- Insurance: Auto, Home,
Life & More
-
- Tools & Advice
- Common Insurance Questions
- Auto Insurance Discounts
- Add a Teen Driver
- Learning Center
- Home Inventory Checklist
- Life Insurance Calculator
- Identity Protection
- Quick Links
- Get Insurance Quotes
- Find an Agent
- Manage Your Policy
- Payment Options
- Claims Center
- Repair Facility Locator
- Welcome Center
-
- Mutual Funds: Save, Invest
& Plan
-
- Start Planning
- General Investing
- Education Savings
- Retirement Accounts
- Small Business Plans
- Rollovers & Transfers
- Fund Information
- Life Path® Funds
- Stock & Index Funds
- Bond & Money Market Funds
- Fund Performance
- Fund Prices
- Fund Selection Tool
- Quick Links
- Open an Account
- Manage Your Account
- Investing Resources
- Account Help
- Find an Agent
- Contact Us
-
- State Farm Bank® Full Service Financial
Buying a used or "previously owned" car is a great way to save money and still obtain the transportation you need for work, school, and living. Check out our New Car Buying Tips for useful guidelines on assessing your needs, calculating your budget, arranging financing and insurance, and comparison shopping online.
While there are many legitimate reasons for owners to sell or trade in a used car, some cars may have been in accidents and had extensive repairs, been poorly maintained, or have persistent mechanical problems. Before you purchase a used vehicle, follow these tips to make sure you don't end up with someone else's problem.
- Check maintenance logs. Ask the owner for a record of standard maintenance that has been performed on the vehicle, such as servicing, brake checks, and fluid replacements.
- Inspect the car yourself for mechanical soundness, or have it inspected by a certified mechanic or auto repair shop. Inspect it for signs of wear and tear, rust, paint gouges, and other red flags.
- Buy a vehicle report from an independent service such as CARFAX or Consumer Reports to learn about any serious damage the car has sustained, from flooding to bent frames.
- Shop from a reputable dealership that offers certified pre-owned vehicles. A certified vehicle will come with a warranty, either from the dealer or the manufacturer.
- Check official guides (NADA, Kelley Blue Book) for pricing on the vehicle you like. Value will vary according to the make and model, age, condition, mileage, and features on the car. You can negotiate with the seller for the best price.
- Protect yourself against fraud. Before buying, check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to ensure the car hasn't been reported stolen. Also, look at the VIN tag and registration documentation to be sure they haven't been tampered with. It's wise to take extra precautions with any private sellers who want cash only or won't provide a home address and phone number.
Learning Center Forum Topic
What tips do you have for buying a used car?
- 1 Comment
- JoshL on Dec 10, 2011 5:12 AM
If you live in Pennsylvania, you may be wondering what it is like to head to a used dealership for help. They are all good. The dealerships are good for helping individuals find their perfect vehicles. Honesty is very important at Pennsylvania dealerships where you are able to find automobiles that work well still. The employees are very helpful on the subject of showing you the vehicles they have. The only problem is that not all used car dealerships will have anything you need. It is easy to determine which dealership is right for you though. Just go to Pennsylvania used cars and get some assistance.
-
Add Your Comment
Comments come from the public: We do not verify all information shared by those commenting. Except for messages posted by Authorized State Farm Contributors, the comments, opinions, and statements made by public contributors do not necessarily reflect the views, policies or practices of State Farm and are the responsibility of those individuals who created the information.
