1) Check out the car’s
repair record, maintenance costs, and safety and mileage ratings in
consumer magazines or online. Look up the "blue book" value, and be
prepared to negotiate the price.
2) Buying from a dealer? Look for
the Buyers Guide. It’s required by a federal regulation called the Used
Car Rule.
3) Make sure all oral promises are written into the
Buyers Guide.
4) You have the right to see a copy of the dealer’s
warranty before you buy.
5) Warranties are included in the price
of the product; service contracts cost extra and are sold separately.
6) Ask for the car’s maintenance record from the owner, dealer, or
repair shop.
7) Test drive the car on hills, highways, and in
stop-and-go traffic.
8) Have the car inspected by a mechanic you
hire.
9) Check out the dealer with local consumer protection
officials.
10) If you buy a car "as is," you’ll have to pay for
anything that goes wrong after the sale.
11) The Used Car Rule
generally doesn’t apply to private
sales.
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