No matter where you buy a used car, either from a dealer or individual, and no matter what kind of used car you buy, young, old, or a certified used vehicle, you as the buyer must determine the TRUE condition before you purchase. A good looking used car can be a wolf in sheep's clothing, and cost you thousands in repairs and headaches after the sale.

Regardless of what the seller or salesperson tells you about the vehicle, it is your responsibility to determine the true condition of the vehicle before purchase. Did you know that any oral statements made by the salesperson, about the condition of the vehicle, are not enforceable in a court of law? Only written documents are enforceable in the courts.

Before you buy, follow these steps:

• Step 1)  Take it for a test drive. After you have found a vehicle that you would consider purchasing, take it for a test drive for at least 10 minutes. This is your opportunity detect obvious problems and eliminate a car from consideration.

BE AWARE! Many salespeople and sellers may pressure you to buy the car after the test drive. Just because a car runs well during a test drive DOES NOT mean it doesn't have hidden or potential problems. Remember, you will be responsible for all repairs after the sale.

• Step 2) Negotiate your best deal. Ask your loan officer or go online for pricing information about the vehicle. Your negotiated price (written, of course) should be based on the assumption that the vehicle is in good mechanical condition, has never been wrecked, and there are no repairs or maintenance items needed. If you know there are problem items, these items should be reflected in the negotiated price. 

BE AWARE! The salesperson or seller may pressure you to buy the car after you negotiate a price. However, you can't negotiate your best deal unless you know the TRUE condition of the vehicle.

• Step 3) Get a Professional Unbiased Inspection. There are many types of pre-purchase inspections. However, only an inspection from a experienced Master Technician who is also certified in frame analysis is able to give you a complete inspection. Auto P. I. performs a 600-Point mechanical, electrical, frame inspection, and title search which gives you all the pertinent information you need to conclude your deal.

Any previous negotiated price should be re-negotiated based upon the true condition of the vehicle. The dollar amount to fix any mechanical or electrical problems, accident damage, or other problems, revealed by the inspection, should be either deducted from the original negotiated price or fixed by the seller before purchase.

Regardless of any oral statements or vehicle history documents about the vehicle, a 600-Point inspection from Auto P. I. Used Car Inspections, will let you know of the TRUE condition before you buy.