"It's one thing to need it and a total other thing to want it." Jason's mom was sure that he just wanted a car. Jason had just turned 16 yesterday so it seemed. Yet, it was long ago enough that he now has his driver's license. "Mom, if you let me get a car, a used one at that, it would cut down on all the carpooling you have to do. Just think of it this way, four hands are better than two...and eight tires better than four." Mom replies, "Yeah, but what could you possibly know about buying a used car, it'll probably cause more trouble than it's worth..."

Many people have been forced to buy used cars since gas prices are so high and the prices of vehicles are rising each year. Not to mention the fact that people are buying used cars for children that have just hit driving age all of the time. In part one of this three part series, you‘ll learn exactly what to look for in a used vehicle. You'll also learn how to deal with the used car dealers themselves by learning the very terminology they use when selling used cars.

Americans will buy over 16 million used cars this year. Even more Americans will be trading in the vehicles they have. If you are one of the many Americans that want to buy a used care in order to have around if something goes wrong with the one you always drive or just to have something take you back and forth from work, this series is for you. You'll learn that you have protection under the Used Car Rule. You'll also learn how to go shopping for a used or new car.

Before you get to the dealership, know how much money you are willing to spend and for what. You should know what make and model you want to purchase before you step foot on the car lot. Learn about makes, models, prices, and options by reading the classifieds, newspaper ads and those free car magazines that are displayed in many grocery stores. If you're really resourceful you can use your local libraries as well. You can also use the Internet to not only search for the right car that fits what you're willing to spend, but to find information about frequency-of-repair records, mileage and safety tests.

Before You Look, Consider

• Reliability. Check those frequency-of-repair records. They can let you know how reliable a model is. Use magazine publications to research repair facilities that are in convenient for you. When you do find out these locations then you can inform yourself on how readily available parts are at that facility.
• Dealer Reputation. Shop around for where you want to go for to purchase a used vehicle. Ask around to family, friends, and co-workers if they have any suggestions of where to go. Make sure you ask people you respect which dealers have respectable reputations in your area. Also, don't forget about resources such as Consumer Reports and the Better Business Bureau to find out if any of the dealers in your area have had anything reported against them.
• Costs. Needless to say, this will be the determining factor of whether you do or do not drive off the lot with the use of the car you were looking for. Remember, the purchase price includes interest rates and the length of the loan. Figure out whether you are going to finance the car or if you have the means to pay for it out right. If you are going to finance it, find out how much money you can put down on it and how much your monthly payments are going to be. Lending institutions have a variety of payment schedules, terms, and interest rates they can offer you. So shop around. If you want a low monthly payment, you would want to make a large down payment or stretch the repayment of the loan over five years. Just know that if you do the five-year plan you will be paying more interest therefore, a higher cost.

If You Buy From the Dealer

If you do end up purchasing your used car from a dealer there are certain things you should expect. In the window of each used car should be a Buyer's Guide. This is one of the Used Car Rules that the dealer has to follow because the Federal Trade Commission put it forth. The Buyers Guide will tell you:

• if the vehicle comes with a warranty. It also will specify what protections the dealer will provide.
• whether the vehicle comes with no warranty ("as is") or with implied warranties only.
• if an independent mechanic has inspected the car previously.
• that you should get all promises in writing.
• if some of the major problems are those that may occur in any car.

If you are purchasing a used car you should be aware that individuals selling less than six cars a year are not required to post Buyers Guides. Buyers Guides are required to be posted in used vehicles including ones that are light-duty vans and light-duty trucks. Buyers should be aware that neither motorcycles nor recreational vehicles would have them posted.

Make sure that when you purchase a used vehicle from a dealer that you receive the Buyers Guide. This should be either the original or the identical copy. Know that it will be a part of your contract. The Buyers Guide overrides anything else that has been placed in the contract. If the dealer has given you a favorable change in warranty coverage, that also becomes part of your sales contract.

No Warranty

Expect used cars to be sold to you "as is." Basically, this means that there is no warranty on the car you buy. If something goes wrong with the car that causes you to repair it the expense will be yours alone. On the Buyers Guide, the "As Is-No Warranty" box will be checked. If the dealer promises that he will repair the vehicle if something happens to it make sure you get that in writing on the Buyers Guide. Some states do not allow,

"As is" sales on vehicles. Those states are Connecticut, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.

"Implied Warranties Only"

All states have implied warranties with almost every purchase from a used car dealer. The dealer has to put in writing if the implied warranties don't apply. The most common type of implied warranty is, the warranty of merchantability. This is when the seller promises that the vehicle will do what is supposed to, run. Dealers will usually use the words "as is" or "with all faults" to reject implied warranties. Since most states require the use of these specific words dealers are likely to use them.

Another implied warranty is the "warranty of fitness for a particular purpose." This is when you buy a vehicle on the dealer's advice that is appropriate for a particular use. For instance, a dealer suggests you buy a certain car for hauling a trailer. Implied warranties may protect you if a problem arises and the warranty was written. If dealers try to put a time limit on any implied warranties it must be written.

"Implied Warranties Only" should be printed on Buyers Guides instead of "As Is" In those states that don't allow "as is" sales. Also if the dealer offers a vehicle with only

implied warranties. The box next to this would be checked if the dealer chose to sell the car with implied warranties and no written warranty.