Used Car: Used Cars - Avoiding the Lemons

A great way to cut costs when making the big expenditure of buying a vehicle is to consider a used car. Shopping smartly will get you a decent used car that will provide years of service. However, jumping at the first lower priced car can result in purchasing a lemon. If you comparison shop, consult the lemon laws of your state, get the vehicle's VIN number, and check all nearby dealers, you'll get a car worth your money. Determining the type of vehicle you're after is of course the first step. Be certain of the facts and figures before going to the car lot or seeing a private party. Decide the amount of miles you will allow and the features you require from the car. Begin your search by checking the prices of cars online.

Finding a relative price for your desired car is important. As the old saying goes, "Beware of a deal that appears to good to be true." Repairs can be a large cost on the back end if you get a low price up front. Consult the lemon laws of your state. Lemon Laws protect buyers. If you happen to purchase a car that is a lemon, meaning it needs several repairs in a short time period (usually about 30 or 45 days), these laws will protect you. Be sure of what your state's laws are, as they vary from state to state. Being protected by lemon laws inspires confidence, and helps you to ask the questions that will keep you from making a poor purchase decision.

A car's VIN number can help to identify a lemon. After you've narrowed your search and found a potential car to purchase, locate the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) from the driver's side dashboard (where the dash meets the windshield). All it takes to order a report on a vehicle is the VIN and about $20. While inspections are helpful, only a VIN report will really give you a thorough analysis of the car's activity, including accidents and repairs. Don't ignore dealers when searching for your next inexpensive car. Normally buying from a dealer is a little more costly than buying privately, but the inspections mandated by dealers and the warranties that they sometimes offer can be worth the difference in price. That inspection and warranty is some assurance against buying a lemon. Low cost is only part of the allure of a used car; a low-cost lemon is not a good deal at all.

Jake Newbury is a salesman for NuStar Motors, a sacramento used cars dealer. Jake knows firsthand that taking a few precautionary steps before buying used car in sacramento or used cars can save you money in the long run, and he recommends a CARFAX report to all used car buyers.

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Used Car: Used Cars - Avoiding the Lemons

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