Buying a used car can be risky. It is important to know what criteria to look for when searching for a car so you can make an informed decision about which vehicle to choose.
Used car dealerships, classified ads, Internet sites and campus message boards all are locations to find used cars for sale.
After finding interesting offers, contact the car’s owner so you can begin to assemble information about the vehicle.
Amber Fallon, an elementary education freshman who recently purchased a used car, said she and her parents had the opportunity to talk to the previous owners of her car.
“The owners gave us the car’s history, but other people may not be as honest about the history of a car they are looking to sell,” Fallon said.
One critical piece of information is the car’s vehicle identification number, or VIN.
According to Haney Owen’s Auto Body automotive specialist Carl Chulla, the VIN can be found by looking through the windshield on the front of the driver’s side dashboard, on an insurance card or policy, vehicle title or registration, or on the doorpost of the front driver’s side door.
The VIN is used to access the car’s history. Carfax.com, autocheck.com and app.consumerguide.com are sites that offer free background checks on used cars.
According to Carfax.com, running a vehicle history report will tell you if the car was ever totaled, salvaged, stolen or flooded; if the title was rebuilt or failed inspection; how long the dealer has owned the car and if you should suspect odometer fraud.
If you buy a car without knowledge of its history you run the risk of increased insurance rates and visits to mechanics to fix reoccurring problems you never knew existed.
To avoid tribulations with your new vehicle, Carbuyingtips.com recommends having a mechanic inspect the car before purchase.
Chulla said mechanics can put the car on a lift and instantly spot previous crash damage, hidden frame damage, corrosion and fluid leaks which can prevent you from incurring future monetary losses.
Inspections prices can range from $45 to $75.
Carbuyingtips.com recommends you have your own financing and loan approvals ready before you shop for a car.
You should have an estimate of how much the car you are seeking will cost, and if that amount is appropriate, be sure you are getting the best deal.
Kelley’s Blue Book, Consumer Reports Used Car Buying Guide and the N.A.D.A Official Used Car Guide present valuable tips, such as estimated prices for cars and each car’s probability of theft.
Amazon.com describes Kelley’s Blue Book as an “invaluable resource” for car buyers because of all the information it holds.
Kelley’s Blue Book Used Car Guide appears twice a year with current private party and trade-in values, along with retail value, VIN, original list price and more for thousands of used cars, trucks and vans.
Consumer Reports Used Car Buying Guide contains information such as Best Buy ratings, road test scores, recall and safety data, trouble spots and repair costs.