How to Buy a Mercury

With the emergence of the new Mercury there came a special payment incentive that helped dealers sell models that moved slowly. Mercury also upped the warranty on new and used vehicles. This insures that the car is reliable and free from known defects. The warranty guarantees that within a certain amount of time and mileage from the purchase date, covered repairs are free.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Online resources
• Blue book for buying cars
• Good credit
• Trusted mechanic

1. Decide if you want a new or used car. The warranty differences are not as far apart as you might think—both have restrictions of mileage and years of ownership.

2. Research a used Mercury car before you buy it. Mercury cars have had recall issues with the fuel system and the windshield has been a special problem.

3. Search the ownership history of the used Mercury. Find out if the car is prone to mechanical troubles. Many Lincoln/Mercury cars have trouble with the computer chips in the engine.

4. Start your purchase online—look at a variety of car Mercury models and pick one that fits your body, your budget and your needs. It's important to note that 2003 and 2004 models had trouble with their electrical systems and hydraulic steering. Warranties on cars this old are relatively non-existent; budget money for repairs.

5. Realize quickly that buying a used car is a long process. A 2005 Mercury Mountaineer has a fair trade value, a private sale value and a suggested retail value at the dealership—look online at Kelley Blue Book to find these types of quotes.

6. Read the classifieds with discretion. Many horror stories are in the classifieds when buying a used Mercury car, do your homework. Know the problems you are buying.

7. Take the Mercury to your personal mechanic for a full inspection before you sign any paperwork. Give the mechanic the recall information from the car website and ask they he specifically check these issues.

Tips & Warnings

• Patience and research will get you the best deal possible.
• Protect your credit rating. A good credit score will lower your interest rate.
• There are over 2 million accidents annually. It is very likely the used car you buy has been in an accident.
• Don’t buy a used car that you haven’t had fully inspected by a trusted mechanic.
• You need to trust the mechanic’s advice. If he says, don’t buy—don’t buy.