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It looks like I made a mistake not doing my research when I purchased my last used car. Besides carfax and such what are some things I should consider and how do I go about getting a trust worthy opinion when I go to pick out my next used vehicle?

5 Comments »

1. 

   have the car checked by a mechanic, go to kbb.com to check value and take a gun

   Comment by sara f — April 28, 2011 @ 6:40 pm

2. 

   Do some homework on the dealership you want to buy a car from. Call the Better Business Bureau. Do you have any friends or family that know a lot about cars? Take one of them with you when car shopping. Good Luck!

   Comment by mageta8 — April 28, 2011 @ 6:40 pm

3. 

   If you have a friend who is a mechanic or knows cars that way and can look at one, examine it under the hood, under the car, etc., that would probably help. Unfortunately, used car dealerships are not very reputable about presenting all the facts other than they want you to sign on the dotted line.

   I have a brother-in-law that used to work in a car dealership and knows the ins and outs of it, and I never buy any car without having him with me to help me negotiate. I made a mistake once by trusting a friend to come with me, the dealership sold me a car with the highest APR loan I ever had plus had all the undercoating, rust proofing added to the package including a passive alarm system I never used. The salesmen love getting their hands on women best of all since we usually do not have a great knowledge of car or its financial intricacies. With a used car, I recommend either a mechanic or another car salesman.

   Comment by hmark — April 28, 2011 @ 6:40 pm

4. 

   First of all, be sure you are buying a car from the actual titled owner, or a licensed dealer! Check the seller’s driver’s license and make sure the information on the title matches exactly. A legitimate dealer will be happy to show you their dealer license! Do not buy from someone who claims that they are selling the car for a friend or relative, or from someone who buys and sells cars without titling them in their own name (unless they have the dealer license). You could end up with a stolen car, and have no legal recourse, because the sellers name is nowhere on the paperwork!

   Look at the car you are considering purchasing. Look for wear and signs of repaired damage. Check the tires for abnormal wear. Look at the pedals and the driver’s seat. If the car shows low mileage, and the pedals and seat are well worn, there may be a problem!

   Look at the fluids. Automatic transmission fluid should be red, and not have a burnt smell. The oil should be clean. Pop off the oil filler and look for signs of water (it will look like milk) and sludge buildup!

   Drive the car. Does it pull when driving, or when the brakes are applied? Are there any abnormal noises? Does it stop, and accelerate smoothly?

   If you do not see any major problems, take the car to your own mechanic (or to a dealership that sells that make new) and pay them to do a complete check on the car. This is going to cost you around $100 (or more at the dealer) but it is money well spent. If the seller will not allow you to have the car checked at your own mechanic, at your own expense, prior to purchase, RUN from the deal!

   Good luck

   Comment by fire4511 — April 28, 2011 @ 6:40 pm

5. 

   Get an educated opinion. Most people get burned on used cars by their own ignorance. Fact is, most people know very little about cars other than how to drive them. Take a friend with you who knows what to look for mechanically or take the car to a mechanic and have them do a pre-purchase inspection. Good luck!

   Comment by Scott H — April 28, 2011 @ 6:40 pm

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