Tips on Buying Used Cars
Tuesday, Mar 24,2009, 12:27:21 AM Click:
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20 March 2009 Friday 6:40 PM EST
SECTION: WAYOFLIFE
LENGTH: 1244 words
TITLE: Tips for buying used cars
Signature: Eric Peters
The main "ups" of buying a used car is the lowest initial purchase price, as well as lower property taxes (if applicable) and insurance costs. The main "bottom" of buying a used car that is a car, nothing new - there is no guarantee of a new car and you're more vulnerable to problems of vehicle that could cost you money and aggravation.
To reduce your risk of exposure when you buy a used car, there are a number of precautionary measures you can take when shopping for a used vehicle.
These tips for buying a used car include:
Shop for new cars that are still at least a portion of their manufacturer's warranty remains: most newer models of cars have at least three-year/36000 mile warranty coverage of basic (and often more "power" cover on the engine and transmission). This means you will have at least a year or two of peace of mind if you buy a used car less than three years. (Important: Be sure to confirm the car warranty is fully transferable.)
Check-in Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles: These are late model used cars and trucks are generally less than 50,000 miles and had a multipoint inspection - with a need for service or maintenance made charge before the vehicle is placed on the plot. CPO programs are supported by the automobile (Ford, GM, Volvo, etc) and vehicles often cost-extended warranty on major parts such as engine and transmission. CPO cars are generally clean and well maintained - the "cream of cabbage" of the used car market.
Make a "background check" for indications that the car brand / model that you may be a problem of car: a record with a bit of a reminder or consumer complaints. You can find information on recalls and defects related to safety at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Web site (www.nhtsa.dot.gov), and information on consumer satisfaction at JD Power & Associates (see www.jdpower.com/cc/ index.jsp). Consumer Reports is another good place to poke around (go to www.consumerreports.org / main / home.jsp and click on "cars"). It is also a very good idea to do a simple Google or Yahoo! Web search, simply type the make and model of vehicle "lemon". You can bet that the car has a history of problems, there will be any complaints on the Internet.
The screen of your candidate - the car you are looking at: Even if the brand / model has a great reputation for quality and reliability, this car in May not to have been well maintained - and even abuse. Having a third engineer (no work for the dealer) to see the car more as a condition of sale. If the dealer refuses to allow this, you should consider yourself warned - and on foot.
Ask to see the cars' service: If they are available, it is usually a good sign of the car has been well supported, and perhaps more importantly, proof (if the files are complete), which had no unusual problems or repairs. If the car is not available, we must be wary. It does not necessarily mean the car is a bad car, but you have to ask why the seller would not have kept such a point of sale as evidence of good housekeeping and maintenance. In such a case it is doubly important to have a trusted mechanic to the car once more before you commit to buy.
Be sure he will state security and emissions tests (if applicable): In most states, it is a legal obligation, but do not assume it is. It can cost hundreds of dollars (or more) to repair a car that is not the security or vehicle emissions test - and in many cases, you can not legally register or drive the car until it is used, it does.
Finally, note the vehicle identification number (VIN): Located on a stamped plate on top of the dashboard of cars, and run a CARFAX Vehicle History Report to check the cars handle killers as evidence of an accident before, odometer fraud, the manufacturer "buy back" (lemon), and so on. A CARFAX report costs less than $ 25, and is well worth the expense.
As far as specific recommendations, a brief list of some historically "good bets" when it comes to buying used cars or trucks:
I. Economy Cars:
Toyota Corolla - The gold standard of the new economy of cars is also, predictably, an excellent choice in a used car. In addition to a well-deserved reputation for quality and durability, Corolla are among the safest cars in this category - and offer features such as antilock brakes and side-impact air bags (on newer models). Corolla also the outstanding value - to a point where you buy used Corolla for $ 6000 today will most likely be worth four or five thousand dollars and two to three years on the road.
II. Luxury Sedans:
Lexus LS400/LS430 - New, these big rear-drive, V-8 powered luxury sedans tens of thousands cheaper than a comparable Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Jaguar. Like cars, they continue to exercise smoothly - without giving their owners hypertension years after the fact other luxury become expensive money sinks. The LS sedans are considered bullets - and also one of the lowest depreciation rate of the company.
