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So, you are on a used car lot, looking for the perfect vehicle. Is it an SUV ready to transport a group around the city or a small economic car that can get you from A to B easily? Either way there is one factor that weighs heavily in the decision to buy a used vehicle; safety. How can you tell if you are buying a safe car? There is a quick checklist to keep in mind while you are looking over the gems you have found on the lot. Keeping these in mind will help ensure you are buying a safe new ride.

Car Alarm
Naturally, if we are going to be looking at safety of your new vehicle we will be looking at any alarm system it might have. Ask about the features of the system. Does it have shock sensors? Is there a feature that alerts you via your control if your car is being tampered with? Check the sticker to see if you recognize the brand. Commando is one of the most popular and inexpensive alarm systems on the market. Viper is another commonly used system. Be aware that the stickers can be sold in car shops, much the same way a Brinks sign can be purchased for your home without having the system installed.

Airbags
Airbags are held in highest regard as one of the most important safety tools in an automobile. Does your potential new car have airbags? Are they driver side or dual? Have they been deployed? Many retailers will not bother to replace deployed airbags. The cost of doing this could run from $1,200 to $4,000 for some vehicles. While the airbags are supposed to last the life of the vehicle Subaru suggests that after ten years they should be checked every year or so. This could get pricey. An '85 Oldsmobile found in a junkyard was in perfect condition, with its airbag deployed without incident, showing that the mechanism worked perfectly for 20 years. A report "Airbag Durability: A Performance Analysis of 6~9 Old Field Exposed Airbags" says these safety tools are designed to last 15 years. Check the year of the car and use your best judgment here.

Seatbelts
Perhaps the most basic of safety equipment, seatbelts are often over looked and taken for granted. Seatbelts are made out of thin nylon threads sewn together into the belts that go into the car. This in mind they are candidates for rot and abuse. Pull the belt from its column. Is there mold or rot on the belt? Are there tears in the material? Does the mechanism work smoothly or does it get locked up while you are pulling it out? Check for rust or tarnish on the buckle and the fasteners. If you are finding signs

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