SolveYourProblem eLearning Series:
Got Shafted?
Fight Back if Your Car is a Lemon!
( 27 pages )

Avoid a Lemon: Car Buying Checklist

Check out this list before you buy your next car:

• Dealers are not licensed insurance agents. Don't buy credit life or disability insurance from a dealer. If you think you need it, talk to your own licensed insurance agent.

• You should always be wary of extra warranties. All new cars now have a 100 percent bumper-to-bumper warranty included in them form the manufacturer. You can buy a used car warranty after the original warranty runs out if you want to and if you still have the car. Most warranties have at least a 50 percent markup and all of them are negotiable.

• Leasing is not for everyone. Once you sign a lease agreement, you had better be ready to keep the car for the full lease period. Otherwise your buyout price is going to be surprisingly high. I would say avoid all leases because your income and lifestyle can always change in the future.

• Gap insurance does cover the money gap between a totaled car and a replacement car on leases. It is generally included in most leases. If a dealer offers you this option at an extra fee, do not take it.

• You want to get and maintain control through the entire buying experience. Remember, it's your money being spent, and you can walk away any time you feel uncomfortable. Pressure from dealers doesn’t change this.

This is just a step that you should take before you start buying a car if it is used or new from a dealership. It could certainly save you a lot of time and money later. If you follow the point by point system of buying above, it should be a great deal easier for you.

Of course, you could still wind up with a lemon later, and if this should happen to you, you will have to refer to the next section as we get started.

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