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The website www.edmunds.com offers pricing information
and comprehensive advice on buying a used car. In addition,
refer to the list of websites included in this publication.
Look
at individual used vehicles. Gather as much information
as you can on the different makes and models. Check
out the retail value, available options, performance,
and track record for repairs.
For information about car safety features, recalls,
crash tests, and other auto safety topics, go to the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA)
website at www.nhtsa.dot.gov. You can also call NHTSA's
toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at 888-DASH-2-DOT (888-327-4236)
and have information sent to you.
FINDING
THE CAR OF YOUR DREAMS
You
can purchase your new previously owned car from an independent
used car lot, a new-car dealership, an auction, a used
car superstore or a private seller. Wherever you decide
to buy your car, there are some important things you
need to know.
While
your heart will play a big role in your decision, don't
lose your head. Be willing to walk away from the car
if the deal doesn't meet the criteria you laid out earlier.
Your ability to negotiate a great deal will increase
by magnitudes.
Always
know the market value of any car you're considering
and make your first offer lower. It's always easy to
go up from your initial offer, but you probably won't
be able to negotiate down from there. Several websites
offer pricing information to help you determine the
value of the car.
You
should always be concerned about buying "someone
else's problems." Make sure you get a detailed
vehicle history report and service records from the
person selling the vehicle. A vehicle history report
can identify major problems including past accidents,
flood damage, and odometer discrepancies. When you decide
to buy a car, make sure you get it checked out by a
trusted mechanic before you give the seller any money.
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