Buying a Used Car

Protect yourself when purchasing a pre-owned car.

Federal Citizen Information Center

An automobile's "history" will be a big help when looking for a used car. Get details about a pre-owned auto before making any purchase.

Looking for a used car? Here are some tips to help protect you when making the purchase:

Research the Vehicle's Past Life

Ask the seller for details concerning past owners, use of the vehicle, and maintenance. Next, find out whether the car has been damaged in a flood, involved in a crash, been labeled a "lemon," or had its odometer rolled back by running a check on a site such as carfax.com. The car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) will help you do this.

Inquire about the Title History

Your state motor vehicle department can research the car's title history. Inspect the title for "salvage," or "rebuilt," or similar notations.

Look Up Web Sites

The Internet sites www.carfax.com and www.autocheck.com sell information on the history of vehicles gathered from state motor vehicle departments and other sources. While helpful, these sources do not guarantee that a vehicle is accident-free. The Center for Auto Safety at www.autosafety.org provides information on safety defects and recalls.

Check Crash-tests

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at www.nhtsa.gov provides crash-test and rollover ratings for individual models and years.

Review any Warranty Coverage

If a manufacturer's warranty is still in effect, contact the manufacturer to make sure you can use the coverage.

Get it Inspected

Have the car examined by a qualified mechanic. Talk to the seller and agree in advance that you'll pay for the exam if the car passes inspection, and that the seller will pay if significant problems are discovered. Be sure to have the mechanic check the vehicle's frame, tires, air bags, and undercarriage.

This article and hundreds more can be found on the "Member Library" at the NEA Member Benefits Web Site at www.neamb.com.