Clark Howard's Tips
Clark's used car buying tipsJune 11, 2008
Here on The Clark Howard Show, we have something informally known as "Car Call Mondays." Every Monday, Clark's staffers have to ration the car calls because with used car purchases, you buy "as is" -- no matter what condition the car is in. The vehicle and all its warts become your problem. If it comes with any warranty, it's usually very limited.
So Clark wants you to do your homework when you're buying used.
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CLARK'S TIP TOPICS
Find more consumer advice in Clark Howard's book, "Get Clark Smart" |
First, make sure the vehicle is worth what you're paying. Check Edmunds.com for the true market value so you come up with a feel for the price.
Second, run the vehicle number through CarFax.com to find out if it's a flood vehicle or if it's been in a horrible accident. For the past 15 years, the insurance industry has been able to block a proposed federal database that promised to give instant access to records about known calamity cars. But no more -- look for the database coming soon.
Finally, have the vehicle checked out by a mechanic as a condition of purchase.
