sherlock-holmes

Continuing Quest for a GREAT Used Car!

If you have completed your, you should now have a couple of different vehicles you're interested in. You should know the year, make, model and mileage you can afford. With this list in hand, it's time to start trying on different cars on for size. Treat this as "window shopping," and don't let your emotions carry you down the road of no return!

dog-hanging-out-of-carDon't focus on whether it's the right color, or even if this particular vehicle runs poorly. This phase is all about helping you decide if a particular make and model is really the one you want to consider. You are investigating how the car feels to you while driving, how comfortable the seats are, is there enough room for all your stuff, will it fit your partner, children, dogs, instruments, etc.

Once your list is short and precise, it's time to start searching for The One! There are many different places to look for a great used car: new car dealer lots and independent used car dealer lots; the Internet; car rental agencies; bank and loan auctions; classified ads; or, you may just see a car on the side of the road with a sign in it. All these sources have their pros and cons. The main thing you want to look for is a vehicle with a solid engine that has no rust, and hasn't been in an accident. If you find a vehicle you like and it needs work on the brakes, exhaust, struts, or shocks, or is due for a tune-up or timing belt replacement, don't let that scare you away. This type of work needs to be done on a regular basis, and once done, the vehicle will be safe and reliable.

OLD-TELEPHONEStarting your leg work on the telephone can save a lot of time and trouble. The following questions will help you to determine if a vehicle is worth the time to go look at.

Ask Car Dealers

  • Is the transmission Automatic or Manual? (If the transmission is not what you want, there is no need to ask further questions.)
  • Do they check over the used car thoroughly before selling it? If they find anything wrong with the car, do they fix it?
  • Has the vehicle had any repairs or service recently (example: brakes, tires, exhaust, battery?) If so, what garage performed the work? Can they continue to service your car after you purchase it?
  • Has the vehicle been repainted? If so why?
  • Has it been involved in any accidents?
  • What's the condition of the vehicle's body? Is there any rust?
  • When does the Vermont State inspection expire? (A minimum of 6 months is good?a year is better)
  • Can you take the car to another mechanic to have it thoroughly inspected before you make an offer?
  • What kind of warranty do they offer? Is it in writing?
  • Can they provide you with a list of satisfied customers?
  • What price are they asking for the vehicle?

Ask Private Sellers

Ask the same questions you would ask any dealer, plus the following questions:

  • Are they the original owner? (most original owners tend to take good care of their car.)
  • If not, how long did they have the car and where did they purchase it?
  • How many miles has the vehicle been driven? ( Average mileage is ten to twelve thousand miles per year)
  • How often was a "lube oil & filter" performed? (3000 miles is the desired limit for mixed driving, 5000 miles is okay for cars that mainly do a lot of highway driving.)
  • Can you see all the service records from all the work done to the car, including oil changes? (This will verify how well the owner took care of the vehicle)
  • Why are they selling it? (Incidentally, if they plan to purchase the same make of vehicle, that indicates it was a good car for them.)

The answers to these questions will help you decide if you should even look at the car. If you like what you hear, then it's time to do a preliminary inspection. A road test and inspection of the vehicle will verify or falsify the information you were given.

The most critical thing to do before buying a used car is to take it to a professional auto technician to perform a thorough inspection of the car. Even if the car has been "certified" by the dealer and is being sold with a warranty or service contract, this is important. Nothing is worse than buying a car with all the money you have, then finding out a week later that it needs brakes, exhaust work, plus replacement of all the original hoses that are about to blow. Know what you have before you spend your hard-earned dollars!

Happy Motoring,

Amy