tips on purchasing a used vehicle from dealership

Tips On Purchasing a Used Vehicle From Dealership

My first car was a very used vehicle.

In fact, it might have been the very first hybrid car in existence.

You see my first car was part Toyota, part Suzuki.

It had parts from both manufactures so I called it my Toysuki.

My first car offers a cautionary tale to anyone interested in purchasing a used

vehicle. buyer beware.

Buying a Used Vehicle From a Private Seller

When you are buying a used vehicle, if the sale of the used car is a private sale, between the current owner and you, it will most likely

not be covered by your state's implied warranty law.

In other words, you are buying the car "as is".

This means that if the car has a problem, know or unknown by the previous owner,

that problem is now yours as the new owner.

Buying a Used Vehicle From a Dealer

When you are buying a used vehicle from a dealer, things are different.

The dealership Certified Pre-owned Program means that the vehicle has gone through a through mechanical and physical inspection

before the dealership puts it up for sale.

The car will most likely come with a warranty and you will also most likely be

protected by your state's consumer protection laws such as implied warranties

and warranties of merchantability.

One thing that you want to stay away from when buying a used vehicle is to allow

yourself to become smitten with a particular model and to ignore doing your homework

on that model vehicle.

Make sure that the vehicle meets your list of

requirements for both design and function.

If you are married and have four kids, a two seat sports car may fit your design

requirements, but will it meet your function requirements as well.

Your wife will most likely not be happy being tied to the trunk of the car as you drive down

the road.

When buying a used vehicle, take the time and spend the money to have your own

mechanic check it out.

Sure the sales person at the dealership tells you that this car was driven by a little old

lady who never drove it over 50 MPH.

Have a unbiased third party that you know

and trust tell you whether you are

looking at a lemon or not.

Buying a used vehicle can save you money, but don't be impulsive, do your due diligence

and enjoy your sweet new (but used) ride.