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How to Buy a Used Car
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Step 1. Be prepared.
Do as much research as you can. Read reviews, consumer reports, ask colleagues and friends,
compare options, and gather gas consumption data on the make and model you're interested
in. Examine reliability ratings. Try to determine maintenance costs and upkeep, etc. Your goal
should be to narrow your search to one or two models. Know what you want to buy.
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Step 2. Check a car's history records.
Checking the car's history will probably eliminate half of the vehicles from your potential
list. Vehicles that have been fl ooded or restored after serious accidents, those with rolled back
odometers, heavily abused vehicles (e.g. rentals), those with outstanding liens, etc., can be
eliminated after simply checking the history record of the vehicle. If you're purchasing your car
from a reputable dealer, they will have no problem providing you with a CARFAX report.
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Step 3. Have the car inspected.
Check out the car yourself very carefully. Ask a person who knows about cars to help you. As a
fi nal step, bring the car to a mechanic you trust for an inspection.
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Step 4. Be careful doing the paperwork.
Be extremely careful when doing the paperwork. For questions about vehicle registration,
change of ownership, legal aspects, etc. contact your local vehicle registration authorities.
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How to Buy a Used Car
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