How to Buy a Used Car

Paul: We have found 67% of used vehicles for sale have serious hidden problems. If you are currently looking for a used vehicle then this might be the most important message that you hear. Hi, I'm Paul. Tania: And I'm Tania. Paul: And here at National Consumer Advocate, we have been researching for many years the way that people buy used cars. There are things you must know to protect yourself from getting ripped off whether you're buying a vehicle from a dealership or a private owner. I'm going to cover five of those things right now. So if you haven't already, grab a pen; I'm going to move through this very quickly. Check the engine oil on the dipstick; does it have a creamy consistency to it, like that of thin mayonnaise? If it does, that engine has major problems; you will want to walk away from that vehicle. Tania: When testing the transmission; you will want to do it from cold. Now first you want to put on the emergency break, then when you're starting the car, put the foot break on, when you're shifting park into drive or reverse notice that the transmission takes longer than 2 seconds to engage, especially, if followed by strong jolt or jerk. If so, that transmission is wearing out, you will want to walk away from that vehicle. Paul: There are three very important dash lights that absolutely must come on and then go off when you start the car. Those are the check engine light, the ABS light and the airbag light. If those lights do not come-on then the vehicle has been tampered with and your safety is at risk. You don't want to find out the hard way in an accident that your airbag doesn't inflate or that suddenly you lose all your breaks. Under no circumstances should you buy that vehicle. Tania: There are hidden vehicle identification stickers or VIN stickers on each panel of the car, approximately 11 in total. Not all manufactures put VIN stickers on the panels of their vehicles. But if you find one on a panel, it should be on every panel of the car. One under the hood, one here on the front center, there should be a VIN sticker here on this panel but it is missing, which means this vehicle has been in an accident. On each door where it latches, you'll find a VIN. This one has been painted over, so we are not sure if this is the original door or that it has been replaced. You'll find it here on the rear door where it latches and then on the rear wheel as well. You'll find it along the edge of the trunk lid, this one happens to be here. Manufactures do not always put VIN stickers on the bumpers but if they are there, they will be along the top edge of the bumper or under the license plate. If any of these stickers are missing, painted over, or the numbers do not match the rest then this car has been in an accident and repaired. For your safety, this could be a deal breaker. The vehicle may not have the same structural integrity it had before the accident occurred. Paul: Turn the steering wheel fully to reveal the front tire; regardless how thick or deep the tread is, you want to look at this inside-edge right here. You're looking for a very distinct wear line with fine metal wires protruding from it. Most people miss this very common hazard; the tire is unsafe, do not drive the vehicle because it could blow out at any moment and you would lose control of the vehicle. To summarize with the engine; I've just showed you one key thing to check, there are five other just as important and easy test to determine whether the engine is sound. Tania: With the transmission I also shared with you one key thing to check; there are four additional easy tests to ensure the transmission is sound. I've also shown you one proven way to determine if the vehicle is been an accident; there are six other simple tests for examining the car body to determine if that car has been reft. As you can imagine, this is just a start so here's what we've created to help protect you. Paul: We've put together a video DVD called How to buy a Used Car Without Getting Ripped Off! And it has all these tests and many, many more. This DVD could save you thousands of dollars avoiding costly repairs with things like engine, transmission, emission systems, electrical, power-steering, air-conditioning, just to name a few. And this DVD goes even further, it will save you hundreds of dollars before you even buy the car on such things like tires, brake, suspensions, axles, CV joints, clutches and cooling systems and much, much more. Tania: All these tests are simple, easy to understand and no tools are required to do them. We will guide you every single step of the way. Paul: And to make your next used car purchase even easier, we have an MP3 audio companion and also a free vehicle checklist that you can take with you, so you do not miss a single thing. National Consumer Advocate is so confident you'll save money that we back it up 100%. Tania: If you don't save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your next used vehicle purchase just return the DVD within 90 days and National Consumer Advocate will refund your money; no questions asked. To get your DVD copy of How to buy a Used Car Without Getting Ripped Off! And the vehicle checklist, shipped to you immediately -- Paul: Click on the Buy it now button below.