| Each year hundreds of thousands of used cars | | | | Some lending institutes offer better rates than |
| change hands. Some deals are great buys; others | | | | others. There are many institutes that offer a |
| are not so good. Follow these tips for buying a | | | | hassle free online service that's as simple as filling |
| used car to help you get the best value for your | | | | out an online application. Once your financing is |
| money. | | | | approved, they will send you the check to take |
| It is always better to find out what's wrong with | | | | to the dealer. |
| a used car before you buy it rather than after | | | | If you have the opportunity to purchase an |
| you own it. Carfax vehicle history reports are a | | | | extended warranty for your car, it can be a good |
| great way to get this information. Carfax collects | | | | investment. An extended warranty can protect |
| information from around 5,000 different sources. | | | | you from breakdowns and save your pocketbook |
| But, remember the report is only as good as the | | | | from some serious strain. |
| information reported. If the car is in an accident | | | | There are two types of coverage; bumper to |
| but the accident is not reported, the information | | | | bumper and powertrain. Bumper to bumper |
| isn't going to be in Carfax. That's why you still | | | | covers almost everything, while a powertrain |
| should have the vehicle inspected before | | | | warranty covers major breakdowns like engine |
| purchasing it. | | | | and transmission. The cost between the two |
| A mechanical inspection is the surest way to find | | | | types of coverage can be significant, but |
| obvious problems with the vehicle. The mechanic | | | | depending on the age of the car and type of car |
| will easily be able to tell if there are leaks, | | | | bumper to bumper coverage can be worth the |
| corrosion, frame damage, hidden damage, brake | | | | extra money. |
| or suspension problems, engine problems, and | | | | There are several good website resources for |
| other obvious mechanical issues. The mechanics | | | | finding out what a vehicle is worth. You can |
| report however, will not tell you anything about | | | | search by category, make, model, and price. If |
| the history of the car such as whether it has | | | | you do an Internet search for "used vehicle |
| been in an accident. | | | | prices," you'll find several good resources. |
| Always take the car for a test drive. Make sure | | | | If you can't find the car you want locally, buying a |
| you don't just drive it on city roads. Take it out | | | | car online is another option. Just do your research |
| on the highway and get up to highway speeds to | | | | to make sure the dealer is reputable. It's always a |
| make sure you like the ride, how quiet the car | | | | good idea to only put a deposit down and then |
| runs, steering, and other elements like how good | | | | pay the balance once you've inspected the car |
| your visibility is and blind spots. Decide whether | | | | and it meets your expectations. |
| you are comfortable driving the car. If you aren't | | | | These tips for buying a used car will keep you |
| comfortable, then it's not the car for you. | | | | stress free and help you make the best buy |
| You can save a great deal of money on your | | | | possible. |
| used car by shopping around for good financing. | | | | |