Acura RL - A caution elegant luxury car that, like the Lexus LS, reputation absolutely superb engineering and quality. Unlike the Lexus LS, however, the Acura RL is a front-wheel-drive luxury sedan - so it offers better traction in winter, if it is a problem where you live. And it is powered by a V-6 engine rather than a V-8, so that its appetite for gas is more enjoyable.
III. Large Family Cars:
Ford Crown Victoria / Mercury Marquis - The six passenger sedans are very spacious and very strong (one reason why they support such as police cars / taxis / limos) and very safe - compatible 5 Star performers in the government and insurance industry crash tests. They are also the only late model sedans that offer standard V-8 power and rear-wheel drive in a frame size for the price of a V-6, first car, the sedan average size.
IV. Pickups:
Nissan Frontier - Tough, capable and exceptionally smoothly small pickup, the Frontier offers both economic but sturdy 4-cylinder engines and more powerful V-6 engines. Look for 4x4 models with manual locking hubs. Even if it requires the driver to stop the vehicle, get out and manually engage the centers of rotation of a button in the center of each front wheel, 4x4 these systems tend to be more durable and trouble-free in the long term as electronics / automatic hubs used on most new pick-up.
V. SUV:
Toyota 4Runner - Considered by serious off-road drivers to be one of the best vehicles for this job (because of its flexibility, suspension and body narrow), the 4Runner still scores well when it comes to long term sustainability and used car resale value, too.
VI. Min:
Honda Odyssey - Although expensive compared to other vans, the Odyssey is considered the reference vehicle in this category - for the characteristics and the overall design. Excellent resale value of used vehicles and the top of its class, protecting the occupants are additional reasons to consider an Odyssey.
Toyota Sienna - Toyota Another product that has established a roadmap for the high quality and low incidence of problems, defects or recalls. Sienna is available in a variety of configurations, including models with full-time all wheel drive (AWD).
LOAD-DATE: March 22, 2009
Copyright © 2009 LexisNexis, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc.. All rights reserved
Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy
CNN.com
20 March 2009 Friday 6:40 PM EST
SECTION: WAYOFLIFE
LENGTH: 1244 words
TITLE: Tips for buying used cars
Signature: Eric Peters
The main "ups" of buying a used car is the lowest initial purchase price, as well as lower property taxes (if applicable) and insurance costs. The main "bottom" of buying a used car that is a car, nothing new - there is no guarantee of a new car and you're more vulnerable to problems of vehicle that could cost you money and aggravation.
To reduce your risk of exposure when you buy a used car, there are a number of precautionary measures you can take when shopping for a used vehicle.
These tips for buying a used car include:
Shop for new cars that are still at least a portion of their manufacturer's warranty remains: most newer models of cars have at least three-year/36000 mile warranty coverage of basic (and often more "power" cover on the engine and transmission). This means you will have at least a year or two of peace of mind if you buy a used car less than three years. (Important: Be sure to confirm the car warranty is fully transferable.)
Check-in Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles: These are late model used cars and trucks are generally less than 50,000 miles and had a multipoint inspection - with a need for service or maintenance made charge before the vehicle is placed on the plot. CPO programs are supported by the automobile (Ford, GM, Volvo, etc) and vehicles often cost-extended warranty on major parts such as engine and transmission. CPO cars are generally clean and well maintained - the "cream of cabbage" of the used car market.
Make a "background check" for indications that the car brand / model that you may be a problem of car: a record with a bit of a reminder or consumer complaints. You can find information on recalls and defects related to safety at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Web site (www.nhtsa.dot.gov), and information on consumer satisfaction at JD Power & Associates (see www.jdpower.com/cc/ index.jsp). Consumer Reports is another good place to poke around (go to www.consumerreports.org / main / home.jsp and click on "cars"). It is also a very good idea to do a simple Google or Yahoo! Web search, simply type the make and model of vehicle "lemon". You can bet that the car has a history of problems, there will be any complaints on the Internet.
