What to Look for in a Preowned Vehicle

While many car buyers make their way onto the dealer lot to purchase a new vehicle, there is an increasing market for used or second hand vehicles, particularly in the luxury vehicle market. If this is the first time you have ever purchased a pre-owned vehicle; however, it is a good idea to take the time to find out as much as possible in order to make the best purchase available.

First, always ask if the vehicle still has a manufacturer’s warranty available. Today this is becoming an increasing possibility, especially with more and more people trading in and purchasing vehicles more frequently. It is quite possible to purchase a pre-owned vehicle that has only a few miles on it and still has plenty of life left in the warranty. So, always be sure to ask before you make a final decision.

Be aware that when you are purchasing a pre-owned vehicle from a dealer the dealer is required by the Federal Trade Commission rules to have a Buyer’s Guide attached to the window of the vehicle. At a minimum, this Guide should contain the following information:

Whether the vehicle comes with a warranty or is being sold ‘as is.’

How much of repair costs the warranty will cover, if present

The major systems on the vehicle the buyer should be aware of

A reminder to the buyer to get all promises from the dealer in writing, retain the

Buyer’s Guide for future reference and to have the vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic.

If the vehicle is being sold ‘as is’, it is important to have a clear understanding of exactly what this means. Under state laws, this term is also known as an implied warranty. This indicates an unspoken agreement that the car will perform as it was specified to perform. That doesn’t mean you can bring it back if it turns out to be a junker of a vehicle. Of course, you may have some recourse available to you under state lemon laws. The final point is to make sure you know exactly what you’re buying and not sign on the dotted line unless you’re sure of it.

Always take the time to make sure you know exactly what kind of car you’re buying. This means asking some pointed questions:

How many owners have owned this car?
Why did the previous owner sell it?
How was it used? Private use or commercial use?
Has the car been involved in any accidents?
What kinds of problems has it had in the past?
When was the last time the car had a tune-up?

Today it is also quite easy to get what is known as a vehicle history report; however, it is important to understand that these reports are not always 100% accurate. If you take the time to take the vehicle to a good mechanic before you purchase it you can find out quite easily if there is any evidence the car has been involved in an accident.

Take the time to do some independent research as well, such as whether there have been any recalls on the vehicle and also what reviews have had to say about that particular model vehicle. Finally, don’t forget to go over the vehicle yourself. Look for items that appear to be mismatched and whether there are any sections or patches of paint that appear to be odd. This can be a good indication there has been an accident involving this car.

Of course, you should also take it for a complete test drive over a variety of different terrains and traffic situations to get a feel for how it handles. If you do decide to purchase the car, don’t forget to get everything in writing