| Tips On Buying A Used Car
LINCOLN - The purchase of a car (new or used) will probably be one of your biggest expenditures except for purchasing a home. Each year, according to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans spend over 85 billion dollars to buy more than 17 million used cars. A little research before you buy can prevent disappointment later. Determine if the car you are considering purchasing is in good mechanical shape by getting an evaluation from an independent mechanic. If the used-car dealer or private owner won't let you take the car to an independent mechanic, consider shopping elsewhere. Request authentic mileage information on a vehicle before buying. If you doubt any stated mileage, contact the state(s) in which the vehicle has been titled to obtain a title history. Nebraska title history information can be obtained by contacting the Title Section of the Department of Motor Vehicles in Lincoln. Investigate and compare prices by consulting publications that give approximate dealer and consumer prices for many models. Your library, bookstore, bank or insurance agent should have copies of the annual Consumer Reports Guide to Used Cars, monthly Kelley Blue Book, and others. Also, find out if the vehicle you are considering has been recalled for safety defects. This information may be obtained by calling the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline toll free at 1-888-327-4236. Take a look at the vehicle title before making a final decision to buy a car. Make sure the title you are shown belongs to the car you are buying. Buying "As Is" "As is" means that if you have a problem with the car after you buy it, you must pay for the repairs yourself - even if the car doesn't run after it leaves the lot. The dealer has no further responsibility for a car sold "as is" once the sale is complete and you drive off the lot. Under federal law, all sellers of used cars (except private owners) are required to place a large sticker called a Buyers Guide in the window of their used cars, light-duty vans, and light-duty trucks. The Buyers Guide tells whether the vehicle comes with a warranty and, if so, which systems are covered, how long the coverage applies, and what percent of repair costs the dealer will pay. Before You Sign Be sure that the contract terms are completely filled in before you sign the contract. Once you sign a contract, don't leave the premises without your copy. Be sure that all verbal promises have been written into the contract, along with all financing terms if the dealer is financing your car. If you don't understand any part of the contract, ask for an explanation. Remember, once you sign a contract to buy the car of your choice, you're obligated. Many people mistakenly believe that the Three-Day Right-to-Cancel law for door-to-door sales applies to an auto purchase. It does not! When you sign the contract, the car is yours. For more information about buying a used car, auto repairs, or any other consumer issue, contact:Attorney
General's Office |