Know the Car you Buy

By: Greg Chapman

With so many used car sellers on the market, buyers can be
convinced to purchase impulsively, enticed to take advantage of
a limited time offer or to prevent someone from beating them to
the vehicle they are eyeing. Buyers, seduced by the prospect of
driving home the glossy car of their dreams for a steal,
sometimes do not do the homework necessary to protect them from
future suffering. Some deceitful car dealers will sell faulty or
even totaled cars to unsuspecting buyers to make a profit,
regardless of the frustration and problems the buyer will face
in the long run. Cars that have fallen victim to flooding suffer
major mechanical problems, but too often flooded out cars are
still "fixed up" and sold as clean title used cars.

It is always a good idea to read product reviews and owners'
comments about the quality of the vehicle make and model you are
considering. Reviews can be tainted by personal opinion and
preconceived brand image, so try to rely on objective reports
based on facts. If owners across the board are saying that the
transmission in a particular vehicle fails around a certain
mileage, it is probably best to believe it.

Besides studying the reputation of a vehicle make and model,
knowing the history of the particular vehicle you are
considering is extremely important. If a car has been totaled,
it is supposed to have a salvage title, which would allow a
buyer to knowingly still purchase it. Regardless, there is no
standard among different states, and cars that have been totaled
are still being sold with clean titles.

Even the most reliable car's longevity is compromised if it is
victimized by a flood. Flood waters wreak havoc on a vehicle's
transmission, brakes, electrical system, and overall value. When
you are testing a car from a used car dealer, check inside and
out for signs of water damage. Cars that are flood victims may
have a lingering musty smell, regardless of the replaced
upholstery. Any abnormal discoloration or imperfectly fitted
carpeting is cause for concern. Inspect the car fully for signs
of damage, mold or sand, paying attention to the trunk, glove
compartment, engine, and beneath the seats. Also, test for
proper operation of all lights, signals, windshield wipers, heat
and air conditioner. Follow your instincts, if the deal seems
too good to be true, it probably is.

You can learn more about a car by submitting its Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN) to a trustworthy company such as
CARFAX, which reports information about vehicles from its
nationwide database. Reputable used car dealers will likely take
this step for you, providing the CARFAX report on the vehicles
in their inventory at no cost to you.

Being conscientious in your car search will help ensure that the
car you are buying has not been flooded or otherwise totaled,
saving you the hassle of costly repairs or a too soon
replacement.

About the author:
About the Author: Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a
knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and
SUV's. Since 1959, Chapman motors has offered reliable used cars in Austin
TX and the surrounding area. For more information please
visit Greg Chapman
Motors.