By
Ace Abbey
Submitted On September 24, 2014
Benjamin Franklin once said, "By failing to prepare, you are
preparing to fail." These words ring true, even when it comes to buying
used cars. By following these five easy tips, you can save a lot of
money and heartache on your next purchase.
Check The Title History
Jot down the vehicle's VIN (vehicle identification number) and run a check on it. The report will show the vehicle's previous owners, where it was sold, and how it was registered, I.e. for personal use, as a rental vehicle, or as part of a fleet. It will also indicate if the car was ever salvaged. VIN reports are available for a small fee through private agencies, such as Car Fax or Auto Check.
Get An Inspection
Always have inspections conducted in daylight. This is especially true when it comes to buying used cars. If you personally know a mechanic, have he or she go with you to the dealership and perform a preemptive inspection. Though some dealers may object to this for a number of reasons, such as insurance liability and trust, others may grant your personal mechanic a supervised look under the hood.
Check The Title History
Jot down the vehicle's VIN (vehicle identification number) and run a check on it. The report will show the vehicle's previous owners, where it was sold, and how it was registered, I.e. for personal use, as a rental vehicle, or as part of a fleet. It will also indicate if the car was ever salvaged. VIN reports are available for a small fee through private agencies, such as Car Fax or Auto Check.
Get An Inspection
Always have inspections conducted in daylight. This is especially true when it comes to buying used cars. If you personally know a mechanic, have he or she go with you to the dealership and perform a preemptive inspection. Though some dealers may object to this for a number of reasons, such as insurance liability and trust, others may grant your personal mechanic a supervised look under the hood.
