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What steps should I take when buying a used car?

Last Updated: October 09, 2009

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When buying a used car, you should always do the following:
* Examine the car yourself;
* Test drive the car on a variety of roads;
* Review the car's maintenance record if it is available;
* Review the buyers' guide if purchasing from a car dealership;
* If possible, talk to the previous owner;
* Seek/request a vehicle history report such as CarFax or AutoCheck; and
* Have the car inspected by a mechanic of your choice.

See FAQ 4085 for more detailed information on buying a car.

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