Avoid Buying a Lemon
Buying a car is a scary thing. It's a significant purchase, and everyone wants to avoid buying a lemon. More people are looking into buying used cars to save money, but worry about inheriting the problems of a former buyer. Even new car buying isn't a guarantee as evidenced by recalls from major auto manufacturers. It is possible to find a good car and not buy a lemon if you do your homework.
Steps
- Research car models that you're interested in through an independent source. Concentrate on reliability scores and the incidence of repair problems.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA.gov) and the Center for Auto Safety (www.autosafety.org) maintain information about complaints, defects and recalls.
- Consumer Reports regularly publishes car information and even has car buying manuals for new and used car buying each year.
- Edmunds.com is a respected car research website.
- Use the Internet in your used or new car buying search.
- Various forums will tell you about the experiences of car owners and what they think about certain car models.
- Choose cars from reputable dealers. Authorized dealers not only have to answer to manufacturers, but a good reputation leads to more sales.
- Search for used cars at authorized new car dealer lots.
- Low odometer miles often mean less wear and tear has taken place.
- Late-model cars may also have warranties still in place, such as a factory warranty or a drive train warranty from the dealers.
- Test drive cars from a narrowed down list.
- Judge the handling and any noises of the car while driving.
- Trust your instincts if something doesn't feel right, and pass on the opportunity to possibly buy a lemon.
- Ask a mechanic you trust to check the car out, particularly for used car buying.
- Unless the mechanic is a family friend, you'll probably have to pay, but it's a small price to pay to avoid buying a lemon.
- Obtain a Vehicle History Report, also known as a VHR, for information about a car's repair and title history.
- Carfax is a common source to buy VHR's.
- You will need the car's vehicle identification number (VIN) to do this. It is often located on the driver's side front window.
- Multiple titles or repairs may indicate that the car has problems.
- Learn about the lemon laws in your state.
- Lemon laws protect consumers from substandard cars that fail to meet minimum standards of quality.
- Lemon laws vary among states and sometimes only cover new car buying.
- If you believe you're stuck with a lemon, contact an attorney who specializes in lemon laws.
