Buying a Used Car? Don't Get Stuck With a Lemon

Every year hundreds of Americans file complaints with their local Attorney Generals' offices under their respective Lemon Laws. That is to say, several individuals each year purchase used automobiles only to find out that instead of making a smart buy they got stuck with a lemon. A used car can look perfect on the outside, but who's to say what's really going on with the engine or other crucial parts? The automobile may have been involved in an accident or flood or it could have sustained mechanical damage in some other form.

Smart consumers can avoid getting stuck with a problematic vehicle by following some simple guidelines and doing their homework. With a little time and effort, you can save money and heartache down the road.

Choose Your Car

When shopping for a used automobile, it is better to start off by knowing what you need and want. Take inventory of your needs and think about how your "new" used vehicle will fit in with your lifestyle. After you have narrowed down your options to a few different types of cars, narrow it down further according to prices and what you can afford to pay. Once you have narrowed down the list of cars you are willing to buy to only two or three different options, it is time to start the real research.

Research Your Make and Model

Start by looking for consumer reports and going to consumer ratings Web sites to see what people who drive the car you are researching say about it. Is it generally positive feedback or negative feedback? Are you finding recurring themes or problems based on what people are saying about each type of car? How does the car perform in certain situations? How well does the car hold up in accidents? Does it seem like consumers are generally satisfied with their autos or dissatisfied? Are the problems people write about things that you are generally willing to deal with or not willing to deal with?

Check Out Your Car

Once you have done your homework on consumer satisfaction with makes and models and really decided specifically which type of car you want to buy, it's time to find your car. Visit used car dealerships, brows newspaper or online classifieds and check out online used auto retailers for great deals. When you find something you like within your price range, make an appointment to test drive and check out your car. Check the vehicle's title history by running a title report on Carfax. The report should only cost about $15, but you will know if the car has ever been in a reported accident or sustained damage in some other disaster.

If you are dealing with a used auto dealership, ask if the pre-owned vehicle you are looking at is certified. Though certification programs vary, they generally provide for a thorough inspection at the dealership and some degree of limited warranty. Make sure that any type of warranty offered is backed by the manufacturer, not just the dealer. Even if a used car salesman tells you a vehicle is "certified pre-owned," you will want to make sure you inspect the auto thoroughly on your own behalf.

When inspecting a vehicle that you're considering buying, make sure to do so with critical eyes. It is easy to initially "fall in love" with a car that is shiny and fast. You must make sure not to overlook anything that may impact the auto's value or that may cause trouble for you down the road. Look over the body exterior carefully and make sure that all the auto panels match and are of the exact same color. Check the paint on the car and make sure it is consistent all throughout the body. Inspect the interior carefully, as mold or water stains may be a sign of leaks or damage caused by floods. Check under the auto for any signs of oil leakage or coolant dripping. When test driving the car, listen carefully at the sound of the engine. Is it sluggish? Is it smooth? Does the ignition take more than one try to "catch?" As you drive, consider how the ride feels. How do the brakes feel? Test all window controls and other electronic controls.

Double Check Out Your Car

After you've inspected an automobile thoroughly and determined that it is in good condition and that the price being asked is reasonable, you may feel pretty comfortable going through with the deal. You may find yourself thinking that you are finally at the end of your car-buying mission. It is important to know that you are simply one step closer in the process. If you truly want to protect yourself from getting into a situation with a problematic car, you should trust the professionals. Once you've decided you want t to buy a car, run it by your mechanic first. An independent inspection will cost you a little cash, but will be well-worth it in terms of peace of mind. Make sure the mechanic administering the inspection is thorough and runs a complete compression test. This type of "check-up" should cost no more than $100 but will save you much more in terms of expensive problems with your vehicle in the future.

Don't Get Stuck With a Lemon

Even a used automobile is a large investment. The last thing you want to do is spend thousands of dollars on a defective car that will cost you hundreds or thousands more. There are, however, steps you can take to protect yourself from such mistakes. If you are careful and take the time to research, inspect and double-check a vehicle, you will greatly reduce your chances of getting stuck with a lemon. By knowing what you want, choosing a good car, inspecting and having your mechanic inspect a car, you will increase the likelihood of making a smart purchase.