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How to: Buy a used car

By Daniel Vasquez, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Source: MCT News Service

Buying a used car to save money is smart _ but don't necessarily trust the history report.

Dealers are quick to hand out car-history reports to make buyers feel better (and safer) about their choices, but a recent Consumer Reports investigation found that those reports often show "clean" results for damaged cars.

Even extensively damaged vehicles may escape the "salvage" branding _ or other term required by law by many states to indicate a vehicle has been involved in an accident _ when they are not covered by insurance or are owned by a rental-car company at the time of the wreck.

Here is the best way to check out a used car:

Have the car inspected. Before you hand over the cash, take it to a reliable mechanic to have it checked for any evidence of prior damage or serious problems.

Inspect it yourself too: Check the backs of body panels and door jambs for paint overspray, a sign of previous body work.

Get more than one history report. Start with asking the seller for a report. If it isn't recent or you suspect it has missing or fabricated information, verify it yourself. And check with another service too, which may include the free service VINCheck from the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

Keep in mind there are no guarantees. Even clean reports from all services does not mean the car in front of you is not damaged.

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