Tips for buying used cars

(AOL Autos) -- The main "ups" of buying a used car are the lower initial purchase price, as well aslower property taxes (where applicable) and insurance costs. The main "downs" of buying a used carare that it's a used car, not new -- so there's no new car warranty and you are more vulnerable toused car problems that could cost you money, as well as aggravation.

To reduce your risk of exposure when you buy a used car, there are a number of precautionary stepshttp://bit.ly/1EHJb2X you can take when shopping for a used vehicle.

These tips to buy a used car include:

Shop for newer used cars that still have at least a portion of their original manufacturer's warrantyremaining: Most late model used cars have at least three-year/36,000 mile basic warranty coverage(and often longer "powertrain" coverage on the engine and transmission). This means you'll get atleast a year or so of peace of mind if you buy a used car that is less than three years old. (Important:Be sure to confirm the used car warranty is fully transferable.)

Check into Certified, Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles:These are late model used cars and trucks thattypically have less than 50,000 miles and have beengiven multipoint inspections -- with any neededservice or upkeep taken care of before the used caris put on the lot. CPO programs are backed by theautomakers (Ford, GM, Volvo, etc.) and the vehiclesoften include a no-cost extended warranty on majorparts such as the engine and transmission. CPO usedcars are usually clean and well-maintained -- the

"cream puffs" of the used car market.

Do a "background check" for indications that the particular used car make/model you areconsidering might be a problem car: One with an unusual record of either recalls or consumercomplaints. You can find information about recalls and safety-related defects at the NationalHighway Traffic Safety Administration's Web site (www.nhtsa.dot.gov), and information aboutconsumer satisfaction at JD Power Associates (see www.jdpower.com/cc/index.jsp ). ConsumerReports is another good place to poke around (go to www.consumerreports.org/main/home.jsp andclick on "autos"). It's also a very good idea to do a simple Google or Yahoo! Web search; just type inthe make and model of the vehicle and "lemon." You can bet if the car has a history of problems,there will be complaints all over the Internet.

Screen your candidate -- the specific used car you are looking at: Even if the make/model has a greatreputation for quality and reliability, that particular used car may not have been well-maintained --even abused. Have a third-party mechanic (not one working for the dealer) look the used car over asa condition of sale. If the dealer refuses to permit this, you should consider yourself well warned --and walk away.

Ask to see the used cars' service records: If these are available, it's usually a good sign the car waswell cared-for, and perhaps more importantly, proof (if the records are complete) that there weren'tany unusual repairs or problems. If the used car records http://bit.ly/1EHJb2X are not available, youshould be suspicious. It doesn't necessarily mean the used car is a bad car, but you have to wonderwhy the seller would not have kept such a strong selling point as evidence of proper upkeep andmaintenance. In such a case, it is doubly important to have a mechanic you trust give the used car athorough once-over before you commit to buy.

Be sure it will pass both state safety and emissions tests (where applicable): In most states, this is alegal requirement, but don't assume it is. It can cost hundred of dollars (or more) to repair a usedcar that fails either state safety or vehicle emissions testing -- and in many cases, you can't legallyregister or drive that used car until it does pass.

Lastly, jot down the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): Located on a stamped plate on the top ofthe used cars dashboard, and run a CARFAX Vehicle History report to check for used car deal-killerssuch as evidence of a prior accident, odometer fraud, manufacturer "buy back" (a lemon) and so on.A CARFAX report costs less than $25, and is well worth the expense.

As far as specific recommendations, here's a short list of some historically "good bets" when it comesto buying used cars or trucks:

I. Economy Cars:

Toyota Corolla -- The gold standard of new economy cars is also, predictably, an excellent choice in aused car. In addition to a well-earned reputation for high quality and durability, Corollas are amongthe safest cars in this class -- and offer features such as antilock brakes and side-impact air bags (onnewer models). Corollas also hold their value exceptionally well -- to such an extent that a usedCorolla you buy today for $6,000 will very likely still be worth four or five thousand dollars two tothree years down the road.

II. Luxury Sedans:

Lexus LS400/LS430 -- New, these large rear-drive, V-8 powered luxury sedans cost tens ofthousands less than an equivalent Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Jaguar. As used cars, theycontinue to perform flawlessly -- without givingtheir owners high blood pressure years afterother luxury makes become expensive moneypits. The LS series sedans are consideredbulletproof -- and also have one of the lowestdepreciation rates in the business.

Acura RL -- A conservatively elegant largeluxury car that, like the Lexus LS, enjoys a

reputation for absolutely superb engineering and quality. Unlike the Lexus LS, however, the AcuraRL is a front-wheel-drive luxury sedan -- so it offers better grip in the winter, if that's a concernwhere you live. And it is powered by a V-6 engine rather than a large V-8, so its appetite for gas ismore agreeable.

III. Large Family Cars:

Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Marquis --These six-passenger sedans are hugelyroomy and immensely rugged (one reasonthey're favored as police cars/taxis/limos)and very safe -- consistent 5 Star performersin government/insurance industry crashtesting. These are also the only late modelsedans that offer standard V-8 power andrear-wheel-drive in a full-size chassis for theprice of a V-6 powered, front-drive, midsize

sedan.

IV. Pickups:

Nissan Frontier -- Tough, capable and exceptionally trouble-free small pickups, the Frontier offersboth economical but tough 4-cylinder engines and more powerful V-6 engines. Look for used 4x4models with manual locking hubs. Though it requires the driver to stop the vehicle, get out andmanually engage the front hubs by rotating a knob in the center of each front wheel, these 4x4systems tend to be more durable and problem-free in the long haul than the electronic/automatichubs used on most new pickups.

V. SUVs:

Toyota 4Runner -- Considered by serious off-road drivers to be one of the best vehicles for this job(due to its agility, suspension and comparatively narrow body), the 4Runner consistently scores wellwhen it comes to long-term durability and used car resale value, too.

VI. Minivans:

Honda Odyssey -- Though pricey relative to other vans, the Odyssey is considered the benchmarkvehicle in this class -- for features as well as overall design. Excellent used car resale value and topof its class occupant protection are additional reasons to consider an Odyssey.

Toyota Sienna -- Another Toyota product that's got an established track record for high quality and alow incidence of significant problems, defect or recalls. Siennas are offered in a variety ofconfigurations, including models with full-time all-wheel-drive (AWD).

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