Used Cars - When Life Gives You Lemons, Send Them Back

By Geoff McKay

Some people consider buying a used car too much of a hassle. They think that their money would be better spent on a new car, one which they can be certain of its past. However, what they fail to realize is that, even with a new car, there is the possibility of deception or existing problems. The trick is not to buy a new car in order to escape difficulty, but to do the right amount of research to ensure a perfect purchase experience.

Something you should always remember when looking to buy used cars is to never trust what the seller says. If you are buying from a dealer, demand a vehicle history report. Do NOT always trust the car title. Occasionally during transport, the details of a car are changed. If you only go by the information given, you run the risk of paying for a car that was once listed as "totalled" in another location and time. This was the issue for many cars that were sold during post-Hurricane Katrina. Many flooded cars drifted their way north and were cleaned up and sold with a clean slate. All whilst corrosion was slowly destroying the car on the inside. This is not to say that all used car dealers are thieves, but their main goal is to make a living and they may not be as thorough as you want them to be concerning a "new" car.

Before you spend your hard earned cash on used cars, become acquainted with the "lemon" laws in your country or state. Lemon laws are designed for the reselling of cars. They declare that if a purchased car fails an inspection within a certain amount of time, you are fully entitled to a refund. These laws were created to protect the consumer, but you can't utilize them properly if you are not aware of their advantages or purchase a vehicle "as-is".

Another important thing to bear in mind is that the person selling the car might not be the real owner. When you buy from an individual, be sure to check the registration of the vehicle before you hand over any cash. You don't want to find out that your money went nowhere or that the car has a list of liens against it. The problem can be avoided by going to a respectable dealership.

Whether you purchase a new car or a used car, always remember "you get what you pay for". Whilst you should try to find a good deal, don't jump at the cheapest one. Always check the mileage and age of the car against that car's make and model. If it's too old or has travelled too far, leave it. It makes more sense to try to negotiate a reliable car than to purchase one that's dirt cheap that will likely fail when you need it most. The internet is a great place to search for such information with a wealth of do's and don'ts. - 29952

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