Jan 21 2010
Which Used Cars Should You Avoid?
Purchasing a pre-owned vehicle may be a difficult task, especially if you do not know which used cars to avoid. There are certain steps that consumers should know to avoid becoming a car dealer fraud victim.
Step 1
Check Consumer Reports before purchasing any vehicle. Consumer Reports contains valuable information on the reliability of new and used cars. They contain evaluations from both the car experts and everyday drivers. Search by the vehicles’ year, make and model. Read each evaluation carefully and check the used car’s overall rating.
Step 2
Go to a private party or dealership and test drive the vehicle. If you are not sure what to look for, have someone come with you who has a good idea of the vehicles components. Check the basic functions of the car to make sure they are in working order. If you do not have anyone to take with you for a test drive, bring the vehicle to a reputable mechanic.
Step 3
Request a vehicle history report. This step is crucial to ensuring that you are not driving a lemon! A vehicle history report will provide you with details on any accident, fire and flood damage that the vehicle may have incurred in the past. It will also tell you whether or not the vehicle has a salvage title.
Step 4
Walk away from any private party or dealership that will not allow their vehicle be viewed by a mechanic or does not provide you with an accurate details of a vehicles history.
