Buying Used Cars
Before you Sign the Check
When buying used cars, there are specific things you need to know, review and have in-hand before you seal the deal.
What You'll Find Here
This page contains a list of things that you should check and review before you sign the check.
- Read everything ... twice!
- Be sure that anything you sign has all the blanks filled in.
- Be sure that the wording on any agreement, bill of sale and/or warranty is specific, clear and exact in its meaning.
- An Odometer Mileage Statement must be provided stating that, to the best of the seller's knowledge, the odometer has not been tampered with. The odometer statement can be made part of the bill of sale. [In some states this is part of the title.]
- Be sure you fully understand and agree with the warranty - if it has one.
- Bill of sale for used cars should include the following items:
- Date of sale
- Year, make and model description
- Tag number and state of registration
- Vehicle Identification Number (Check it against the VIN # on the title.)
- Odometer reading
- Amount paid for car and type of payment
- Conditions of the sale, if any
- Sellers and buyer's names, addresses and phone numbers
- Be sure you have auto insurance.
One More Thing
Used car buyers make a big mistake when they're not prepared to "walk away" from the deal.
If it doesn't feel right, if something seems amiss, if your "gut" seems to be telling you that your prospective purchase is a mistake ... walk away. You can always find another car. Your money is harder to replace.
