This writeup
explores the world of
used car purchasing. Unfortunately,
used cars have a bad reputation because many people have been
burned purchasing them. This doesn't have to happen. Used car purchasing can result in a really nice set of
wheels for not a lot of
money, if a person plays his/her
hand well.
NOTE: Being
Amerocentric, this writeup is written with
Americans in mind. Some of these suggestions may also work in your
native land.
1. Just say "no" to the used car
salesman. I don't care how tempting the
deal is. I don't care if they say "
bad credit,
no credit, whatever." Unless you really can't take a line of credit without an
absurd APR, skip Mr.
Smiles down at Chuck's Car World. You will pay mightily for your
salvage title, bent
chassis wonder, both in a heavily
jacked up sticker price and
repair costs.
Shiny, happy cars with cutesy flags on the antennas do not translate into pleasant experiences.
2. Use
Consumer Reports like the
loaded weapon it is. Here in the US
Consumer Union, a
consumer watchdog group, publishes reviews of products. They do not accept
advertising, only grants. The problem with CR is that they play this
one size fits all philosophy. One
toaster is good for everyone, one
bagel is tasty, etc. They suggest cars for their
appliance potential, and not for their pleasure. If you agree with them, use their advice. If you enjoy driving both as transportation and as a
hobby, look elsewhere.
3. But, use a
car reporting service. Carfax.com (US only) and other services by
fax and
internet can provide
title information, like whether the car is a salvage,
fleet refugee, ex-
taxi, or whatever. Invaluable for those cars where the owner/
dealer isn't too forthcoming about where the car has been, or who can't provide a
history for the car. Look past the lies, these services can unlock the truth.
4. Use a
car inspection service as well. Many localities have services where
mechanics use
diagnostic vans to evaluate cars. If you're serious about a car, use an inspection service to evaluate the
roadworthiness of the machine before making a decision. Inspectors frequently view bodywork, checking for rust, plastic
filler, and botched
paint jobs as well. These services can run up to US $150, but I believe that $150 is better than $12,000
down the drain.
5. Take the advice of the
Byrds. Drive, Drive, Drive!
For there is a test drive for every purpose under heaven, and test driving is meant to look for structural faults, mechanical wear, and
engine fitness. If the seller says "no drive", say "no way". Check for the pull of the wheel. Pulling either way could mean a bent chassis. Check
transmission shifting, and in
manual transmission, check the firmness and
friction of the
clutch. It may not be possible to do a slow speed braking test, but try to gauge the effectiveness of the
braking system. All in all, don't do anything that would scare the seller with you. After all, you might want this car. Don't you?