Shop smart for used vehicles

Tips from Better Business Bureau

Buying a used car can be a smart move if your budget is limited and your heart is not set on owning something shiny and new. However, buying a used car also can be problematic. Used car dealers are often among the 10 most-complained-about industries at Better Business Bureau. Problems included cars that broke down soon after the purchase, problems with warranties and customer service issues.

If you are in the market for a used car, the first thing you need is a budget. How much can you afford to pay every month if you are financing the car? If you want to pay cash, how much can you spend without exhausting your savings? Finding cars that fit your budget means looking at online ads, newspapers and possibly looking at what is available at local dealers. However, be wary of going to a dealer without doing your research.

Check out any used car dealer online before you shop. BBB has Business Profiles for dealers. The Business Profiles show you whether a dealer has a history of complaints and how the complaints were resolved. Reviews also include contact information, consumer reviews and other information about the business.

If you find something you like, go to sources like Kelly Blue Book or Autotrader to determine whether the price is in line with similar cars. Check reports on the reliability of the model you are interested in and whether it has been subject to any recalls. Ask about warranties offered by the dealer.

If you find a specific car you are interested in, ask for a Carfax report to see whether it has been in a wreck previously. Consider having a mechanic you trust inspect the car before you agree to buy it. In addition, BBB offers the following advice for consumers shopping for a used car:

Do the research. There are many online resources to check the average retail prices of various makes and models of used cars depending on the year and how many miles are on the car. These prices will give you an idea of what the used car should sell for when looking at different locations.

Ask specific questions about a vehicle's history and condition. If a salesperson indicates a vehicle has been "inspected" or "checked over," ask for specific details. Was it a mechanical inspection or just visual? Has the vehicle been put up on a lift? Ask for any records on the vehicle, including those related to inspection, prior maintenance and any repairs or reconditioning done by the dealer. Ask for a vehicle history report, such as CarFax or AutoCheck. Most reputable dealers are willing to provide this, and it can reveal past issues such as accidents. Remember a vehicle history is only as complete as information reported, and is not a guarantee of the vehicle's condition.

Consider having a qualified mechanic inspect the vehicle. Dealers can allow customers to have an inspection done by a qualified mechanic prior to purchase, and might allow a vehicle to be taken off-site for a short time with some basic information such as a customer's driver's license and proof of insurance. Pre-purchase inspections can cost upwards of $100, but may help identify potential issues and save on costly repairs further down the road.

Get any additional commitments made by the dealer in writing. If the dealer has agreed to perform or pay for additional repairs as a condition of purchase, be sure to have these commitments written into the contract. This is sometimes referred to as a "We Owe" agreement. Get the timeframe for completion of repairs in writing, and make sure you understand who to contact to have work completed.

For more tips you can trust, visit midmobbb.org or call 573-886-8965.

Sean Spence is the Mid-Missouri regional director for Better Business Bureau.