There has never been a better time to buy a used vehicle than right now.   It’s true!   Previously owned vehicles last longer, are built better, and deliver more reliable service than ever in history. And many used vehicles can now be purchased with warranty and roadside assistance coverage, something that was unheard of in the day of buying a used vehicle “as is.”   But, while used-vehicle bargains are out there in vast numbers, choosing just the right one for you is still fraught with several challenges.   Making a bad buy can haunt you — and perhaps your credit — for years down the road.   Before purchasing a used vehicle, it’s essential to find out as much as you can about the vehicle’s maintenance history and any mechanical problems it might be hiding. Read more . . .

 

Man driving a car

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Use this UsedCars.biz handy checklist when you are test driving a used car. If some of the items below seem too “picky” for you, skip them: but remember that little annoyances today can grow into huge disturbances tomorrow.

 

 

 

 

Driveability

_____Acceleration should be smooth (not necessarily rapid).

_____Pinging may indicate a needed tune-up or may be poor fuel. Some Read more . . .

Use this UsedCars.biz handy checklist when you are inspecting a used car. If some of the items below seem too “picky” for you, skip them: but remember that little annoyances today can grow into huge disturbances tomorrow.

Excel template

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Exterior

_____Look for unmatched paint or poor body fit (may indicate collision damage).

_____Check for body filler (use a refrigerator magnet on suspicious spots, unless body panel is not made of metal to begin with).

_____Look for rust all around, especially at wheelwells, under doors, in trunk.

_____Musty smell or dampness in trunk may indicate collision damage. Read more . . .