6 Rules for Buying A Used Car

1. Ask the Right Questions – The best thing you can do when you're purchasing a used car is to ask plenty of questions: Why are you selling? How many previous owners were there? Do you have maintenance records? You get the point. Find out as much as you can about the history of the car you're buying.
   
2. Don't Buy A Lemon – Buying used is a cost effective way to ride, but it can also be costly if you're not careful. The truth is you can't always trust what you're being told. Sometimes the seller doesn't have all the information but in some cases the seller might hide or misled you with erroneous information. One way to avoid this is by getting a vehicle history report (AutoCheck® Vehicle History Reports from Experían Automotive. ). If buying from a dealership, look for certified pre-owned vehicles, which often come with warranties. Finally, utilize a mechanic to assess the car before buying it.
   
3. Have A Good Mechanic – Before you buy a used car you want to make sure you have a good mechanic to check your car out. Inevitably you will have some problems down the road with your used vehicle, after all it was owned prior to you, it has some mileage and it'll need repairs so you want to make sure you have a trusted mechanic when the need arises.
   
4. Know What You're Buying – “As Is” means just that. You're buying what you see so make sure you know what you're getting. Test drive the car. See how it drives and feels to you. Take a thorough assessment, inside and out.
   
5. Make Sure The Seller Delivers on Promises – In some cases, you may be buying from a dealership or even an individual (although more rare) that agrees to make certain repairs prior to your purchase. When I was shopping around for a used car I found one that had a cracked windshield, which the dealership stated they would fix before purchase. There was no problem with that. However, when it came to the car tax, I was told that they had been paid for the year. I found out later that this was not the case. I promptly contacted the salesman to address the issue. Lucky for me, I was working with someone that delivered on their promise. Otherwise I would have had to pay additional money that I had not anticipated.
   
6. Know Upfront What Fees Are Involved – In addition to the sticker price, additional fees might include sales tax, license fees, and others. Male sure you understand and determine what additional fees will be added prior to your purchase.