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Purchasing Pre-owned Cars
by Otto Treivich
http://www.fccars.com
Not everyone wants to buy a new car nowadays. Some of the
older models are so well built that it pays to get one that
is a few years old and save tons of money off the sticker
price of a new vehicle. But before you run out and purchase
a used car from the nearest lot, here are a few things to
keep in mind.
1. Don~t get one that is more than a couple of years old.
You may be tempted to buy a much older car, perhaps hoping
to keep it for a couple of decades until it becomes a
~classic.~ But keep in mind that you~ll most likely
experience problems with a car that is feeling its age. You
may have to replace engine parts, tires, the exhaust
system, or other parts that are getting to be worn out.
Instead, look for a vehicle that is less than four years
old. You may still get a great deal price-wise, and you
shouldn~t expect to have as many problems with a car that
may still be under warranty.
2. Check the car's mileage. Cars over 100,000 miles are
likely to cost more in maintenance and repairs. Be wary
of cars that average mileage of less than 15,000 miles
per year; unusually low mileage may indicate odometer
tampering. Ask where the car was driven for the majority
of its mileage. Highway miles are much easier on a car
than the stop-and-go driving of the city.
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. Inquire about the previous owners. If the car has had
just one or two owners, it may be in decent shape. But if
it has gone through a succession of owners, there may be
problems. Ask a little bit about the person who drove the
vehicle previously. A sedate middle-aged person might be
your best bet, although a good driver can be any age.
As a rule, take notes, ask loads of questions, and do not
pay a penny over the blue book value. Following these
tip and using common sense will help you to buy a
pre-owned car that meets your needs and holds its value.
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