Purchasing a Pre-Owned Car

A used vehicle is a fantastic way to stay within your budget and still obtain a great car. If you do a thorough search you can find a good used car that will last for many years. Committing to the first low-priced car you see is not a good strategy when avoiding lemons. Finding a quality used car that you will be happy with for a long time requires research, comparison shopping, checking your state's lemon laws, looking up the VIN number, and checking local dealers. Make sure that you know what car you really want before going on a shopping spree. Before going to look around at a dealership or meeting with a private seller, have all the key facts and figures firmly in your mind. Have in mind how many miles are alright with you, as well as the features you will want on your used car.

Begin by checking the value of the cars online; also visit car sales sites online. You will be made aware of a general price for your desired car. Remember that if something seems to good to be true, then it probably is! If it is priced unusually low, you may make up for the low price later in repairs. Do some research on your state's Lemon Laws. These provide insurance for the buyer. Lemons are defined as vehicles that require multiple repairs for multiple problems within a certain time period. This period is typically 30 to 45 days. These laws vary from state to state, so be sure to check the specifics in your own state. Having the law on your side will give you more confidence to ask tough questions which will stop you from buying a lemon! When you're buying a car, it can be helpful to research the VIN number, as knowing the car's history can help you avoid buying a lemon.

On the driver's side of the car, near where the front windshield meets the dash, you will find a car's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). Be sure to write this down once you've found a car you like. It's easy to get a report on a car's history if you have about $20 and the car's VIN. Taking a car to a mechanic can tell you about the car's current condition, but obtaining a VIN report will tell you everything that has been reported about the car, including accidents and major repairs. At times, you can find bargains from dealers. While a dealer is generally more expensive than a private party, cars sold by a dealer are sometimes under warranty, and are often put through detailed inspections. Buying through a dealer is an excellent way to avoid purchasing a lemon. Always keep in mind that a low price does not always equal a good value; in other words, you want to avoid a car that is cheap because it could cost you much more in the long run.