Purchasing a used car can be one of the most irritating and stressful situations any person can describe. The simple fact that most people do not know much about automobiles in general is bad enough, but the negative stigma of the sly used car salesman can make anyone uneasy. Asking the right questions and gauging the validity of the salesperson's responses can go a long way toward figuring out whether or not you're getting a decent deal on a used car or being pushed into something that's overpriced or a downright scam.
Pre-Certified Vehicles
Many used car dealers claim that their vehicles are "certified" as being in top condition. Always ask to see the certification paperwork for the vehicle you are considering. This paperwork should clearly describe what criteria was used to approve the certification, and what repairs or adjustments were performed to bring the car up to certified status. Also, remember that the only certification report that actually carries weight is one from the automobile manufacturer. Do not rest your car buying decision on a certification report provided by a used car dealership's own mechanic.
CarFax Reports
Always insist on getting a current copy of a vehicle's CarFax report before you actually buy it. These reports will provide information on the known history of the car, and any dangerous or suspicious information will be visible here. Almost every reputable dealership will be prepared to provide a CarFax report. If a salesperson refuses to provide the report, or makes excuses about why it is not available, your best bet is to leave the lot and find a car elsewhere. There is no legitimate reason why a car dealership should not be ready and able to give a prospective buyer a valid CarFax report.
The Previous Owner
Ask questions about how the dealership took possession of the vehicle. If it was purchased at an auction, the CarFax report is even more important because there is no other way to find out the vehicle's history. If the car was traded in to the dealer, ask for the previous owner's name and telephone number. Attempt to contact the previous owner and ask about their experiences with the car and why they traded it in. The previous owner will be able to tell you about any accidents, problems, or other reasons why you should not buy the car. Most people are not offended or threatened by this type of unsolicited phone call, and are actually more than happy to provide honest information about the car.
Service and Maintenance
Ask the dealership to provide the maintenance records for the vehicle since it has been in their possession. Even minor tune-ups or repairs should be documented and evidenced for new prospective buyers. A qualified mechanic's analysis report at the time the car was received by the dealership, plus the service records, are enough to give a good indication about what a new owner can expect in terms of future repairs or service needs. If major work was recently done to the car, make sure it was performed by qualified mechanics using appropriate replacement parts, preferably OEM parts.
Return Policy
Many reputable used car dealerships offer a limited period of time within which the vehicle may be returned to the dealer for a refund of the purchase price. Ask for details about the return policy and be wary of any dealership that absolutely refuses to make arrangements. If the vehicle is safe and sound, the CarFax and maintenance reports legitimate, and the buyer has received full disclosure, there is no reason that a 14-day return window should be a problem.
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