Thinking about buying a used car? Here are some things you should know before signing on the dotted line.
- Come up with a budget and stick to it
- Know exactly what you can afford for a downpayment and monthly payments
- Shop around online
- Compare prices among dealers
- Look for customer ratings of dealerships
- Be wary of seemingly unreal deals from private sellers online
- Never pay anything up front until you have had the opportunity to drive the car
- Ask for a copy of the vehicle history report, this will let you know if the vehicle has been involved in any accidents
- Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website for any safety recalls
- Assume there is no warranty, unless you have something in writing that states otherwise
- Don't sign anything until you have read the sales contract cafefully