In today’s economy, for many people it may be a lot more budget conscious to buy a used car instead of a new one, and while car shopping isn’t always easy, here are some tips to use to make sure you’re on the right track and getting your money’s worth.

Ask for Routine Maintenance Records
• Whether you’re buying from a private seller or a dealer, you should be able to ask for and receive copies of routine maintenance records.  The dealer should be able to provide you with enough information from the service technician to set your mind at ease.

Inspect for Damage
• Ask about any previous damage, such as an accident or flooding. If so, get details on the extent of damage.
• Note any mismatched vehicle identification numbers (VINs) on the vehicle title, dashboard, driver door panel, hood or trunk.
• Look closely for mismatched paint on the exterior body, as well as interior parts like doors edges and the engine compartment.
• Note any bolts which appear to be missing and look for uneven welding in major areas.

Get a Vehicle History Report
• Get the vehicle’s VIN, then go to www.carfax.com or www.autocheck.com and purchase a vehicle history report on the vehicle. The history will be a helpful record and will include past owners of the vehicle, any damage to the car, offer mileage and title history information and more.
• Some state motor vehicle departments may also provide similar information.

Know Your Seller
• Some unscrupulous private sellers may attempt to sell you a used car that’s simply a poorly repaired salvage vehicle.  These vehicles have been previously totaled and rebuilt. If you’re buying from a private seller, it’s sometimes a good idea to look through the classifieds of your local paper for other vehicle ads with the same phone number.  This could be a sign that the seller is an unlicensed broker who sells used vehicles by posing as the owner.
• If you’re buying from a car dealer and don’t know much about the dealership, it’s a good idea to check with the Better Business Bureau if you’re in doubt. 

Check it Out
• Ask someone you trust who has extensive automotive experience or take the car to a local service mechanic to have it inspected. Have them inspect the vehicle inside and out for previous repairs and note the quality of any repair work they find.
• Before you decide to buy, ask your car insurance agent how much your car will cost to insure and make certain you’ll have the right coverage for the vehicle. For example, if it’s an older car, you might consider opting out of the Comprehensive and Collision coverage.

Remember, shopping for a used vehicle need not be difficult as long as you follow a few tips like the ones above.  For more on shopping for a used car, see these related Cars for Girls articles:

When is a Used Car Right for Me?
5 Great Test Driving Tips and Techniques
How Do I Know if a Car was in an Accident?
10 Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Car
How to Buy a Hybrid

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