Look for used vehicles from these sources.
Private Sellers
You can expect to pay as much as 15 percent
less for a vehicle sold by an individual than
you would pay for the same model bought from
a dealership’s used-vehicle lot. Research
information that will help you negotiate with the owner.
You may also have access to information about the
vehicle’s performance and maintenance costs.
However, a private seller may not allow you to take
the vehicle to your own mechanic for an inspection
before you buy. If you buy a vehicle from an individual
and find out that the vehicle has major problems,
you may not be able to get your money back.
Most private sellers will not accept a personal check.
However, you could get financing at your financial
institution and give the seller a cashier’check.
An individual offers no warranties, guarantees or
money-back promises. You are also at greater risk for
buying a stolen vehicle from an individual than from a
dealership. Never buy a vehicle from a photograph only.
| Ask Questions |
- How many miles are on the vehicle?
- Are you the original owner?
- Are the service records available?
- Is the vehicle still under warranty?
- Is the price negotiable?
- Why are you selling it?
- Has the vehicle been in an accident?
- What would you fix if you were keeping the vehicle?
- Does the vehicle need additional work?
- Who has been doing the maintenance?
|
| Look For Signs Of Trouble |
Inspect the vehicle during daylight hours.
- Check the ground for fluids — a clue that the vehicle could have a leak.
- Look under the hood to inspect hoses, the radiator, fluid levels, belts and wiring.
- Inspect the tires for wear and the body for obvious dents, dings or cracks.
- Open the trunk and inspect the spare tire.
- Look for missing equipment, torn upholstery and general cleanliness and care.
- Make sure that interior and exterior lights work, power windows
operate smoothly, safety belts are in good condition and that the
horn works.
|
New-Vehicle Dealerships
Most new-vehicle dealerships also offer used vehicles.
These dealerships offer all the services you expect
when you buy a new vehicle including on-site repair
facilities, financing and many of the same guarantees
offered for new vehicles.
These "almost-new" vehicles, are reconditioned and
sold with the same warranties that are offered on
new vehicles.
You may not get the lowest prices at new-vehicle
dealerships, but you are likely to get high-quality
vehicles and the most desirable models.
Used-Vehicle Dealerships
Unlike new-vehicle dealerships, used-vehicle dealerships
buy their inventory from the public, auctions and
new-vehicle dealerships. These dealerships may
offer top-quality, specialized vehicles such as
luxury, foreign or sports models at prices that are
below those you will find at new-vehicle dealerships.
Be cautious. Make sure that you know the reputation
of each dealership. Avoid any independent dealership
without tenure in the community. If you are unsure about
a specific dealership, contact your local consumer
protection office or the Better Business Bureau to
determine if any complaints have been filed against
the dealership.
If you find a vehicle you like at an independent
used-vehicle dealership that you trust, make
sure you ask your own mechanic to examine it before
you buy. These dealerships may not offer warranties
and generally do not have service departments.
Used-Vehicle Superstores
Used-vehicle superstores offer "nearly new"
vehicles with good warranties from every major
vehicle manufacturer. Most of these used vehicles
are high-quality leased vehicles turned in at the
end of their lease. You may select and compare vehicles
by model, price and other criteria electronically.
Superstores generally sell vehicles at fixed prices,
with little or no opportunity for negotiation. Prices
tend to be higher than those you might find at
traditional dealerships.
VIN Search
Get a vehicle-history report from CarFax or
Auto Check. These reports — available for a nominal
fee — will tell you if the vehicle was ever:
-
Damaged in a fire, flood, hailstorm or accident.
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Found to have possible odometer fraud.
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Used as a rental vehicle, taxi or police vehicle.
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Reported stolen or if a salvage title was ever issued.
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Returned under Lemon Laws.
Red Flags
Walk away from any vehicle that could be a high risk.
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Any vehicle that has been in a wreck.
-
Vehicles with modified engines.
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Models that have gone out of production.
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Used trucks or commercial vans.
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Station wagons that have been used for
commercial purposes.
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Police vehicles, fleet vehicles or taxis.
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Previously salvaged vehicles.
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Any vehicle that you suspect might be stolen.
Test Drive Checklist
Spend adequate time test driving each vehicle.
Take a friend along for the ride. The opinion
of another individual who you trust can be helpful.
Use the Test Drive Checklist as a guide.
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