Ducking Lemons

For every new car sold in the United States last year, more than three used cars were sold. For most used car buyers, the biggest worry is how to get a good car for a good price. John Clor from Edmunds.com appeared on the Saturday Early Show to give some guidance on the issue.

• Make a few basic decisions about what features are important to you such as safety, durability, size, number of doors and engine size as well as what fits your budget. List the options that you consider essential, and other less important options such as color or interiors.
• Research pricing, financing and insurance before you shop. Things such as resale value and reliability varies, even within a brand, and from model-year to model-year. Then check trade-in and retail pricing, financing options and even how a vehicle's insurance rate may affect your ownership costs.
• When you find a car to that fits your criteria, look the car over for dents, scratches and rust. Ripples, ill-fitting panels or trim and differences in paint color are all signs that the car has been in an accident and poorly repaired. More extensive damage will likely be evident elsewhere in the body, such as uneven seems or welds under the hood or trunk.
• High-usage items such as tires, doorsills, seats, pedals and seatbelts should be looked over closely to make sure their wear coincides with the mileage indicated on the odometer. The seller could be trying to hide actual wear and tear if these items look newly replaced. The tires should be worn evenly from side to side. If they are not, it's an indicator of improper alignment, poor components or even hard driving.
• Check the mechanical health of the car. This includes checking the oil and other fluids to see if they appear to have been changed regularly. Also, look at the ground under the engine compartment to see if there has been a lot of leakage of fluids. Check the tailpipe. If a finger swipe leaves a black residue, the engine has been running too rich and is likely out of tune. A gray-white color is normal.
• Take a test drive. With the motor running, check the operation of every switch and feature. While on the road, momentarily take your hands off the wheel. If the vehicle drifts to one side this could indicate an alignment problem. If the car pulls to one side when brakes are applied, they are malfunctioning. A grinding noise or loud screeching when braking also indicates a condition that needs repair.
• Ask for any maintenance receipts or service documents for the vehicle so that you may evaluate its repair history. An owner who has kept accurate maintenance records has most likely done a good job of caring fo the vehicle. And check to see if any warranty coverage is still in effect.
• Once you've narrowed your choices, have a mechanic take a look at the car. This can be either a very knowledgeable friend or a mechanic at a reputable shop. A comprehensive inspection at a service garage may cost you anywhere from $25 to $150, but that’s a small price to pay when the results can give you negotiating power, or save you from a repair headache.

• Edmunds.com Used Car Price Guide
  
• Consumer Reports Used Car Price Report
  
• Kelley Blue Book