| Buying a used car can be a great way to | | | | to learn more about the car's history. |
| save money, but it can also cost you a | | | | 2. Lemon Laws Lemon laws protect |
| lot more if you end up buying a lemon. | | | | consumers when they purchase a vehicle |
| Having a lemon check prior to purchasing | | | | that has repeated problems immediately |
| a used car is one of the most important | | | | or very soon after purchase. Lemon laws |
| things you can do, and too many people | | | | vary by state, so you need to look up |
| skip this step. Having the car inspected | | | | your state's laws to know what your |
| by an independent third party is one of | | | | rights are. |
| the primary ways you can find out if | | | | Should you find that the vehicle you |
| something is wrong with the car. | | | | purchased is defective, a record of a |
| Believing whatever the seller tells you | | | | mechanical check can work in your favor. |
| about the car is not enough, no matter | | | | This ensures that the seller cannot |
| how sincere or honest the person appears | | | | claim that the damage occurred after you |
| to be. After all, their motivation is to | | | | purchased the vehicle. Obviously, if a |
| sell the car. | | | | mechanic determines that there are |
| The best place to have a lemon check | | | | serious problems, you should avoid the |
| performed is through a dealership that | | | | car. However, if smaller issues are |
| sells that make and model of car. | | | | noted that later become bigger issues, |
| Mechanics at the dealership are familiar | | | | you'll have a record that these were |
| with the parts, know how much repairs | | | | noted prior to purchase. Of course, this |
| cost, and can inform you of any common | | | | can work against you as well. If you |
| problems with a particular model. It's | | | | learn that a car has significant |
| worth spending the money to have the car | | | | problems, it's not worth the cost. |
| inspected. If any repairs are needed, | | | | The types of repairs may also have an |
| you can price the repairs and determine | | | | effect on whether or not lemon laws |
| your best option, such as negotiating | | | | apply. Safety issues are of more concern |
| for a lower price or walking away. | | | | than minor repairs. Therefore, |
| Having a used car inspected prior to | | | | safety-related issues may require fewer |
| purchase is probably the most important | | | | repair attempts than others under |
| step in the process. Here are three good | | | | certain lemon laws. |
| reasons why you should get a lemon | | | | Lemon laws apply to vehicles that |
| check. | | | | require repeated repairs over a short |
| 1. You'll Learn More About the Car While | | | | amount of time. So even if you are aware |
| a seller may be honest, it's possible | | | | of a needed fix, if the problem is not |
| that he or she is unaware of problems | | | | fixed with one or more repairs |
| with the vehicle. Alternatively, it | | | | (sometimes up to four, depending on the |
| could be that the seller knows that | | | | state), you may be protected by lemon |
| repairs are needed and wants to sell the | | | | laws. Be sure to keep detailed records |
| car rather than pay for repairs. | | | | of all maintenance, beginning with the |
| Unfortunately, not everyone is honest, | | | | first lemon check and any repairs |
| and the only way you can determine the | | | | thereafter. |
| true state of a car is to have it | | | | Also, keep in mind that lemon laws only |
| thoroughly inspected. A vehicle that | | | | apply to vehicles that are used for |
| looks great from the outside may have | | | | family or personal use, at least part of |
| serious problems inside. A skilled, | | | | the time. Vehicles used solely for |
| independent mechanic can give you an | | | | business purposes do not fall under |
| honest opinion about the state of the | | | | lemon laws, but other laws apply. |
| car. | | | | 3. You'll Save Money Having a lemon |
| A lemon check can also alert you to | | | | check done on a potential purchase will |
| other problems such as mileage fraud or | | | | only save you money in the long run. The |
| other hidden problems with the car. If | | | | check will determine whether you should |
| you run across any suspicious activity, | | | | invest in the vehicle to begin with, and |
| such as adjusting mileage or other | | | | will give you an idea of potential |
| problems, you can walk away from the | | | | repairs and the estimated cost. Simply |
| sale. If you skip having the lemon | | | | avoiding a lemon can save you hundreds |
| check, you will never know about these | | | | or thousands of dollars, from the |
| issues prior to purchasing the vehicle. | | | | initial cost of the vehicle (that you |
| In addition, conduct a VIN (Vehicle | | | | won't be able to resell) to any repairs. |
| Identification Number) search on the car | | | | |