| Even though new car sales are down, figures | | | | car. Remember my BMW vs. Toyota example? |
| from the automotive industry tell us that used | | | | When buying a used car pay close attention to |
| cars sales are up dramatically with three times as | | | | the wear and tear of the interior. I have found |
| many people buying used over new. | | | | from experience that people who take good care |
| There are many reasons for this, not the least of | | | | of the interior of their car as well as keeping the |
| which is the rising cost of new cars which have | | | | exterior protected also take good care of the |
| become too expensive for many people. | | | | vehicle mechanically. If you run across a vehicle |
| If you can cool off the desire to have a brand | | | | with torn seats, stained carpets and the like, I |
| new car and wait a couple of years you can save | | | | suggest you pass on it. |
| a ton of money. The biggest depreciation in | | | | Always take a good look at the tire tread wear. |
| vehicles is during the first two years. You can | | | | You are not only looking for worn tires but also |
| drive a two year old BMW for the price of a new | | | | uneven tread wear which can indicate an |
| Toyota. All you have to do is be a little more | | | | alignment problem. When you road test the |
| vigilant and make sure that the pre-owned vehicle | | | | vehicle take your hands off the wheel for a |
| has all the safety features that you need and | | | | second and see if the vehicle drifts. Pop the trunk |
| want. Most vehicles over the last few years have | | | | and make sure that there is a spare and that it is |
| been pretty aggressive in adding safety features. | | | | in good condition as well. |
| You definitely want to have the basics like dual | | | | Watch out for serious damage and paint work. It |
| airbags and anti-lock brakes not only because of | | | | is easy to spot with a close eye. If body panels |
| safety but also due to the fact that it will save | | | | don't line up properly there is a good chance it has |
| you on your car insurance. Some vehicles even | | | | had parts replaced. In addition to having a |
| have side and rear airbags. | | | | mechanic look the vehicle over mechanically and |
| You can find a good quality two year old used | | | | checking the fluids, lights, belts, charging system, |
| vehicle with less than 35,000 miles that will look | | | | and AC you can also have them put it on a lift |
| like a brand new one and have way more | | | | and check the underneath of the vehicle for any |
| features than you could afford in a brand new | | | | frame damage repair. |