How to Buy a Used Car

First off, when you buy a new car you are the only owner of thecar. This means you know where the car has been and you know itis in tip top condition. You also get a warranty on the car. Butwhen you buy a used car, you have no idea where the car has beenor what on earth has happened to it. The car could've been in aterrible accident for all you know. Also, when you buy a usedcar, you probably won't get a warranty... unless if you buy aused car at a reputable dealership.

It is safer to buy a used car from a dealership, not from anewspaper ad. You also need to make sure you buy a used car froma reputable dealership. Some used car dealers are just plainsleezeballs. To be even safer, make sure when you buy a used carthat the vehicle is Carfax certified. If the dealer won'tprovide you with this information, then there is probably aproblem with the vehicle in question. Carfax is a free servicethat provides you information on a cars damage history, if any.You can check the Carfax report online for free, you just needthe vehicles VIN number (vehicle identification number). Also,if you buy a used car "as is" you may be stuck with a lemon. Tryto get a warranty on the vehicle you purchase as an added safetynet.

The next tip before you buy a used car is to get your creditchecked. If you are going to finance the vehicle, you betterhope you don't have any blemishes on your credit report. Usedcar dealers make more money when you finance a car. When you buya used car, you want to be sure you get the best APR (annualpercentage rate) available. If it is too high, then try gettingyour loan from a bank. They may provide you with a better rateso you may then buy a used car.

Hopefully, when you go to buy a used car you will have apleasant experience. Not all used cars are bad and not all cardealers are sleezeballs. Alas, an awful lot of them are so becareful. With some street smarts and a little bit of patience,you can end up with an excellent used car that will last youmany years.