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Learn how to buy a used carWe will teach you how to buy a dependable, affordable used car without getting scammed.Buying a "used car" involves some uncertainties, but the market has improved over the past few years. Cars are better made, have much improved safety systems, and, with proper maintenance, can last for many years. While you probably will want to test drive a used car, you can still do your research and have everything else completed online.
Know The Market Value Of Your Used CarAlways know the market value of any used car you're considering and make your first offer lower. It’s always easy to go up from your initial offer, but you probably won't be able to negotiate down from there. Kelley's Blue Book offers pricing information to help you determine the value of the used car.
Buyer Beware
CARFAX gives you the real history of any used car. Have an instant check of the CARFAX database to determine the number of available vehicle history records for a specific VIN. Enter the VIN of the used car that you want to buy and CARFAX searches its nationwide database and provides a detailed vehicle history report in seconds. Records in the CARFAX Vehicle History Report™ reveal important information that can affect your decision about a car. This can include:
Prior salvage, flood, or total loss reported to CARFAX,free lemon check and open recall check.
Buy a used car
Find the used car you want on cars.com Once you have decided on the used car you want, go to the dealership, ready to inspect the car. You do not have to be a trained mechanic to do a basic inspection of the used car that you want to buy. Check that the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the dashboard matches VINs printed elsewhere on the car (on the frame under the hood or in the door frame) and the bill of sale. Mismatched VINs could indicate stolen parts or a hot vehicle. Take a look. Make sure the body parts line up, the paint matches, doors open and close easily, and the tires show even wear. Lift the Hood. Check under the hood for leaky hoses, worn belts, and dirty oil. Automatic transmission fluid should be clear and reddish, and not smell burned. Radiator water should have a light yellow or green color. Take a seat. Turn the ignition key to accessory and make sure all of the warning lights and gauges work. Start the car and check all lights and accessories and make sure no warning lights remain lit on the dashboard. Pay close attention to the airbag indicator lights. If these lights fail to illuminate as you start the car, or stay lit after the car is running, it is a warning that the car's airbags are not functioning correctly. Perform a Safety Check. Try on the seat belt and take a test drive to ensure that you are comfortable while driving the vehicle. Make sure head restraints, roof structures, and windshield designs do not interfere with your ability to see clearly. Test the vehicle at dusk or early evening to determine your comfort with the visibility provided by the headlamps. If you already have a child safety seat, install it to check for compatibility.
Hit the Road. Take the vehicle up to 35-40 MPH. Make sure shifting is smooth and steering is straight. When braking, a pull to the left or the right could indicate a brake problem. The steering wheel should not shimmy at high speeds and cornering should be smooth.
| Here are some more resources to buy a car: For updated news and information, stop by our Buy A Car Blog More information on how to buy a car:
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