INTRODUCTION
Aside from purchasing a home,
buying an automobile may be one of
the largest investments you will make
in your lifetime. For the new car buyer
the risk is diminished, to a great
extent, by the protection offered under
Florida’s Lemon Law and new car
manufacturer’s warranties. For the
used car buyer, the picture is not as
bright. First, Florida’s Lemon Law
does not extend any protection
whatsoever to the purchasers of used
automobiles.
Next, and more
importantly, the used car buyer often
purchases the vehicle “AS IS” and
thus receives no warranty protection.
Accordingly, it is extremely important
that you, the consumer, make an
intelligent, well
informed decision
before you purchase your used
automobile.
FINDING YOUR USED CAR
New Car Dealers. While new car
dealers are the safest source of
quality used cars, they are also the
most expensive. Nonetheless, new
car dealers often supply “certified”
vehicles to prospective customers,
and thus, the consumer receives
greater protection. These “certified”
used cars are
inspected and
reconditioned by the new car dealer.
Moreover,
to minimize
the
risk
involved in used car purchasing,
many manufacturers sponsor these
used
car
certification
program.
Accordingly, “certified” vehicles often
provide
the
consumer with a
manufacturer’s warranty in addition to
the dealer’s warranty.
Used Car Lots. The vast majority of
used car lots in the United States are
independent dealers.
Independent
dealers can be extremely helpful at
finding financing for consumers who
are on a limited budget. However, as
with any business, some dealers are
better than others. In general, you
should attempt to deal with only
reputable dealers who have been at
the same location for an extended
period—dealers
who
relocate
frequently usually do so because of
their prior dealings with other buyers
like you. Further, you should contact
the Department of Motor Vehicles to
verify dealer licenses and to run title
check