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Buying a Used Car

A tough economy may be causing people to tighten their wallets these days, but that's not stopping them from getting the transportation they need to get to work, school and other commitments. That's why used cars sales have spiked over new car sales lately. In fact, data showed that 27 percent of people who intended to buy a new car in February of 2009 ended up choosing a used one instead.

In North Carolina, buyers of new cars are protected by the Lemon Law, which requires manufacturers to repair defective vehicles in a timely manner. That is not the case for used vehicle buyers—they are on their own. If you're in the market for a used vehicle, the following tips may help ensure your used car is fit for the road.

• Check with Consumer Reports to make sure the model has a good reliability record.
• Find out if the vehicle is being sold with or without a warranty. If the "As is" box is checked on the window sticker, there are no dealer guarantees.
• Thoroughly check the exterior for dents, chipped paint or mismatched body parts. This could signal a previous repair.
• Check the interior for dashboard lights that remain on, and for discolored carpeting. These could point to engine or airbag problems, or flood damage.
• Check tire wear. It should be even across the width of the tread.
• Look under the hood to make sure the engine, radiator and battery are free of grease and corrosion. Check for wet spots, which could mean leaking fluids, as well as melted wires and tubes, which could signal an engine that overheats.
• Turn the steering wheel right and left when the car is idle to make sure there isn't any slack or noise, which could indicate a worn steering gear.
• Take a test drive with the radio off. Rattling and grinding sounds could indicate brake problems. Excessive engine revving before acceleration could indicate a worn-out clutch or transmission. A bouncy ride could mean a damaged suspension.
• Check with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at www.nhtsa.dot.gov to see if any recalls were issued for the car, or if any recall service was performed.
• Check the vehicle's history at sites like www.carfax.com. Note that a fee applies.
• Have the car inspected by a qualified mechanic.

Also, if you are a member of Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU), you are eligible for a new or used car loan with rates as low as 5.75 percent. Members also have the convenience of using Chrome Carbook, which gives you the retail and trade-in values of the car you like, making sure you get the best deal.