Used Car Buyer's Checklist.

In this economy, buying a used car is a solid economic choice. But if you do not know how to buy a good used car, you could be throwing money away. Here is a used car buyer’s checklist from our car accident attorneys.

(There is a printable version of this used car buyer’s checklist at the bottom of this page.)

1. Know the Differences When Buying From a Dealer vs. Buying From a Seller

Dealers

Regulated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
FTC’s Used Car Rule requires dealers to post a Buyers Guide in every used car.
The Buyers Guide will let you know if the used car comes with a warranty, advises you on safe buying practices and also lists any known mechanical and electrical problems at the time of sale.

Private sellers

Not regulated by the FTC
Usually not covered by the “implied warranties” of state law. (This means a private sale will probably be on an “as is” basis, unless your agreement with the seller specifically states otherwise.)
Not required to make sure a vehicle passes inspection — or carry a minimum warranty — in many states.

2. Does the Used Car Come with a Warranty?

As Is/No Warranty
Implied Warranty (Warranty of Merchantability or Warranty of Fitness for a Particular Purpose)
Full Warranty

3. Consider a Service Contract.

Warranties are included in a car’s price, but a service contract costs extra and is sold separately.

Does the service contract duplicate the warranty or does it begin after the warranty runs out?
Is the vehicle likely to need repairs?
Does the service contract cover all parts and systems of the car?
Is the dealer offering the service contract reputable?

4. Avoid Spoken Promises.

Spoken promises are hard to enforce and are not easily proven in court.
If a dealer makes a promise, have it written on the Buyers Guide.

5. Have Your Own Mechanic Inspect the Car.

Ask your mechanic if they perform a pre-purchase inspection.
Find out if any friends or family know a good mechanic that will do this.
Look in the phone directory under “Automotive Diagnostic Service.”

6. Find a Mobile Inspection Service if Necessary.

Ask the mechanic for a written report with the following:

Cost estimate for necessary repairs.
Used car’s make, model and vehicle identification number (VIN).

7. Take All Necessary Precautions When Buying a Used Car.

If you think your car accident was caused by a bad used car, then contact our bilingual San Diego law firm at 1-800-655-6585 for a FREE consultation with a car accident attorney. You may also click here to submit your case for a FREE online review.

You owe nothing until we win your case.

Click Here for a Printable Version of the Used Car Buyer’s Checklist

Source: Federal Trade Commission’s Facts for Consumers on Buying a Used Car

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[caption id="attachment_21715" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Photo Credit: The San Diego Union Tribune"][/caption] Last week, we reported on a car accident in San Diego that resulted out of alleged teen street racing. In new developments, the 18-year-old driver charged with the death of the two teenagers involved in the street racing has pleaded not guilty to vehicular manslaughter among four other charges according to reports at the San Diego Union Tribune. The news follows the earlier arrest of another 16-year-old driver that was taken into custody on similar charges. Just shortly after his arraignment, Michael Johnson, the 18-year-old driver of a Volvo S40, said, according to his attorney, that he is not the responsible party in the tragic San Diego accident fatalities that occurred April 4. Accident reports indicate that Johnson was returning from a spring break beach party in La Jolla when he was allegedly involved in a street racing contest with another teen driver – the unidentified 16-year-old driver of a Volkswagen Passat whose name has not been released since he is a minor. According to Deputy District Attorney Kristen Spieler, the two vehicles were zigzagging across lanes at speeds reaching up to a staggering 100 m.p.h. The 16-year-old driver in the Passat lost control over the vehicle, causing the car to flip over several times across multiple lanes of the road. Two passengers, Anthony Foreman, 18, and Jayli Campbell, 16, were thrown from the Passat and died at the scene of the accident. Two passengers survived the crash. Charlotte McQuillen, survived the accident although she suffered serious injury as a result of the collision including reports that say the teen will have to recover from traumatic brain injury. Anthoney Taylor, 16, also survived the crash although his injuries are unclear at this time. Johnson did not flee the scene of the accident according to police reports and cooperated with authorities once officers assessed the scene of the collision. The teen has no prior criminal record, although authorities say his vehicle was found containing a small amount of marijuana. Johnson is being charged with intoxicated driving, although his lawyer says there were no field sobriety tests to confirm the teen’s alleged intoxication. Teen driving: reminders for concerned parents Last week, we blogged on actions parents can take to prevent teen car accidents. Tips include:

Sign a parent-teen contract. Download your free contract now.
Enforcing the rules. Every teen driver needs to know that rules are there for a purpose, and when they are broken, consequences will follow.
Have a DUI backup plan. As most parents can attest, there are many instances when teen drivers run into problems that supersede their know-how and maturity. Drinking is one of those problems. In cases of emergency, your teen should have an open-door policy where they feel safe to call you when they need help – such in the case of drunk driving or driving while intoxicated.

About the Law Offices of Michael Pines, APC The Law Offices of Michael Pines, APC are specialists in car accident injury. Every personal injury attorney in our San Diego office works hard to seek maximum recovery for every injured client. Your case is handled without any out-of-pocket costs, so do not hesitate to speak to a San Diego personal injury lawyer today for a free legal evaluation. Call us at 1-800-655-6585.