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