Car Control

PRE-OWNED SATISFACTION

Last week JPW asked for "a column on general guidelines in purchasing a new or used car." She and her husband are 60 and she thinks that a new car my be too expensive for her budget, so this column will be devoted to my checklist for buying a good, late-model used car. Regular readers have seen some of this before but not all in one place:

RULE ONE--BUY QUALITY, NOT YEAR

Using the classifieds, search out the best car in your price category, not the newest. You will be much better off with a low mileage, fine condition '89 model than a high mileage, average condition '90 model for the same price. As with every rule there are exceptions, because of model changes, for example, but the principle sustains. Focus on condition rather than age.

RULE TWO--CHECK OUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD

If you find a car that interests you on a dealer lot, take a careful look at the other cars on the lot. Your odds of buying a reliable car in good condition are affected by the choices made by the owners of the lot. If they deal in junk, you have a chance of buying junk. If they will only stock cars in good condition...you get the idea.

RULE THREE--ASK FOR THE PAPERS

If the dealer can't or won't tell you where the car came from, look everywhere--glove box under the seats, in the trunk for papers. I've found complete maintenance records stuffed under seats and in weird places. When you get a source of information, use it. Call previous owners. They'll be happy to tell you what they know about the car. After all, it's not their problem anymore so they can be heroic.

Many dealers keep computer records on cars that go back 3-5 years. They are an excellent source of information on how well the car was maintained.

RULE FOUR--INFORM YOURSELF

Go to the public library or the loan officer at your bank and ask to see the NADA or other used car price books they use. Write down the model and optional equipment prices so that you will know if the seller is offering a reasonable price.

RULE FIVE--SERVICE IS WORTH MORE THAN PRICE

Most dealers are likely to be more accommodating to requests for additional repairs or upgrades, like new tires, than to a straight price reduction. There's ego and economics involved here. It's a humanly reasonable request to ask for replacement of a near-bald tire as part of the deal. Asking for $500 off is a possible insult to the seller's pride. Besides, the tire only costs him maybe $10.

RULE SIX--DON'T HAGGLE--OFFER

When you have decided that you want the car under certain conditions, sit down and write out your offer including your conditions. Your paper should say, "I'll give you (his asking price or whatever the book says it's worth) for this car if you will do the following:" Now he has something to go to his boss with and you know where you stand.

Don't be afraid to walk away if they won't budge. See RULE SEVEN.

RULE SEVEN--BE PATIENT

Set your goals and standards before you go shopping and refer to them often. Don't compromise. 15,000,000 used cars are sold each year in this country. The perfect car for you is out there or will be soon. Don't settle for less than you want because you worry about one particular car "getting away." Trust me on this, there's another, equally exciting car just down the road, in tomorrow's paper or on its way. Be happy. Get what you want.

RULE EIGHT--CHECK IT OUT

Have an independent mechanic or shop check the car out before you sign the papers. Ask them to pay particular attention to brakes, battery, exhaust system and air-conditioning. These are the items most likely to cost immediate money after you buy the car. If they're deficient, ask the seller to fix them before you buy the car.

Happy hunting!!!

David Thompson is President of Auto Testers, Inc., publishers of The New Driver Car Control Clinic, a program to help parents make their new drivers safer drivers.
Questions should be addressed to info@carcontrol.com or:

The Auto Advisor
P.O. Box 99466
Raleigh, NC 27624

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