3 Secret Tips Before You Buy A Used Car.

I have always purchased my cars used. And every single time,

I got a great deal because of a few secrets that is easy to

do. These secrets will save you money. And the good news is

there is no luck involved.

If you follow these steps you are guaranteed to save lots of

money, so please pay attention.

BUYING A USED CAR Power Tip #1 - Check Consumer Reports on

the safest cars out there. Looks are one thing, but never

ignore safety.

Here's what you do: Go to a reputable car repair shop and ask

if you can bring the vehicle by for a look-over.

There is a 99% chance they will say "yes".

While you're there, ask what cars they have to repair most

often. Also, ask what the inspection includes, how long it

takes, and the price. Always get this information in writing

- just to be safe.

Once the vehicle has been inspected, ask the mechanic for a

written report with a cost estimate for all necessary repairs.

Be sure the report includes the vehicle's make, model and VIN.

If you decide to make an offer to the dealer after approving

the inspection, you can use the estimated repair costs to

negotiate the price of the vehicle.

Do you see how easy it is?

Are you going to purchase from an individual? If yes, then

here is your next tip.

BUYING A USED CAR Power Tip #2

Remember, private sellers generally are not covered by the

Used Car Rule and don't have to use the Buyers Guide. However,

you can use the Guide's list of an auto's major systems as a

shopping tool.

It's simple.

You can ask the seller if you can have the vehicle inspected

by your mechanic. If he/she says no... beware. No matter how

nice the car appears, something fishy is going on.

Now, a private sale likely will be on an "as is" basis, unless

your purchase agreement with the seller specifically states

otherwise. If you have a written contract, the seller has to

live up to the contract.

The car also may be covered by a manufacturer's warranty or a

separately purchased service contract. But that doesn't mean

that the warranty and service contract are transferable.

Plus, other limits or costs may apply. Before you buy the car,

ask if it's still under warranty or service contract, and

review that baby carefully.

Some states will require vehicle sellers to pass a vehicle

inspection before a sale is made. That's not always the case,

though. To find out what your state requires, contact your

state Attorney General's office or a local consumer

protection agency.

Hey, it's just a phone call. And it will take less than

5 minutes.

Whether you end up buying a used car from a dealer, a

co-worker, or a neighbor, follow these tips to learn as

much as you can about the car:

BUYING A USED CAR Power Tip #3

Examine the car carefully yourself using an inspection

checklist. You can find a checklist in many of the magazine

articles, books and Internet sites that deal with buying a

used car.

Once I bought a used car in August, and never thought to test

the rear defroster. Guess what? Come November, I found out it

didn't work. If you're shopping in the summer, don't forget to

check the heater. And if it's cold as ice outside, still turn

that air on full blast and make sure it works!

Test drive the car under varied road conditions--on hills,

highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.

Ask for the car's maintenance record. If the owner doesn't

have copies, contact the dealership or repair shop where most

of the work was done. They may share their files with you.

Talk to the previous owner, especially if the present owner

is unfamiliar with the car's history.

Have the car inspected by a mechanic you hire.

There you go.

Follow those three "used car buying" tips and you are

guaranteed to save a ton of money buying a used car.