By choosing a used car, you could save a lot of money, but you should be careful to avoid buying a "lemon". Don't run the risk of purchasing used cars with expensive hidden problems. A huge number of vehicle accidents happen on a daily basis and lots of cars are restored and sold on the used car market.
While the majority of cars are restored properly and will function almost as good as new, those reconditioned by sketchy repair shops turn into a nightmare for the next owner. Typically, cars that had been repaired after an accident are more inclined to develop rust, and also mechanical and electrical problems.
Another type of cars used car buyers should stay away from are those that have been flooded. Flash floods are increasingly becoming a common occurrence and once in a while you might stumbled upon a vehicle that had been flooded in the past.
It may look flawless and drive fine, but if water has entered inside the car it is likely to develop expensive-to-repair electrical problems in the future. Odometer fraud is another issue. Even though tampering with odometers is illegal, this practice is still going on.
Used car buyers ought to be very careful when buying cars which were previously used as a rental vehicle. Some of the ex-rental cars might be kept in good shape, while others may have been abused or poorly maintained. For these reasons, used car buyers should consider checking used car history records before signing the contract. There are many companies that offer this particular service. VinAudit is a startup offering a low-cost alternative to Carfax.
While this isn’t something you need to concern yourself with when purchasing a new car, when purchasing a used car, experts say it’s advisable to spend a few dollars to obtain a vehicle history report. Most dealers will do a vehicle history report on a used car for interested buyers.
To determine the history, you need the Vehicle Identification Number or VIN. It's a 17-character number with letters and digits you can see in the left front corner of the windshield or on the manufacturing label on the door jamb. First, you can check if there are any data available for the car you are looking for. It shows you how many records there are available for the VIN number you enter. If you want to view the records, you have to buy the full report.
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The vehicle history report also shows the number of previous owners, some service records and states or provinces where the car used to be registered. The report also includes the vehicle warranty information. When you get the report, pay attention to the dates and the corresponding odometer records.
Of course, keep in mind that if the history report does not show "bad" records, you'll still have to extensively examine the car yourself and have it checked out by a mechanic. This is because not all accidents are reported and the mechanical condition of the vehicle can only be confirmed by a extensive mechanical inspection; things like engine or transmission condition are also significant, but they are not noted in the history report.
