No matter where you buy a used car, either from a dealer or individual, and no matter what kind of used car you buy, young, old, or a certified used vehicle, you as the buyer must determine the TRUE condition before you purchase. A good looking used car can be a wolf in sheep's clothing, and cost you thousands in repairs and headaches after the sale.

Regardless of what the seller or salesperson tells you about the vehicle, it is your responsibility to determine the true condition of the vehicle before purchase. Did you know that any oral statements made by the salesperson, about the condition of the vehicle, are not enforceable in a court of law? Only written documents are enforceable in the courts.

Before you buy, follow these steps:

• Step 1)  Take it for a test drive. After you have found a vehicle that you would consider purchasing, take it for a test drive for at least 15 minutes. This is your opportunity detect obvious problems and eliminate a car from consideration. Make sure that the car doesn't blow out smoke when you start it up, that the A/C blows cold, the engine doesn't sound like there are a couple of squirrels fighting in a cage, make sure the brakes don't pull you to one side or another, check to make sure the electrical accessories work, and definitely eliminate any car that goes down the road sideways!

BE AWARE! Many salespeople and sellers may pressure you to buy the car after the test drive. Just because a car runs well during a test drive DOES NOT mean it doesn't have hidden or potential problems. Remember, you will be responsible for all repairs after the sale.

• Step 2) Negotiate your best deal. Ask your loan officer or go online for pricing information about the vehicle. Your negotiated price (written, of course) should be based on the assumption that the vehicle is in good working order, has never been wrecked, and there are no repairs or maintenance items needed. If you know there are problem items, these items should be reflected in the negotiated price. 

BE AWARE! The salesperson or seller may pressure you to buy the car after you negotiate a price. However, you can't negotiate your best deal unless you know the TRUE condition of the vehicle.

Any previous negotiated price can now be re-negotiated based upon the true condition of the vehicle. The dollar amount of any mechanical or electrical problems, accident damage, or other problems, revealed by the inspection, should be either deducted from the original negotiated price or fixed by the seller before purchase.

What type of Inspection Information Do You Need?
A comprehensive inspection by a Master Technician should give you the answers (in plain English) to each of the following questions:

1. What is the current condition of all the mechanical and electrical systems?
   The inspection should inspect each and every system and identify all existing mechanical and electrical problems and potential problems.  The Master Technician should also be able to tell you if the previous owners took care of the vehicle. A poorly maintained vehicle will not last as long and will cost more for repairs after you purchase.

2. Has the vehicle been in an accident? If so, what was the extent of the damage, and what are the quality of the repairs?
   Existing frame damage or poorly repaired frame damage can can cause chronic mechanical problems and can be a serious safety issue. Most vehicles are constructed using a Unibody frame, where the frame is constructed from thin sheets of metal.  To learn more about the types of frames on today's vehicles Click here.  An ASE Technician Certified on Frame can tell the extent of any frame damage and if the vehicle was properly repaired. The inspection should also include the extent and the quality of any body or paint work.

3. Is the wear on the vehicle consistent with the mileage on the odometer?
   The Master Technician should determine if the mileage on the odometer is consistent with the actual amount of wear and tear on the vehicle. Excessive ware and tear could be signs of odometer fraud or a misused vehicle.

4. What is the approximate cost to fix any problems including needed repairs and maintenance items?
   Ask the Master Technician to identify each problem and put repairs in terms of miles and money. For example, the front brakes have 15,000 miles remaining, The CV-boot will cost $200 to replace, the timing belt needs to be replaced in 10,000 miles at the cost of $300, etc...

Regardless of any oral statements or vehicle history documents about the vehicle, a 600-Point inspection from Auto P. I. Used Car Inspections, will let you know of the TRUE condition before you buy.