Buying a Used Car is Risky Business

Lemon laws cover, most often, leased and purchased cars alike, but they do not extend their wide protection when it comes to used automobiles.

Most states laws permit used car dealers to sell cars as is. Anything that goes wrong, even shortly after a purchase, is the buyers problem. Used car dealers often aren't even required to disclose any problems in a vehicle. Independent car dealers usually sell older and in worse shape vehicles than those sold at major auto dealerships. The independent car dealers, unlike the major auto dealerships allow people with bad credit to buy a vehicle. Those with problem credit often find independent car dealerships as their only chance for obtaining a car loan. These loans, with their resulting high payments, often leave buyers without any extra cash to pay for repairs of undisclosed problems.

Several different states legislators are trying to change this reality. They are considering laws that will require used car dealerships inspection by certified mechanics prior to offering a care for sale.

Until these laws will become a reality one must take a few measures for protection:

• Examine a car before purchasing with the aid of a certified mechanic. If the dealer will not allow it let the car go, and for that matter let the dealer go.
• Get a written warranty if possible.
• Check with the Better Business Bureau and see if the dealer you want to deal with has a tainted record.

Used Car Lemon laws give a limited warranty if any. One must be aware of this before ensuring a large sum of money in a hand of a dealer. Minimizing the risk you are taking, just by being smart and prepared will lower your risk. Be smart.