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Used Car Buyer, BEWARE!
 Published by Steve Seaman
So you are in the market to buy used cars, well let me give you some helpful tips to buy used cars in today's market to look out for. First and foremost, buy used cars from a reputable dealer. There are many used car lots in ever city coast to coast. Many are reputable others not so much. There is still a glut of cars in the market from flooding, even cars left from Katrina if one can believe that. Look under the hood, if you can see a "rust" line in the metal, run, this car was in the floods and the dealer cannot make it go away, well they can so also look for "new" paint on the metal, always a good indication. Another good rule of thumb, ask the dealer if you can have your mechanic look at the car. Should the dealer not be agreeable, tell them to have a nice day and leave, their car has a problem you do not want. When you take the test drive, dealers always want you to go the way they want, usually all right hand turns. Your in the drivers seat, you know the area, so turn left to make sure there are no steering or brake problems. Cannot stress this enough, have your window open and "listen" for unusual noises. Belts will squeak, brakes will grind, transmissions can slip, bearings can grind, so, "listen!" One other good thing to look for while under the hood, squeeze the hoses. If they are soft and "mushy" they are going to go bad soon. Run your hand over the belts, if they are dry and cracked, well you get the message. Tell the dealer you want them replaced at his expense. Some used car dealers will put silicone spray on belts to make them look new, but they cannot pass the hand test. Always check the tires, look for dry rot and check the tread. To do this have a penny handy, make sure Lincoln is looking at you and if you cannot see his head, your good, if you can still see Lincoln, replace the tires, again at the dealers expense. Follow these simple steps and you may get a decent car for your money.
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