So you have decided it is time to buy your first car. Want to be independent, and give it a shot on your own. Well here are a few pieces of advice. Your first car does not have to be a lemon. With the amount of information available on the internet, and the ease of being able to compare prices, knowledge no longer has to be learned through experience, it can be gained through research. You don't have to buy a number of lemons to finally get a good car; it can be done on your first try. To ensure that you are not buying a lemon, read the following six steps to help you with your decision making process when purchasing a used car.

Private Sales

1) Flood Damage - Look for rust on:

• door hinges


• spare tire


• crowbar


• jack


• metal holdings under the seats

If you find any rusting in these places, it may have had extensive water damage and it is best to move on.

2) Why are you Selling? - Ask the seller why they are selling the used vehicle. Put them on the defense so they have to come up with a quick answer, if they hesitate they may have something to hide.

3) Stains, Leaks & Puddles - Look for stains and leaks in the driveway and garage.

• Rust colored stains indicate a leaking radiator.


• Black or Brown puddles and stains indicate an oil or transmission fluid leak.


• Purple puddles indicate transmission fluid leaks.

4) Known Problems - Ask the seller to point out all known defects and problems. When doing your own inspection if you find obvious problems that the seller did not mention there might be more wrong with the vehicle then they are letting on.

5) Rebuilt Junkers - Look at all the seams in the car, the gaps should be the same distance apart at the top of a panel as they are at the bottom. Uneven gaps or small dents can suggest accident damage. The paint should match on all panels, and beware of body-kits and custom paint jobs. They may look cool, but they could be hiding damage to the chassis below. Look for over spray on plastic parts, around lights, mirrors and edges of the engine bay.

6) Proof-of-Service - Ask for all the maintenance records, proof of oil changes and tune-ups. If they don't have it, for all you know the oil has never been changed. Taking the used car to get a proper inspection by a mechanic prior to purchasing it is the most effective way of ensuring you won't get stuck with a lemon.
Remember the best way of protecting yourself from buying a lemon is to go through a reputable dealership. Find a dealer that has good standing or that can provide references. If their previous customers are satisfied, you too may find a hassle free used car.