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Purchasing Pre-owned Cars
by Otto Treivich
http://www.fccars.com
Previously owned cars are a great option and a good deal
for those people who don~t want to pay the retail price of
a brand new car. Additionally, older-model cars may even
be more sturdily built than their newer conuterparts.
Before purchasing a used car though, please consider the
following points.
1. Resist the temptation to run out and by a very-old
vehicle because of its low price and possible collection
potential in the future. There is no guarantee that the
car will ever appreciate, and you will likely spend more
on maintenance and repair that you would purchasing a
newer-model used car. Generally, you should limit your
used car purchases to vehicles less than four years old.
Cars less than four years old will generally require less
maintenance and repair than their older counterparts, they
are more likely to have a record of reliability, and they
may still be covered under extended warranty plans.
2. Check the odometer. If the car has more than 100,000
miles on it, no matter the age, you can most likely expect
problems in the near future. If the mileage appears
suspiciously low, like in the 30,000-mile range, ask the
dealer whether the odometer has been tampered with so that
the mileage is really 130,000 miles. Also ask whether these
were mostly highway or city miles. Driving on the highway
or interstate can mean less wear and tear on the vehicle.
3. Be suspicious of a car that has mismatched parts or looks
as if a lot of dents were lifted from it or as if it had
been painted over several times. Ask if the car has been
involved in any accidents or required any major repairs
for reasons other than aging parts. Have the car
thoroughly checked by a trusted mechanic for a bent frame
and sub-standard parts.
4. Check on previous owners. Cars with one or two owners
are more likely to be in good shape than cars with
larger successions of owners. Ask about the driving habits
of past owners. Middle-aged drivers with good records are
most likely to have cars that are in the best shape, but
quality used cars aren't exclusive to that group of
drivers.
Don~t be shy about asking whatever questions that you feel
need to be asked in order to make an appropriate purchase.
You don't have to pay more than blue book for any car, so
don't allow yourself to be pressured into doing so. Look
at many cars, take your time looking, and use common sense
to make purchasing pre-owned cars and easy and pain-free
process.
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