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How to Buy A Used Car

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By Sidhartha
User-Submitted Article
(11 Ratings)
Buy A Used Car
Buy A Used Car

Are you in the market for a used car? Chances are it can seem really daunting when buying a used car just for the fact that you don't really know where or what that car has been through. In addition no one wants to buy a lemon. Below are some simple yet effective ways to protect yourself when buying any used car.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1
    Click to enlarge
     
    Click to enlarge

    Your first line of defense is a car fax report. Though its not free, roughly 40 bucks for an unlimited amount of vehicle history reports, it is well worth your money. I figure you can spend 40 dollars to protect yourself or you can spend 4000 dollars trying to fix the problem.

  2. Step 2

    Know who you are buying from if it is a used car dealership, check with your local better business bureau or state's dept of consumer affairs. If they do shaddy business someone has a complaint on file. If you are purchasing from an individual, Ask lots of questions and then do a car fax report to see if they are telling the truth. In addition see if they have saved paperwork of their car maintenance. Chances are if they keep service recipes the car was taken car of. If they seem disorganized and don't have the paperwork, this is a sign that something is wrong.

  3. Step 3

    Check the blue book value of the car and see if it roughly matches the price tag of the vehicle. If its way off this could mean problems.

  4. Step 4

    Last but not least don't let anyone rush you. When you ask a lot of questions and do the research you will save yourself a lot of headaches. If the reseller seems like they are in a rush an rushes you, they don't deserve your business. Plain an simple

Comments  

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MrBB said

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on 1/8/2009 These are good ideas. You can also bring a friend with you if you are prone to being talked into a sale too easily by salespeople.

AllFYB said

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on 1/8/2009 What Excellant tips for buying a used car and Step 4 is so important for all of us look-see-and-buy types...

Samanthe said

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on 1/5/2009 Being a woman I can really appreciate this article. Thanks

luv2blog said

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on 1/4/2009 I hate dealing with salespeople. I would pay somebody to deal with a used car dealer before I mess with one. lol.

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on 1/4/2009 good tips

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