Used-Car Buying Tips

Used-Car Buying Tips (NAPSA)—Getting a used car can be a great way to save—if you know whatto look for: *The mileage. Low mileage can be a good value—ora sign of odometer tampering. Make sure the wear and tear on the inside and outside of the car matches what the mileage reading says. *Signs of accidents or other damage. More than half of the cars damaged byfloods get cleaned up and returned to the road. *Good maintenance. Get documentation on how often it wasserviced. An inspection by a mechanic or body shop, and a vehicle history report, can help you find the right used car and avoid costly hidden problems. Curbstoners.Illegal dealers pose as private sellers to unload cars with hidden problems. Shop at reputable dealers. * Open recalls. Nearly one in three recalled cars doesn’t get fixed. You can check for recalls at recall.carfax.com. Franchise dealers will fix open recalls at no cost. * Certified pre-owned. Certified pre-owned cars are the closest thing to new cars at used-car prices. Most manufacturer programs include a free Carfax Vehicle History Report, a trusted source of information for millions of used-car buyers.