satisfied you will feel about |
| Before you make that contracted commitment to buy | | | | your final decision. Buying a car, new or used, is a big |
| a used car, consider the following questions first: | | | | step, so don't be afraid to ask questions. |