How You Can Keep From Buying A Lemon

Buyers of lemons, new or used vehicles that are far less valuable than the buyer expected, make up a large share of the calls to our office. For example, a recent client bought a used car from a local lot. The car was in perfect shape and had low mileage. However, he found a rental receipt behind the seat shortly after the purchase; it showed that the car's odometer had been rolled back by 30,000 miles after its previous career as a rental vehicle! Undoing a vehicle transaction is not for the scared.  It takes a whole lot of nerve and gumption.

As a consumer, you have many ways to protect yourself. You are usually safer buying a used car from a reputable dealership. You may pay slightly more, but you have much better recourse if there's a problem with the purchase. Your chances of buying a bad car rise as the dealer's volume shrinks, and are highest when you purchase from a private party.

Buy any warranties offered and make sure you get copies of all extant repair records. For your own protection, ask the dealer to certify, in writing, that the car was neither a daily use rental, a salvage, nor involved in a major accident. If the dealer hesitates, you probably should reconsider the purchase. As you prepare to purchase a used vehicle, the selling dealership should be willing to address any issues you may raise. Ask for an independent inspection of the car.

Buying your car from a private party is the financially riskiest and least safe alternative. Never purchase a car without first having the vehicle inspected by a mechanic and a body shop. Make sure you get copies of all repair records. When you look at and drive the vehicle, bring someone else with you. To check for proper title, always run a check at www.carfax.com. Always ask for a 30-day warranty from the owner.

(He's only likely to do so if he's been trying to sell the car for a while.) Buy a new car from a dealer you trust. You should tell a salesperson that you are just viewing the cars, and should hesitate to purchase the vehicle on the same day. Roll it over in your mind for a while. Don't believe the hype -- rarely is a car truly "one of a kind." Unlike appliance purchases, there's no "cooling off" period with cars. Once you take that vehicle off the lot, it is yours to keep!

Leasing is complicated and practical, but must be fully understood by the lessee. Assure that the salesperson explains everything thoroughly. When buying a demo, loaner, or slightly used car, make sure all warranties are valid, as you would when buying a used car.

Trust your feelings. If you feel pressured by a salesman and it doesn't feel right, you should go with your instincts. Just leave. There's always another dealership around the corner. You are the one with the advantage.

It is not difficult to be a smart, informed, and empowered consumer.

If you follow some simple guidelines, you can drive your new car away with better peace of mind.