Avoiding Tragedy

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Avoiding Tragedy

A used-car checklist

That story about the friend of a friend who bought the total lemon of a car from the sweet grandmother is not always an urban legend. Many people are tricked into buying cars that should be junked and are worth nothing, but look fine on the outside and under the hood, and started well on the test-drive.

Buying a used car is often the most financially efficient choice for many consumers, but many used-car buyers don't look closely enough at the car or they look at the wrong things.

To prevent your story from appearing on that list of used-car tragedies, read the following tips on checking out a used car properly. And remember, most dealers are trustworthy, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't check out all aspects of a pre-owned vehicle on a dealer's lot.

• Look at the car in daylight. Not only will you be able to see the body better, you can examine all the other parts without hassling with a flashlight.

• Start it first thing in the morning, after it has been sitting for awhile.

• Inspect the car to your satisfaction, and don't let a dealer or current owner tell you what to check and what is OK.

• Test-drive it! Especially in this part of the nation where the winters are cold, do the test on a blustery, icy day to see how the vehicle will handle. While driving, listen for sounds like hissing or clanging. Feel for a smooth acceleration and check that the car idles well. Make a sudden stop as well as regular stops to check the brakes.

• Check out the upholstery, dashboard, seats and windows. In general, look for damages and stains.

• Look for evidence of an accident (unless you were told that it had happened, which is a rare occasion) such as unevenness in the seams of the trunk and hood, insides of the trunk and under the hood, and in the wheel wells. Also check for fluid leaks underneath the car.

• Try out all of the dash controls such as interior and exterior lights, turn signals and windshield wipers. Check to see that seats and windows move and are in proper condition (or as promised).

• Check heat, air conditioning, audio system, alarm and other accessories that you would be paying for.

• Be sure that there is a gas cap, owner's manual, service records and clear title to the car. Vehicle title fraud is a growing problem-don't be a victim!

• If you are clueless, bring along a friend or relative who is car savvy.

Courtesy of Article Resource Association.