Best Practices for Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car can sometimes feel like a game of chance.   Fortunately there are several best practices that can be employed to help steer would-be buyers away from losing propositions.

The first best practice would be buyers can employ to check either the National Automobile Dealer Associations Official Used Car Guide or the Kelley Blue Book.   Both of these publications can assist a consumer in determining whether or not the vehicle they are considering for purchase is worth the seller’s asking price.  

Consumers can access these two books by either visiting their local library, purchasing them through an auto parts store like Auto Zone or checking them out online.

The second best practice would be buyers can employ is to take the vehicle identification number (VIN) from the car that they are interested in and use that VIN to run a check on the vehicle’s history.   The VIN number can be run through several sites to obtain different aspects of the vehicle’s history.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website lists VINs of both crash test vehicles and vehicles that have appeared on manufacturers service bulletins.

Carfax.com and autocheck.com are two websites that consumers can use to run VIN numbers.  These two sites however charge for their service and offer information gleaned from state motor vehicle departments.

Autosafety.org is also a website that consumers can use to run VIN numbers.   The autosafety website will let you know if the vehicle has been recalled, has a history of safety defects, been listed in service bulletins or registered as a “lemon.”

It is important to note that consumers can also request a VIN search from their state’s motor vehicle office.   State motor vehicle offices can use the VIN to research a car’s title and let the would-be buyer know if the title has ever been noted as “for salvage” or “rebuilt.”

The third best practice would be used car buyers can employ is to research the vehicles fuel economy through one of two different websites; epa.gov/emiss or fueleconomy.gov.

The epa.gov/emissweb site lists vehicles that are both fuel efficient and have clean, green friendly engines.   The fueleconomy.gov website lets would be buyers compare miles per gallon ratings of different vehicles and calculate an estimate on what the car would cost to operate for the year.

The fourth best practice would be used car buyers can employ is to have the car inspected by a qualified mechanic.   The would be buyer should ask the mechanic to inspect the vehicles frame, air bags, tires, engine, belts, wires, hoses and undercarriage for potential problems.

The fifth best practice would be used car buyers can employ is to ask questions and verify the answers that they are given by the seller.   For instance would be buyers should compare the odometer reading to the mileage disclosure to make sure that the two numbers match.   It is also a good idea to read all documents carefully before signing, ask about return policies and warrantees as well.

In conclusion although buying a used car can be a risky business, if buyers take the time to do the research and employ a few best practices it can be less so.