by Vickie Britton

Created on: April 20, 2009

"Buy this vehicle only if you are prepared to spend wheelbarrows full of money on it." That was the prognosis of the mechanic who checked out the little used Chevy I thought was the car of my dreams. On the advice of a friend, I had taken it to the mechanics first to get it checked out. It cost fifty dollars, but it was probably the best fifty bucks I'd ever spent. He discovered the engine was shot. I was terribly disappointed, for the price had seemed right, it drove fine on the test drive, and I was ready to make the deal. But I would have only been buying trouble. The first thing I learned about buying a new vehicle is that looks can be deceiving.

Get the Engine and Mechanics Checked First by a Reputable Garage

When buying a used car, be sure to get the engine and other parts checked by a trusted mechanic who isn't affiliated with the car lot dealer. A mechanic can tell you so many things that can go unnoticed just through observation and test driving. The most important thing to request is a compression test. This will tell you how much life is left on the engine. An engine with low compression will not last long. A mechanic can also check for oil leaks which can be indicators of serious engine problems later on.

A mechanic should also take a look at other mechanical parts besides the engine such as the transmission and brakes. The alignment should also be checked to make sure the frame is not bent or damaged. These are costly areas to fix later on.

Insist on Seeing a Carfax History Report

A Carfax history report will give you valuable information about the car you want to purchase. Many dealers will provide the report. If they do not, you can get your own by entering the VIN number on the nationwide data base. For more information see www.carfax.com

This report will tell you how many previous owners the has car had, if it has ever been in a serious wreck, and other important information.

Buy From a Private Party or Reputable Dealer

Purchasing a car at auction can sound like good idea. You can get a good buy, but purchasing a car at auction can be quite a gamble. Buy only if you know how to do repairs yourself or are willing to spend money fixing the car up. Be aware that there are tricks to temporarily camouflage damage and to enhance the looks of an old beater, such as a cheap paint job that fades with the first rain. For a good, dependable used car it is best to buy from a trusted seller. It pays to be wary because making a hasty purchase on impulse can cost you money.

Used Car Checklist:

Get the engine checked by a professional

Get a Carfax report

Ask to see papers showing regular oil changes and any repairs made to the car to see if it has been well-maintained.

Does it get good gas mileage? Research the year and model on the Internet to find out.

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