| Some of the best values in the automobile market are | | | | as tires, battery, and other items that are not covered |
| used cars, especially late model used cars. Nearly | | | | by warranty. One thing to be aware of when looking |
| everyone has heard that value of a car drops by one | | | | at a used car is that safety considerations typically |
| quarter as soon as the new car is driven off of the | | | | change somewhat year-to-year. Hence, such things as |
| dealership lot. Not only does the second owner of a | | | | curtain airbags and new child seat restraint options are |
| car not pay that cost depreciation, but other expenses | | | | harder to find on the older vehicles. However, such |
| such as collision insurance and taxes for the car are | | | | features as antilock brakes, traction control, and side |
| also lower. Also, many times the used cars that a | | | | airbags are typically much more affordable on a used |
| person looks at will have more options than they | | | | car than ordering them as options on the new car. |
| would have considered for the same vehicle if they | | | | There are a number of questions to ask when |
| had bought it new. One of the best reasons to buy a | | | | considering purchasing a used car, and we are not |
| used car is reliability. Looking at the history of used | | | | going to cover all of them here. However, make sure |
| cars from 1980 through the year 2000, the reliability of | | | | you ask if the car has been an accident, if there are |
| vehicles has improved by leaps and bounds. Problems | | | | any recalls on the car, and the reason that the car is |
| of mechanical failures reported for two-year-old | | | | being sold. It is also a good idea to go to and get the |
| vehicles has declined to a fraction of what it was in | | | | vehicle report for the car. Inspect a car both inside and |
| 1980, the year such statistics started being kept. For | | | | outside, looking for evidence of any extreme wear, |
| example, exhaust system problems and related | | | | mistreatment, or other problems. When looking under |
| systems are now of minor concern, where once they | | | | the hood pay attention to the hoses and belts, and see |
| used to be a significant problem. Today's vehicles | | | | if the rubber parts are firm and not hard or mushy. |
| should go well past 100,000 miles, and many can reach | | | | Check fluid levels and make sure that the owner |
| 200,000 miles with only minor repairs to the vehicle. | | | | currently has them up to the correct level. Check the |
| One way to notice this is that the warranties given by | | | | radiator fluid and make sure that it is a clear green |
| the car companies on their cars are now for twice the | | | | color, rather than milky or rusty. After making this |
| years and miles that they once were, even ten years | | | | simple inspection, the car should be taken to an |
| ago. Also, these warranties cover more systems of | | | | independent mechanic for a used car check. Typically |
| the car than they once did. Depending on the year and | | | | most independent mechanic shops have a fixed rate |
| the model, some buyers may be able to get the | | | | for that type of service. A good several-year-old car |
| remaining manufacturer's warranty on the used car. | | | | is one of the best buys in the automotive field, and |
| However, considering the reliability of modern cars, | | | | with a little careful inspection you will find a car that will |
| most of the costs will be for replacement parts such | | | | be of good service for many years. |