Friday, March 31, 2006

Used Car Tips - Avoid Feeling Used - Research Before Being Stuck With A Used Car Lemon

You can save a lot of money when buying a used car. However, before you sign on the dotted line and fork over your hard earned cash, do a little research on your state's lemon laws to see if you could have a potential used car lemon on your hands. By gathering up your research on your potential "new" used car right now, you could be saving a whole lot of heartache. After all, you do not want to fork over your hard earned cash on lemon law attorneys down the road, do you?

There are lots of horror stories about people purchasing a used vehicle, driving it off the car lot, only to have it break down before even getting it home. And unfortunately, the fine print in their paperwork sometimes states "as is". So that means these poor people are out of hundreds to thousands of dollars with nothing but a car lemon to show for it. If you are in the market for a used car, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself.

Have your own mechanic inspect the used vehicle you are thinking of buying. You are more likely to trust your own mechanic rather than the used car dealership or private individual that is selling. Most lemon laws deal with just new cars, so you have to take care to avoid a car lemon in your used vehicle. Secondly, you can research the title of the car by ordering a report on the vehicle's history. CARFAX is the most widely known resource for finding out about the history of the used car you are eyeing. You can also use AAA if you are a member.

All you need in order to find out whether you have a potential used car lemon on your hands is the vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN is located on a small piece of metal on the dashboard and is usually visible through the windshield. You might want to check on those instruction stickers located on the inside of the car doors for the VIN. Based on this vehicle identification number, you can have a report run on the prospective car you want to buy.

You can find out all sorts of things from this car history report. Whenever a vehicle is brought in for any type of service, the mechanic has to enter the vehicle identification number as well as the work done to the car. This history report will tell you if the vehicle has been in a wreck, if it was salvaged and rebuilt and even if was ever flooded out due to adverse weather conditions.

Most states do not have a lemon law for used cars. Their car lemon law is usually for new motorized vehicles. Unless you live in New York where they do have some coverage, you are out of luck should something go wrong. So, do not rush into a purchase. Avoid being used. Take your time, research the vehicle and shop around! If something should go wrong with your used car, chances are that any of the lemon law lawyers around your state will not be able to help you.

About the Author: Earl Powers, US Lawyer and Used Car Lemon Laws expert - focusing on Lemon Law Attorney and Lemon Law In

Used Car Tips - Used Car Scams to Be Aware of When Purchasing a Used Car

Purchasing a used car is a great way to obtain an automobile without having to pay a large installment payment each month. Although one has to purchase used cars with care, a used car is useful for individuals on limited budgets or those who are looking for a car to drive around on brief occasions. When purchasing a used car, it is important for the prospective buyers to be on the lookout for a variety of used car scams that occur from time to time.

Odometer Tampering

One of the most frequently perpetrated used car scams these days is odometer tampering. There have been many instances where used car owners have rolled back the odometer readings to show a more favorable reading. This is one used car scam that individuals should be aware of when purchasing a used car. Nobody wants to buy a car they think has 50,000 miles if it really had 150,000 miles. Buying from reputable sellers will help protect you from this scam.

Salvaged Autos

Another used car scam occurs when individuals try to sell autos which are deemed by insurance companies to be total losses. Individuals will fix the car up and then sell it to an unsuspecting buyer, not letting them know that the car was actually salvaged. This is where professional inspections of a used car may come in handy prior to purchasing it.

Lemon Cars

Some used car dealers may even try to pass off a lemon car as a good used car to unsuspecting buyers. There are various laws in existence which help individuals to be free from purchasing lemon cars. However, some lemon car sales still slip through and therefore, individuals should be aware of the possibility of this occurring.

Seller Does Not Hold Title

One last used car scam which individuals should be aware of is when "used car dealers" try to sell cars that do not even belong to them. As an individual who is not the true owner of an automobile cannot pass good title on the car, it is crucial that the buyer of the used car asked to see the title for the car prior to purchasing it. By doing so, the buyer can ensure that the individual who is transferring title to the car has the right to do so.

These are some of the main used car scams that individuals should be aware of when looking for a used automobile. Simply by having this knowledge, individuals may be better prepared to go into the used car arena and find a suitable automobile now that they know what to be on the lookout for with regard to used car scams.

About The Author
Chris Contessa is an automotive enthusiast that runs several automotive forums and websites. You can find Dealer reviews and ratings at his website: http://www.DealershipRatings.com

Used Car Tips - Six Steps On How To Make The Most Of Your Used Car Listings

Selling your used car rather than trading it in gives you the chance of earning money. Car listings have become popular as a method for car sellers to advertise their vehicles to the public.

Rather than searching for car dealers to sell the used car for you, why don't you sell it yourself?

Here are the steps for your successful used car listing:

1) Set the price
Determine a competitive market value of your used car. Second-hand car values could be found on your local classified ads for similar cars being sold and on certified used car dealership online.

Determine the minimum price you would accept for possible negotiations. Be aware that buyers do their research and having a lower price than others would generate more inquiries.

When your price has been set, consider the most attractive ad to publicize.

2) Groom the vehicle
For buyers, appearance is everything. Make sure that before you place an advertisement; inspect your used car inside and out. To make the most profit, take care of minor and major maintenance issues of the vehicle.

3) Prepare vehicle record
Presenting the buyers with complete maintenance logs and receipts is a powerful selling tool. Prepare paperwork of services done such as oil change, tire and battery replacement and warranties for each.

4) Obtain a car history report
To show that the used car has a clean record with the law and past accidents, purchase a car report from your local department of motor vehicles. The biggest fear of buyers is purchasing a used-car that has been in a wreck. The car history report would reveal if the vehicle has been in a major collision in the past.

5) The advertisement
Ad options include newspaper classifieds, magazines or online listings. However, the most cost-effective and useful tool for marketing is by placing an online ad.

* Photo: Although majority of car listings online do not require photos, eighty-five percent of used car buyers search for car listing with photos.

* Details: Provide a complete description of your car even if you have uploaded a photo. Use extra details and words that would grab the buyers' attention. Do not forget to place a contact number to be reached.

6) Sell
Since you know your car's worth, negotiate a fair price. To finalize the sale, you should have two copies of the bill of sale, a receipt that transfers ownership of the car, for you and the buyer.

Once you sold your used car, you?ll be glad you made the most out of your car listing since there was no car dealer involved and all the profit is yours.

About the Author: Gregory Ashton, your resident automobile enthusiast, bringing to you over 20 years of vehicular passion, and expertise; presents for your approval his insider secrets on selecting, buying, and maintianing the car that is ideal for you. http://www.best-car-buying-tips.com