How To Keep Yourself From Getting A Bad Used Car

By: Barry Edzant

A lemon law attorney gets many calls from people who have bought costly used cars only to find that the vehicles that they bought were unreliable, or far less valuable than anticipated. In one instance, a client of ours bought a previously-owned automobile from a used car lot. The car had low mileage and appeared perfect. Unfortunately, after buying the car, he found a receipt proving it was previously a rental, and that the odometer had been rolled back 30,000 miles. Reversing a vehicle transaction is not for the faint of heart. It requires tact and stamina.

You have a lot of avenues to protect yourself. You're always better off buying a used car from a reputable dealership. Your car may cost a bit more, but you are more likely to get help if your car should be unreliable. Your chances of buying a lemon increase when you buy from a small dealer, and are highest when you buy from a private party.

Demand all repair records and buy any warranties that are offered. Ask for a statement in writing that the car was not a daily rental, a salvage, or had major accident damage. If the dealership hesitates, it may be a warning sign to reconsider. An honest dealership should care about your concerns when buying a used car. You should not be timid about asking a dealer, if you can have a third-party mechanic inspect the car.

The most dangerous way to buy a car, both from a safety and a financial perspective, is from an unknown, private party. You should always have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic and a body shop. There should be no exceptions! Demand records of all of its repairs. Don't drive the vehicle, or even examine it, by yourself. A check at www.carfax.com will reveal whether or not the seller has the proper title. Insist that the owner provide a 30 day warranty.

(They may do this if they've been trying to sell the car for some time.) Buy your new car from a dealer that is trustworthy. You shouldn't buy a vehicle on the same day that you see a it, and you should tell the dealer you are just looking when you are first approached. Take your time, and think things through. Be very skeptical of salespersons who claim that what they are selling is a true "one of a kind" vehicle. Unlike appliance sales, there's no cooling-off period with cars. It's yours for good, as soon as it leaves the lot.

Leasing is complicated and must be understood, though it can be practical as well. Demand detailed explanations from the salesperson. If you are thinking of purchasing a dealer demo, a dealer loaner, or otherwise "slightly" used car, ensure that all of the warranties are in full effect, and follow the same precautionary procedures as with buying any used vehicle.

Trust your inner feelings. You should trust your instincts; if you feel pressured to purchase a particular vehicle, or if you have funny feelings about something, always go with your gut. Step back and walk away. There's always another dealership around the corner, but there's only one of you. That puts you in a position of great advantage!

It is easy to be an intelligent and knowledgeable consumer.

If you follow some simple guidelines, you can drive your car away with peace of mind and feel good about your purchase.

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Barry Edzant is one of the best lemon law attorneys California and knows the importance of doing some research before buying a used car. Barry has worked with many personal injury claims as a Los Angeles personal injury attorney and understands the seriousness of the California lemon law.

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