CLEVELAND - NewsChannel5 receives dozens of troubleshooting calls daily concerning our viewers -- many of which are problems concerning their cars.
Most families have a need for their own transportation to get most everywhere. From a reliable car for the daily drive to work, visiting relatives and friends, or just for a short grocery run, we all need a stress-free ride. But these days, any vehicle purchase can be a complex one and can often be an intimidating experience -- especially if it's a search for a used car.
It's often difficult to tell what may be hidden behind that amazingly tempting, shiny exterior and luxurious interior of a used car. It's good to remember that it was someone's new car at one time, but now it's a used car... for a reason. Those reasons can vary from an honest, great deal trade-in by a caring first owner, to a possible sour lemon sadly waiting to be picked.
With some help from local experts, NewsChannel5 Troubleshooter Joe Pagonakis has fined tuned the used car buying process and is now sharing the information to help you find the sweetest deal.
There doesn't seem to be any shortage of used cars out there, but finding the best fit for you and your finances can be tricky. It's easy to get tricked in the used car market, but if you can't afford the fees involved in a new car purchase, a used vehicle may be your only option. But, the hidden costs of maintaining a used car to make it safe and roadworthy may outweigh the benefits of the lower purchase price. A thorough check of any car is a must before you part with your cash.
One thing you can do is a background check to see if the vehicle you're considering has ever been in an accident. Websites like the one offered by CARFAX.com can help any potential buyer trace most of the newer used cars from their original purchase date to any possible accident history a car may have. But the catch is that the reports may have only been reported by honest an dealership maintenance department or any reported insurance involvement. This is still a good place from which to start. A thorough paperwork search may contradict what a seller may be stating about his/her used car. It may also confirm it, so it's a good effort for peace of mind.
A car may look perfect on the outside, but an expert can tell the hidden signs of a previous major accident within minutes of an inspection.
Lou Vitantonio, president of the greater Cleveland Auto Dealers Association, agrees that finding out if a car has been in an accident accompanied by any paperwork to back it up, is a must.
"Go online and look at a vehicle's history report. They can also go to the OhioBMV.gov website and find a title history report that is free of charge," said Vitantonio.
Many used cars may look clean and perfect for you at first glance, but many used car dealers are not created equal. Pat O'Brien Jr. of Pat O'Brien Chevrolet in Westlake, Ohio makes sure his used cars get a thorough maintenance servicing and not just cleaned up for a sale. He also pointed out there is a big difference between certified used cars and buying it as is.
"Make sure it's a factory certified car if you can. Then the manufacturer stand behind it with a warranty that's good at any other manufacturer dealerships across the country", stated O'Brien.
O'Brien's service manager's tips include checking belts, hoses, brakes, suspension and steering systems. Remember that you can always ask any seller or dealership to take the car to your own trusted mechanic for an unbiased appraisal of any future repairs. It is well worth the hour or less for a mechanic's fee to find any hidden dangers which may be lurking.
"A complete undercarriage investigation and a look at your exhaust system and the frame itself makes sure it's in good shape where it's not rusted", said Pat O'Brien's service manager, Joe Asturi.
It's always a good idea to factor in the maintenance costs in addtion to your monthly payment, whether buying a used car, or a new one.
To protect yourself if something does go wrong with a used car after a purchase, it's good to make sure you have the backing of a reliable dealership.
"Dealerships that have brick and mortar locations, they are ingrained in their communities. They are going to be here if there is a warranty provided on the car," said Vitantonio.
The importance of certified dealership can be one of the most important steps in the used car buying process. Contacting the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the Ohio Attorney General's office to confirm your buying rights can be a step in protecting yourself.
Despite what some folks think, there is not a three day grace period for new, or used car sales. It actually is more for a new and a used car purchase, with some guidelines. If you have purchased a new, or a used car purchased within the last 12 months from its original delivery date, or within its first 18,000 miles -- whichever comes first -- you are protected under the Ohio Lemon Law. You may also be covered
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