Five Steps to Buying a Used Car by Michael Newman

If you have chosen to contemplate purchasing a "pre-owned" vehicle, congratulations. Used cars, trucks and vans can be excellent vehicles, giving you access to the transportation that you need, without incurring the considerable cost of purchasing a new vehicle. One of the largest drawbacks to buying a new car is the depreciation that occurs when you drive it off the lot. In short, you get the vehicle that you want, without paying exorbitant prices for the chance to own a "new" vehicle. Many used vehicles are of recent vintage, especially if you choose to purchase a program car. However, buying used vehicles can be a tricky process. Here's a short guide to help you make the best decision.

1.Exterior Inspection - Always walk around any potential vehicle and perform a visual inspection. Check for things like rust, dents, dings, scrapes and deep scratches in the paint during this time. You should also look to see if you can detect any major body repairs that have been made to the vehicle. While walking around the vehicle, check the condition of the tires, looking for abnormal tread wear that may indicate an alignment problem.

2.Interior Inspection - Inspect the interior of the vehicle, as well. Here, you'll need to look for damage to the upholstery, burns from cigarettes, damage to the headliner and other areas. Look for scratches and gouges on the plastic bezels surrounding the HVAC and audio system, as well as around the glove box and center console (if there is one). These items may slip past a brief inspection, and can be quite costly to replace.

3.Under the Hood - Even if you don't know an air filter from an oil cap, you need to pop that hood and take a look at the engine. Does it look like it's in good condition? While you will not likely be able to diagnose any problems this way, it does give the salesperson the impression that you know a bit about automobiles. It will also allow you to get a better feel for the general care the car has seen. If the engine is relatively clean, then you can usually rest assured that the vehicle has been well maintained.

4.Maintenance Records - Ask the sales person to show you any maintenance records from the previous owner. These will help you get an idea of how well the owner maintained the vehicle in terms of oil changes, transmission services, alignments and other required preventative maintenance and major services. How close to a major service is the vehicle? If that service has not already been done, consider asking the sales person to "throw it in." Quite often, you'll find them more than willing to do this, especially if the service is due very soon.

5.Consider Program Vehicles - Many dealerships offer program vehicles in their used car section. These are lightly driven, and have never been technically owned. Often, program vehicles can be an excellent way to get a great car for a great price.

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