A Wise Word for Buying Used Cars

By Geoff McKay

Many people consider buying used cars as too much of a hassle. They feel as though their money would be better spent on a new car, one for which they can be certain of the history. However, what these people fail to realize is that, even with a new car, there is the possibility of deception or pre-existing problems. The trick, therefore, is not to buy a new car in order to escape difficulty, but to do the proper amount of research to ensure a wonderful purchase experience, whichever you decide to buy.

One thing to remember when buying used cars is never trust what the seller says. If you are buying from a dealer, demand a vehicle history report. Do NOT always trust the car title. There are times during transport that the details of a car title are modified. If you only go by the information on the title, you run the risk of receiving a car that was once listed as "totalled" in another location. This was the case of many cars that were sold post-Hurricane Katrina. Dozens of flooded cars drifted their way north and were resold with clean slates. All while corrosion was eating away on the inside. This is not to say that all used car dealers are dishonest, however, their main goal is to make money and they may not be as thorough as you want them to be concerning a "new" vehicle.

Before you spend your hard earned cash on used cars, become acquainted with the "lemon" laws in your country or state. Lemon laws are designed for the reselling of cars. They declare that if a purchased car fails an inspection within a certain amount of time, you are fully entitled to a refund. These laws were created to protect the consumer, but you can't utilize them properly if you are not aware of their advantages or purchase a vehicle "as-is".

Another thing to keep in mind when buying used cars is that the person selling the car may not be the owner. Whenever you buy from an individual, check the registration information of the vehicle before you hand over any money. The last thing you want is to find out that your money went nowhere or that the car has a host of liens against it. The problem can easily be avoided by going to a reputable dealership.

Whether buying new cars or used cars, remember that "you get what you pay for." While you should always look for a great deal, don't jump at the cheapest price. Check the mileage and the age of the car against that car's make and model. If it's too old or has too many miles, pass it by. It makes a lot more sense to try to bargain down on a reliable car than to purchase a cheaper one that will fail when you really need it to function. The internet is a great place to search for information and even more buying dos and don'ts. Use it. - 21396

About the Author:

Uzanunua has a wide assortment of Used Cars listed and on sale at bargain prices! You won't be disappointed with the range!