| Whether you're in the market for a used car, | | | | records reported by more than 20,000 sources |
| truck, van or SUV, the key to finding a good | | | | including DMVs, auto auctions, manufacturers, |
| vehicle involves looking into its past. | | | | dealers and repair shops. Among other things, the |
| That's the advice from experts who say there | | | | reports indicate: |
| are a few steps people can take to be more | | | | • If a car has been in an accident-more |
| confident that the used vehicle they buy is worth | | | | than 5 million cars are considered total losses |
| the money they pay. Try these tips: | | | | from wrecks each year |
| Know The Signs | | | | • If the car has been in a flood |
| Check the car over for signs of damage or wear | | | | • The number of previous owners |
| and tear. Look for excessive rust or mismatched | | | | • If the odometer has been rolled back |
| parts. Also, check to see if there is water | | | | and if the mileage reported on the car is truthful |
| damage to the interior of the car. If there is, the | | | | • If the car has ever been turned in under |
| vehicle may have been in a flood. | | | | the lemon law |
| Get A Second Opinion | | | | • If there are open recalls on the car. |
| Before purchasing a used car, take it to a trusted | | | | The reports also tell you when a dealer took |
| mechanic to have it checked over. A quick | | | | ownership of the car, making it easier to haggle |
| inspection can tell you the kind of shape the | | | | over price (the longer a dealer has held a car, the |
| vehicle is in and if it's been well maintained over | | | | less leverage he has). Additionally, they include a |
| the years. | | | | free Safety & Reliability Report, which provides |
| Check The Records | | | | useful information on the car you are |
| Ask to see maintenance records showing oil | | | | considering-including facts about crash tests, |
| changes, brake work, tire rotation and other | | | | safety recalls and reliability ratings. |
| maintenance. If the seller does not have the | | | | There's also a service called Carfax Xpert, which |
| records or is unwilling to share them, you may | | | | elaborates on a variety of information included in |
| want to consider walking away. | | | | the vehicle history report. The service can be a |
| Get A Report | | | | good way to avoid a number of curbside car sale |
| The reports pull information from nearly 5 billion | | | | scams. |