Are you planning to purchase a car? Decided to buy a used one? Holy Christ; its a smart choice. With the price of gas and the state of the economy, shelling out all that extra cash for a brand new car when a used car can be just as fuel efficient and a much better deal is like tossing your cash into your car’s fuel tank and literally burning that moolah away. But you have to be careful as the few lemons out there will leave you with more than just a sour taste in your mouth. Making a major purchase like a car-even if, or perhaps especially if, it’s a cheap used car-requires that you do all of your homework. Remain in control and no one will be able to pull the wool over your eyes!

Here we give ten questions that you should ask a used car seller before you sign on the dotted line:

1. Can you tell me why you’re selling this car? Used car dealerships might not know (but they may know why the last owner sold it to them), but all private sellers you might find through ought to answer. If possible, observe their facial expressions while answering. This will help in knowing if it is true what they are saying. If they’re moving or can no longer afford payments for the car, the car is more likely to be of higher quality. If it’s because it’s very old or has required many repairs, make sure that the price is fair and understand what you’re getting into.

2. What is the car’s mileage? This should be the next question. Car mileage plays an important part in determining the used car’s value. And remember that used car odometers can be tampered with, which is why you should ask.

3. Will you allow a test drive? No used car dealership will have problem in letting you test drive their used cars for sale around town. Private sellers might be more reticent, but assure them you’ll allow them to accompany you on the trip. Test drives are a must for noticing problems with the car as well as for making sure that the car is the right fit for you. You’ll also be able to notice if the odometer appears to be “stuck” or has problems.

4. Will you allow me to make my own inspection? The reputable, used car dealers and private sellers should have no problem with you bringing the car to a trusted mechanic for a thorough inspection.

5. Is there a warranty on the car? If you’re buying from a used car dealership, go for the certified used cars. A lot of used car dealerships offer 112-point inspections and two-year/20,000 miles warranties on low- to average-mileage used cars. Some used cars for sale may come with existing factory warranties..

6. Has this car ever been refurbished or been in an accident? If the used BMW car that’s caught your eye was once in an accident, there might be more damage underneath that freshly-painted coat than meets the eye.

7. What is the history of the vehicle? Certified used cars and other used cars for sale at used car dealerships ought to come with vehicle history reports.

8. Are you the original owner of this car? If you want quality, it’s best to choose used cars for sale by the original owner-unless each owner of the car used it for a short period of time.

9.What are the car’s special features? CD player, navigation or GPS system, leather seats, what makes the car especially attractive?

10. Do you have service or maintenance records for the car? If the owner has kept good records and has followed the manufacturer’s suggestions for scheduled maintenance like changing oil every so many miles that would be a good indication of how well the car was taken care of.

We assure you that if you make it a point to clarify all these doubts while purchasing a car, then you are going to own a simply superb used car.

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Industry statistics show that one third of automobile consumers prefer to buy used cars as compared to investing in a new one. With the demand so high it is obvious that the consumer should be aware of the choices available to him. 
To help consumers make informed decisions in the process, here is a basic list of the things to check when buying a used car.

1. Vehicle’s safety features.

Make safety your primary concern. Older vehicles may not come equipped with airbags, child safety seats, seat belts, anti-lock brakes or security systems. Always give consideration to a vehicle with air bags and anti-lock brakes. They will not only make a car safer, but insurance companies sometimes give discounts on their rates for cars with these features.

2. Mileage of the vehicle.

Mileage is a good indication of the vehicle’s age. An average consumer drives from 12,000 miles to 15,000 miles each year. A late model used car is more lucrative and may come with many features that you might not be able to have the funds for in a new car.

3. The mechanical condition of the vehicle.

Check the mechanical condition of the vehicle. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, have a mechanic you trust inspect the car meticulously and in detail before you purchase it. Fluids, lights, the charging system, the air conditioner, power steering, the engine cooling system, the brakes and the suspension must be carefully inspected for any defects and wear. If the seller will not let you look over the car, do not buy it. Remember to inspect the used car in daylight and good weather.

4. Other parts to check: 

-look at the tires, scan for wheel alignment.
-check for rust around the fenders and bumpers, around lights, under doors and in wheel wells
-watch out for cracks, dents and mismatched body panels

5. Compare the prices.

After thoroughly checking the condition of the used car, it is time to find out what comparable prices are for similar vehicles in your area. The actual price of the car is only one of many factors that will decide your total price. You must compare financing rates, warranty costs, trade-in values and processing fees. The various features in the car will also make a difference in the price. If it the most up to date model, it will have the latest features in it. Hence it will be more expensive.

With such thorough research, you should be able to buy a reliable used car which will serve you for many years to come. Happy hunting!!!!

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