Used vehicles can be purchased from these sources.
Private Sellers
You can expect to pay as much as 15 percent
less for a vehicle sold by an individual than
you would pay for the same model bought from a
dealership’s used-vehicle lot.
Research information about the vehicle’s
performance and maintenance costs. If possible,
take the vehicle to your own mechanic for an
inspection before you buy. An individual
offers no warranties, guarantees or money-back promises.
Most private sellers will not accept a personal check.
However, you could get financing at your financial
institution and give the seller a cashier’s check.
You are at greater risk for buying a stolen
vehicle from an individual. Never buy a
vehicle from a photograph only.
| Ask Questions |
- Are you the original owner?
- Why are you selling it?
- Is the odometer accurate?
- Has the vehicle been in an accident?
- Is the vehicle still under warranty?
- Who has been doing the maintenance?
- Are the service records available?
- What would you fix if you were keeping the vehicle?
- Does the vehicle need additional work?
- May I take the vehicle to my mechanic for an inspection?
- Is the price negotiable?
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| Look For Signs Of Trouble |
Inspect the vehicle during daylight hours.
- Check the ground for fluids — a clue that the
vehicle could have a leak.
- Look under the hood to inspect hoses, the radiator,
fluid levels, belts and wiring.
- Inspect the tires for wear and the body for
obvious dents, dings, cracks or rust.
- Open the trunk and inspect the spare tire.
- Look for missing equipment, torn upholstery and general cleanliness.
- Make sure that interior and exterior lights work, power
windows operate smoothly, safety belts are in good
condition and the horn works.
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New-Vehicle Dealerships
Dealerships should offer all the new vehicle
services you expect including on-site repair facilities,
financing and manufacturer guarantees.
Most manufacturers have a Certified Used Car Program,
which provides assurance that a vehicle is mechanically
sound. These “previously owned” vehicles, are reconditioned
and sold with the remaining warranties that were offered
when the vehicle was new. You can purchase an extended
warranty from the dealership.
You may not get the lowest prices at new-vehicle
dealerships, but you are likely to get high-quality
vehicles and the most desirable models.
Used-Vehicle Dealerships
Used-vehicle dealerships buy their inventory
from the public, auctions and new-vehicle
dealerships. These dealerships may offer
top-quality, specialized vehicles such as
luxury, foreign or sports models at prices
that are below those you will find at new-vehicle dealerships.
Be cautious.
- Make sure that you know the reputation of each dealership.
- Avoid independent dealerships without tenure in the community.
- Contact the Better Business Bureau to determine if any complaints have been filed against the dealership.
Used-vehicle dealerships may not offer warranties and generally
do not have service departments. Make sure you have your own
mechanic examine it before you buy.
Used-Vehicle Superstores
Used-vehicle superstores offer "nearly new"
vehicles with good warranties from every major
vehicle manufacturer. You can select and compare
vehicles by model, price and other criteria
electronically. Superstores generally sell
vehicles at fixed prices, with little or no
opportunity for negotiation. Prices tend to
be higher than those at traditional dealerships.
VIN Search
Get a vehicle-history report from CarFax or
Auto Check. These reports — available for a
nominal fee — will tell you if the vehicle was ever:
- Damaged in a fire, flood, hailstorm or accident.
- Found to have possible odometer fraud.
- Used as a rental vehicle, taxi or police vehicle.
- Reported stolen or if a salvage title was ever issued.
- Returned under Lemon Laws.
Red Flags
Walk away from any vehicle that could be a high risk.
- Any vehicle that has been in a wreck.
- Vehicles with modified engines.
- Models that have gone out of production.
- Used trucks or commercial vans.
- Station wagons that have been used for commercial purposes.
- Police vehicles, fleet vehicles, rental vehicles or taxis.
- Previously salvaged vehicles.
- Any vehicle that you suspect might be stolen.
Test Driving The Vehicle
Spend adequate time test driving each vehicle.
Find an empty parking lot and test the vehicle’s
performance in sharp turns and short stops. Drive
in stop-and-go traffic, on steep hills and rough surfaces.
Take a friend along for the ride. The opinion of
another individual who you trust can be helpful.
Use the
Test Drive Evaluation as a guide.
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