| Don’t buy on impulse or because the salesperson is pressuring you to make a decision. |
| Check out the car’s repair record, maintenance costs, and safety and mileage ratings in consumer magazines or online. Look up the “blue book” value and be prepared to negotiate the price. |
| Buying from a dealer? Look for the Buyers Guide. It’s required by a federal regulation called the Used Car Rule. |
| Make sure all oral promises are written into the Buyers Guide. |
| You have the right to see a copy of the dealer’ warranty before you buy. |
| Warranties are included in the price of the product; service contracts cost extra and are sold separately. |
| Ask for the car’s maintenance record from the owner, dealer, or repair shop. |
| Test drive the car on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go traffic. |
| Have the car inspected by a mechanic you hire. |
| Check out the dealer with local consumer protection officials. |
| If you buy a car “as is,” you’ll have to pay for anything that goes wrong after the sale. |
| The Used Car Rule generally doesn’t apply to private sales. |
| Avoid high-profit, low-value extras sold by dealers, such as credit insurance and extended service. |
| Don’t take possession of the car until the financing paperwork is final. |
If you decide to buy a used vehicle, take time to comparison shop for both the car and its financing plan. Because you do not always know how the used car was driven or maintained, be especially concerned with its condition. Deciding where to buy and where to finance the car is a challenge.
Remember…..Buyers should not pay the asking price for a used car unless they are dealing with a Superstore. Sellers of used cars have set a price that allows room for bargaining. Also, buyers do not always think about having all verbal promises and guarantees in writing. Unless promises are in writing and signed by the seller, they are legally unenforceable. So if the seller will not put everything in writing, your best option is to shop for a better deal elsewhere.