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You might
get good leads from friends, colleagues and relatives on people
who may sell used cars. You may also check auto and consumer magazines
and books at your local library for information on the reliability
records of various models. You may call the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration's (NHTSA) toll-free hotline (800-424-9393)
to find out if the particular vehicle you are considering was
recalled for safety defects. Check insurance rates with your agent
when selecting a car; some cars cost more to insure than others
do.
You should
thoroughly investigate and compare prices before the purchase.
The Kelley Blue Book might be a good source for this information.
This book is available with most libraries and bookstores.
Where
to Buy?
Used cars are available with:
New
car dealers
New car dealers acquire most of their used cars through trade-in-deals.
These cars are also likely to come with a limited warranty under
which the dealer is obligated to fix problems with the vehicles
covered by the warranty.
Used
car dealers
Used car dealers generally sell vehicles that have seen a
bit more use and abuse than those on the new car dealer's lot.
You may pay less, but the car is less likely to have received
needed repairs. Used car dealers also may offer limited warranties.
Consider the dealer's reputation and reliability and ask for references.
You may also the Better Business Bureau in your locality for any
complaints filed against the dealer.
Car
rental agencies
Car rental agencies may sell used rental cars, generally
9 to 12 months old and driven less than 25,000 miles. The company
usually can provide the car's maintenance and repair records,
and may offer a limited warranty. However, mileage on rental cars
is often high on a per year basis, and the cars may suffer from
the wear and tear that comes from use by a variety of drivers.
Bank and loan companies
Bank and loan companies sometimes sell repossessed cars to pay
off defaulted loans. Quality varies from car to car. However,
since the vehicle is being sold to recover the amount due on a
loan, it may be possible to get a good deal on a reliable car.
Private owners
Private owners usually sell their used cars through newspaper
classified ads. Although checking out used cars in newspaper ads
may be time consuming, you may find a well-maintained car selling
for less money than you would pay a dealer. One of the drawbacks
of buying a car from private owners is that warranty and repair
services are not available.
Inspecting the Car
Before purchasing the car, you must inspect it thoroughly and
ask for "on the lot" checklist. Once you have the checklist,
inspect the car with the checklist as your guideline.
Some of the common parts you must check are :
Body, Tires, Doors, Windows, Trunk Lid, Window Glass and Lights,
Tailpipe, Shock Absorbers, Fluids, Lights and Mechanical Parts,
and interiors.
Road
test
While you conduct the road test, the car must start
easily and without excessive noise. Once the car has warmed up,
listen for engine noise as you drive; unusual sounds may be signs
of major trouble. When driven over a rough surface, watch for
unusual vibrations, noises and odors.
Try turning
the car at different speeds, too much sway or stiffness can mean
bad shocks and/or front end problems. Turn the wheel all the way
from one side to the other; power steering should feel smooth,
with little or no squealing.
Technician's
checklist
The car may also be taken to a repair facility for a thorough
check by a technician.
The technician should perform the following.
- An engine
compression test
- Check spark
plugs and ignition system
- Perform
a contamination diagnosis of oil and fluids
- Check transmission
fluid
- Check fan
and belts,
- Charging
system,
- Power
steering and air conditioner ·
- Cooling
system: radiator, heater, by-pass hose
- Check
braking system: lining, wheel and master cylinders, drums and
front disks, hoses, bearings, grease seals.
- Check suspension:
ball joints, tie rod end, idler arm.
Remove differential plug and check lubricant.
- Test drive
the vehicle
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