Some tricks when shopping for that used car:
Pick a car: Narrow your search to three vehicles.
What is the car for?
Short commutes? Long hauls? Do you want a luxury vehicle or a compact? Web sites such as Cars.com, which is afiliated with the Tribune, and Edmunds at www.edmunds.com, offer shopping tips and research tools.
– What is it worth? Know the value of the vehicle you are thinking about buying. Condition, mileage, age, equipment and where you live affect value. Pricing guides such as Kelley Blue Book at www.kbb.com can give you an idea.
– Get the vehicle’s history: Find out whether the car you want has been in an accident, whether the odometer has been rolled back and how many owners it has had. You will need the vehicle identification number. Carfax at www.carfax.com charges $19.99 for a single report.
– Visit a mechanic: If the car you want is not certified by the manufacturer, have it checked by a mechanic.
– Look at it: Sounds silly, but look carefully at the vehicle for dents, dings and leaks.
– Drive it: Take your time to evaluate how the car handles. Does it accelerate smoothly and with the power you need? Listen for rattles, squeaks or engine noises. How do the brakes feel? If you are dealing with a private party, ask to see the service records. If the vehicle has had major overhaul of the transmission or engine, proceed with caution.
– Check the warranty: If you are buying from a private party, check to see whether the vehicle is still under warranty. Then, check to see whether it’s transferrable to a new owner. For a comparison of warranties, visit www.cars.com or www.edmunds.com.
