CHOOSING A USED VEHICLEAdvice For Families

Introduction• Nearly 20 percent of the people in the country are

interested in purchasing a new or additional car at any given time. This accounts for the over 4.4 million cars sold every year.

• Just less than 3 million of the vehicles sold annually are used cars.

Introduction• A used vehicle has many advantages such as price and

convenience.

• Families need to purchase a car that will provide for all the needs of parents and children reliably.

• Families will benefit from a few tips that will help make choosing a used car easier.

Check Safety Features• The largest concern for many parents is the safety of the

entire family while riding in a car.

• It is important to check for all appropriate safety features when choosing a vehicle. This should include shoulder and waist belts in both the front and back seats.

Check Safety Features• Airbags are important and should include a deactivation

switch. Antilock brakes are required on most new vehicles but might not be present in a used car.

• Antilock brakes increase control while driving and add to overall safety.

• Any additional safety features such as side-curtain airbags and blind spot monitors are helpful as well.

Passenger and Cargo Space• A vehicle that is too small to handle the everyday tasks a

family needs is not a good investment.

• Parents will need to assess the amount of passenger and cargo space available in a car.

• The vehicle should have enough seating for everyone in the family at the same time.

Passenger and Cargo Space• It is normally best to choose a car or minivan that has

some additional seating available so that it is possible to carry a few extra passengers such as the friends of children.

• The vehicle should have a large amount of cargo space. Families need to haul more groceries and other items than a single person or a couple.

• Cargo space also makes it easier to shuttle items like sports gear or bulky class projects between the home and school.

Take A Test Drive• Driving the entire family around in a vehicle can become

stressful. It is important to take a test drive in order to see exactly how the car handles and what the interior is like on the road.

• Visibility both in the front of the car and through the back window should be unobstructed. The car should be easy to handle on the road.

Take A Test Drive• The driver seat should be

comfortable and adjustable in order to remove as many potential distractions as possible.

• Cars that require too much attention while driving could become a problem when dealing with family in the back seat.

Get an Inspection• It is important to get the car inspected before making a

purchasing. A used car in good condition is safer and more convenient for the entire family.

• A qualified mechanic or technician should perform the inspection and not just a knowledgeable friend of the family.

Get an Inspection• The inspection is essential because there are many

problems that could be hidden inside of the car that are unknown even to the seller or dealer.

• Water damage or poor repairs by a previous owner could compromise the frame of the car or the transmission.

• Most used car dealerships are more than happy to sign a conditional contract allowing an inspection before a final sale.