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How can you avoid buying a lemon of a car?

The first step in buying the right new car is research. If you have not yet bought your new car, then you are smart to be reading this blog. You might be able to avoid getting stuck with a lemon for a new car.

You are lucky to live in a time when the internet is available. You no longer have to trek to the library or to a dealer to get information on your potential new car. You can do the research while sitting at your computer. I have found you information and resources to help you purchase a quality new car and not a lemon car.

  1. First, you will want to find out if there is a recall on the specific car. Check out The Center For Auto Safety. It will cost you $35 to become a member but it might save you alot of money in the long run. This is an excellent resource for you. They have information on-auto defects
    -lemon laws
    -lawyers and experts
    -books & reports
    -fuel economy
    -prior complaints (and you can file a complaint here) 
  2. Ask your mechanic if he’s had any experience or heard any talk regarding repairs of the car.
  3. Check out the maintenance history of the car. A good resource is the Consumer Guide. “For nearly 40 years, Consumer Guide’s expert editors have helped people make smart buying decisions. Consumer reports, reviews, price quotes, and product comparisions are always available for free at Consumer Guide.”
  4. You might want to read reviews on some of the top selling new cars to help you decide which car to research/buy. If you already know the car you like, you can quickly link to that model of car.
  5. Next, you might want to visit the site for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Their mission is “Save lives, prevent injuries, reduce vehicle-related crashes”. Certainly having a safe car also translates to having a defect-free car. The NHTSA sends dealers a Technical Service Bulletin containing diagnostic and repair information covering a variety of problems in all categories. The NHTSA gives information about:-traffic safety
    -vehicles and equipment
    -research
    -laws/regulations

The bottom line is this. You should do your research to find the right car for you and to avoid buying a lemon car. There is no guarantee that you won’t end up with some freak of nature lemon car that has problems that will haunt you. But an ounce of prevention….well, you know how it goes. Good luck.

 

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