| Here are 10 things to keep in mind before you sign the | | | | deal.5. Have the car checked by a mechanic. Sure |
| dotted line on a used car.1. Before selecting a used car | | | | you'll know if the car was in an |
| you want to buy, read some reviews and check if the | | | | accident through the history report but a mechanic |
| car has a good track record in terms of reliability. You | | | | can tell if the car was properly |
| may get an unreliable car | | | | maintained. It would be a shame to buy a car and |
| cheap, but it'll likely break down. Spend a little more | | | | then realize that it needs a |
| money on something more | | | | $1000.00 repair. A mechanic may find something that |
| reliable as repairs are still expensive on cheap cars.2. | | | | you did not notice and it |
| Find out the fuel economy rating of the vehicle(s) | | | | could save you thousands.6. Always stay level |
| you're interested in, and how | | | | headed when looking at a used car for sale and try |
| much it'll cost to insure. If this is your first car, insurance | | | | not to go |
| will be high especially if | | | | alone. Having a second opinion is very important.7. If |
| you're getting a sporty, 2-door vehicle. Staying with a | | | | you decide to take the car on a test drive, make sure |
| 4-door sedan will help you | | | | to try everything out, |
| get better insurance rates. Also, with gas prices on | | | | including the a/c, radio, and power features (windows, |
| the rise, fuel economy is | | | | mirrors, locks, etc) if so |
| becoming even more important.3. Once you've | | | | equipped. Drive the vehicle on a variety of roads and |
| selected a vehicle, make sure you know the history of | | | | go to an empty parking lot to |
| it. There are a | | | | test the brakes and handing. But remember, this is |
| variety of companies that will run a history report on | | | | someone's car so be respectful.8. Stay away from |
| the car by checking that the | | | | older cars that have a lot of electronic gizmos. These |
| VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) of that vehicle was | | | | are often |
| not reported in an accident, | | | | costly to repair and are not as reliable as vehicles that |
| stolen, flooded, or repossessed. Most people are not | | | | are more basic.9. Although a lower mileage vehicle is |
| up front as they want to sell | | | | great, a vehicle with a lot of highway miles is |
| the car. Do your research and stay away from | | | | not bad at all. Highway driving is very easy on the car. |
| anything or anyone you're suspicious | | | | Stop and go driving is much |
| of.4. Find out the used vehicle value. Check online, local | | | | harder. The condition of the car is more important |
| newspapers, and the Kelly | | | | than the mileage so long as the |
| Blue Book for what the vehicle is worth. Keep in mind | | | | car was properly maintained.10. Stay away from ex |
| that the 'book value' is not | | | | police cars, cabs, or rentals. These vehicles are |
| always the best measure for what the vehicle is | | | | traditionally |
| worth as it just gives you the | | | | driven very hard and sometimes not as well |
| average value. Knowing what other people are asking | | | | maintained. They're cheap, but risky to |
| in the area will help you | | | | buy. |
| negotiate and determine if you're getting a good | | | | |