How to Purchase a Used Car: Advice From a North Carolina Lemon Law Attorney

During tough economic times, many people who are actually in need of a new vehicle are opting to purchase them used instead of new. The primary reason for this is that used cars are cheaper, and if you can find one in good condition, with relatively low mileage, then a used car can be just as good as a new one. However, used car buyers should be cautious when making their decision, as they don't want to end up with a defective or unsafe vehicle. Unfortunately, in NC, used car purchases aren't yet protected under the lemon law. North Carolina used car buyers be weary. The following are some tips that I received from an expert in such matters - a friend of mine who happens to be an NC lemon law lawyer.

-Inspect the vehicle during the day, so you'll be able to notice things you wouldn't at night.
-Do a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) check. Make sure the VIN numbers match in all locations where it is placed on the vehicle and on the title and any other documents.
-Verify all of the odometer readings on the title.
-Check the mileage. This can be an important gauge of how much wear and tear is really on the vehicle. A general rule is that there should be an average of about 12,000 miles per year. If you have a car with a low number of miles that is in poor condition, or if the odometer reading seems low compared to the age of the car, these are red flags, and you may want to reconsider your purchase.
-Aside from comparing the price, mileage, and age of the vehicle, always check the vehicle's history. This includes making sure the vehicle has a clear title and that it has never been totaled due to a severe accident.
-When you drive the vehicle for the first time, pay attention to the sound and feel of the engine. Check the functionality of the electronics and the odometer, and make sure all doors and windows open and close properly. In addition, make sure the gear shift shifts easily into place, and that there are no strange "ticking" sounds, or the like.
-Check the vehicle's ownership history. Look into how many owners the vehicle has had, and what type of owners - fleet vehicles and old rental vehicles are not always good candidates for purchase because they aren't always as well taken care of as a privately owned vehicle.
-Check the accident and service history of the vehicle. Make sure the car the service records show routine maintenance. Find out if the vehicle has ever been written off as a total loss, if the airbags been deployed, if there is frame damage, etc.
-Check for signs of damage and repairs. If there are clamp marks on the frame of the vehicle, or if it has a fresh paint job, those can be signs that it has seen some major repairs at some point.
Written by Penelope Holiday. Learn about the North Carolina lemon law attorney, Sean Soboleski. Find out if you have a case with an NC Lemon Law lawyer. Get a free quote and more info from your lemon law North Carolina lawyer: Sean Soboleski at http://www.nclemonlawattorney.com