The screen of your candidate - the car you are looking at: Even if the brand / model has a great reputation for quality and reliability, this car in May not to have been well maintained - and even abuse. Having a third engineer (no work for the dealer) to see the car more as a condition of sale. If the dealer refuses to allow this, you should consider yourself warned - and on foot.
Ask to see the cars' service: If they are available, it is usually a good sign of the car has been well supported, and perhaps more importantly, proof (if the files are complete), which had no unusual problems or repairs. If the car is not available, we must be wary. It does not necessarily mean the car is a bad car, but you have to ask why the seller would not have kept such a point of sale as evidence of good housekeeping and maintenance. In such a case it is doubly important to have a trusted mechanic to the car once more before you commit to buy.
Be sure he will state security and emissions tests (if applicable): In most states, it is a legal obligation, but do not assume it is. It can cost hundreds of dollars (or more) to repair a car that is not the security or vehicle emissions test - and in many cases, you can not legally register or drive the car until it is used, it does.
Finally, note the vehicle identification number (VIN): Located on a stamped plate on top of the dashboard of cars, and run a CARFAX Vehicle History Report to check the cars handle killers as evidence of an accident before, odometer fraud, the manufacturer "buy back" (lemon), and so on. A CARFAX report costs less than $ 25, and is well worth the expense.
As far as specific recommendations, a brief list of some historically "good bets" when it comes to buying used cars or trucks:
I. Economy Cars:
Toyota Corolla - The gold standard of the new economy of cars is also, predictably, an excellent choice in a used car. In addition to a well-deserved reputation for quality and durability, Corolla are among the safest cars in this category - and offer features such as antilock brakes and side-impact air bags (on newer models). Corolla also the outstanding value - to a point where you buy used Corolla for $ 6000 today will most likely be worth four or five thousand dollars and two to three years on the road.
II. Luxury Sedans:
Lexus LS400/LS430 - New, these big rear-drive, V-8 powered luxury sedans tens of thousands cheaper than a comparable Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Jaguar. Like cars, they continue to exercise smoothly - without giving their owners hypertension years after the fact other luxury become expensive money sinks. The LS sedans are considered bullets - and also one of the lowest depreciation rate of the company.
Acura RL - A caution elegant luxury car that, like the Lexus LS, reputation absolutely superb engineering and quality. Unlike the Lexus LS, however, the Acura RL is a front-wheel-drive luxury sedan - so it offers better traction in winter, if it is a problem where you live. And it is powered by a V-6 engine rather than a V-8, so that its appetite for gas is more enjoyable.
III. Large Family Cars:
Ford Crown Victoria / Mercury Marquis - The six passenger sedans are very spacious and very strong (one reason why they support such as police cars / taxis / limos) and very safe - compatible 5 Star performers in the government and insurance industry crash tests. They are also the only late model sedans that offer standard V-8 power and rear-wheel drive in a frame size for the price of a V-6, first car, the sedan average size.
IV. Pickups:
Nissan Frontier - Tough, capable and exceptionally smoothly small pickup, the Frontier offers both economic but sturdy 4-cylinder engines and more powerful V-6 engines. Look for 4x4 models with manual locking hubs. Even if it requires the driver to stop the vehicle, get out and manually engage the centers of rotation of a button in the center of each front wheel, 4x4 these systems tend to be more durable and trouble-free in the long term as electronics / automatic hubs used on most new pick-up.
V. SUV:
Toyota 4Runner - Considered by serious off-road drivers to be one of the best vehicles for this job (because of its flexibility, suspension and body narrow), the 4Runner still scores well when it comes to long term sustainability and used car resale value, too.
VI. Min:
Honda Odyssey - Although expensive compared to other vans, the Odyssey is considered the reference vehicle in this category - for the characteristics and the overall design. Excellent resale value of used vehicles and the top of its class, protecting the occupants are additional reasons to consider an Odyssey.
Toyota Sienna - Toyota Another product that has established a roadmap for the high quality and low incidence of problems, defects or recalls. Sienna is available in a variety of configurations, including models with full-time all wheel drive (AWD).
LOAD-DATE: March 22, 2009
Copyright © 2009 LexisNexis, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc.. All rights reserved
Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy
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