Tips For Buying A Used Car

							Title:
Tips For Buying A Used Car

Word Count:
367

Summary:
Buying a car is one of the largest
investments many people make in the
ir lives--and more and more, people
 are bypassing new cars for used mo
dels.


Keywords:
Tips For Buying A Used Car


Article Body:
Buying a car is one of the largest
investments many people make in the
ir lives-and more and more, people
are bypassing new cars for used mod
els. In fact, used cars have become
 big business in the U.S. and today
, consumers have choices that stret
ch beyond the big lots and dealersh
ips.

Just remember that when you're buyi
ng a car-new or used-it's important
 to get the facts first. Doing so c
an help you be more certain you're
actually getting the car you want a
t the price that's right.

"Buyers should be sure to consider
all the angles-from mileage, model
and vehicle history, to warranties
and financing," says Brad Eggleston
 of AutoVantage. Here's how to prot
ect yourself:

• Check out the model's repai
r record, maintenance costs, and sa
fety and mileage ratings in consume
r magazines or online. Check the Na
tional Highway Transportation Safet
y Administration's Web site (www.nh
tsa.dot.gov) to see if the car you
are considering has any recalls ass
ociated with it.

• Get a vehicle history repor
t from Experian Automotive (www.aut
ocheck.com). It's a cheap way to en
sure you're not the victim of odome
ter fraud and that the car wasn't i
n a fire, flood or accident.

• Dealers are required by the
 Federal Trade Commission to post a
 Buyer's Guide in every used vehicl
e offered for sale. Read it. This g
uide provides important information
 about the car and always overrules
 your sales contract.

• Consult the Kelley Blue Boo
k to learn what a car is worth befo
re going to the negotiating table.
Be prepared to bargain for the best
 deal on your car. Also, visit a qu
alified mechanic for an automotive
diagnostic and inspection before bu
ying. Check the Car Care Council's
Web site (www.carcarecouncil.org) t
o find certified mechanics.

• Take a serious test drive.
Test the acceleration and give the
brakes a workout. Make sure the ste
ering wheel doesn't wander from lef
t to right or shake. Drive up and d
own hills, down highways and throug
h stop-and-go traffic.

• When financing, beware of a
dvertisements offering tempting dea
ls to folks with bad credit or firs
t-time buyers. Find out the exact p
rice you're paying for the vehicle,
 the amount you're financing, the f
inance charge, the APR and how many
 payments you're up against.