If your car is on its last leg, you’re probably in the market for a new one. Keep in mind the most sought after used cars are usually less than five years old, and have less than 50,000 miles on the odometer. If the car is over the 15,00 mile limit, you might want to think twice about putting your money on the table.
Be aware of odometer readings! Making miles disappear on a car can help increase a car's value to the seller, but the buyer ends up paying for it in the long run. Down the road this may mean increased maintenance costs and repairs. This is called "odometer fraud".
There are other unscrupulous things a seller can do to a buyer. The used car you buy should be road worthy. And, whether you're buying from a private owner or a used car dealer, you should ask direct questions about a vehicle's past. If the person selling you the vehicle can't provide the proper documents, the best advice would be to find the nearest exit.
Use the power of the web if you can. For companies that provide a car-search service, you can look under the topic of "vehicle history".
Overcoming the fear of challenging a used-car dealership, or a private owner, may save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in the long-haul.
The last word of advice!
Never put yourself in a position of not being able to say "NO". Give yourself room to walk out of the negotiations.
Co-host of Spike TV's "Xtreme 4X4"
"At WyoTech, I received the skill set necessary to take me as far as my imagination will lead me."
Jessi Combs' motto, "It's not how big you are in the fight; it's how big the fight is in you," has taken her a long way...