Used Car Buying Tips

By Steven Gillman

Some of these used car buying tips won't be new to you. Often the trick is just to apply what you already know. On the other hand, when it comes to expensive areas of life like buying a car, one new thing learned can save you hundreds of dollars. Try some of the following.

1. Make a low offer. Okay, you knew this one. A trick you may not have used, though, is to make a low offer, and then leave your phone number with the seller. Time has a way of making sellers desperate, especially after you just helped convince them that they are asking too much.

2. Be careful with car price guides. Use the "blue book" etc, but try not to pay more than wholesale. I can't think of many times when people I know have paid more than "bluebook," so these "average" sales prices are doubtful.

3. Talk to people. This is one of the simplest and effective used car buying tips. Just let friends, family and others know you're looking for a car. Quite often people would be happy to avoid the whole process of advertising and showing their car if they could just get rid of it by giving a good deal to a friend.

4. Check out the engine. Have a mechanic look at the car, and tell you what it's likely to need in the next year or so. Then make a list, so the seller can see in writing why you are offering less than he wants.

5. Auctions. See if there is a public auction in your area. If not, maybe you can go with a dealer friend and give him a $100 to buy a car for you.

6. [http://www.Carfax.com]. It's around $25 to run vehicle background checks for a month - long enough to find your next car. They'll show the chain of title, accident reports for the car, and even safety and reliability scores for that model.

7. "Ugly" cars. Watch for cars that sit on the lot for months. Dealers will often sell these "ugly ducklings" at a loss just to move them. Again, you may want to leave your phone number with a low offer.

8. Rental company cars. They are sold fairly cheap when they get the new ones in. Buy at bluebook wholesale or less, because they have had many different drivers, so they've more wear than normal.

9. Repos. Credit unions and some small banks do their own selling of repossessed cars. You usually bid on paper, maybe with a $50 deposit, and then get your $50 back if you're not the winning bidder. If they don't sell their own repossessions, ask where they are sold.

10. Consider gas mileage. High mileage may be better, but maybe a car that costs $500 less will use only $400 more gas in the two years you expect to own it. Do the math.

Use the tips here the next time you are shopping for a used car. Meanwhile, why not learn a few negotiating strategies. This helps in many areas of life, and is the most important of these used car buying tips.

Steve Gillman has been hunting down obscure knowledge and useful secrets for years. Learn more and get a free gift at: The Secret Information Site ( http://www.TheSecretInformationSite.com)

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

The Used Car Lemon Law - What it Means

By Derek Hudson

Lemon laws vary from state to state, but they exist essentially to protect consumers from purchasing vehicles that consistently fail to meet particular quality standards. If you're interested in lemon laws and how they can protect you, keep reading to learn the answers to some frequently asked lemon law questions.


Is There a Federal Lemon Law?


Yes, the blanket federal lemon law is the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and it protects U.S. citizens in any state. The federal law covers anything mechanical and includes a clause that requires the manufacturer to pay legal fees if a consumer wins a successful lemon lawsuit.


If I Purchased a Used Vehicle, Am I Protected?


It depends on the age of the car and the mileage. There are three warranty situations that can protect you as a used car purchaser. The first is if there is a leftover manufacturer's warranty left on the car in case you buy the auto with less than 36,000 miles on it (or whatever is listed under that particular vehicle's warranty).


The second is if the used vehicle is deemed as a "certified used car" by the manufacturer and comes with a shorter warranty. And the third is in effect when the original owner or you purchase an extended warranty that protects the car for a longer period.


What if I Don't Have any Warranty, Am I Still Protected?


While you wouldn't be protected under the lemon laws, you can file civil action if you have been the victim of fraud. For example, you can take appropriate legal action if your car was sold to you without full disclosure of prior extensive mechanical problems, if the car was previously wrecked, the odometer was rolled back fraudulently, you were sold a rental or police car, the car was stolen or stripped, or if the vehicle was in a flood and this information was not disclosed to you before the purchase transaction.


Can I Always Get My Money Back?


Proving a lemon law case is difficult. You need an ongoing and documented record of repairs that goes well beyond typical standards. Typically - and this will depend on the state - the same serious safety problem or defect would need to have been fixed multiple times within a particular time period.


How do I Find the Lemon Laws in My State?


Go to your state's government web page and search for lemon laws. Most states will offer extensive online information that tells you exactly how the law works and how you can protect yourself. Alternatively, you can consult a lawyer in your area for counsel.

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