Yes, we do have tips for individuals that are planning on buying a used vehicle or good second hand car. You can read about these tips in our Learning Center. We have several articles that can give you information on buying a new or used car. A few article titles that you may find of help are:

How to Buy a Used Car Under Book Value

Helpful Hints on Buying a New or Used Car

How to Find the Right Vehicle for You

Looking to Purchase a Used Vehicle

Your state's Attorney General or other state consumer advocate agency also should have advice on what steps to take when buying a used vehicle.

For example the Texas Attorney Generals office states that a person should search around and find the type of used car they want and then compare prices. They will vary a lot depending on the condition and age of the car. Newspaper ads can give you an idea of price ranges.

Use the public library or internet to look through has consumer publications, such as the "Blue Books" used by dealers, that give price ranges for used cars to make sure the price of a car is within the normal range for a car in that condition and mileage.

State laws differ with regards to used vehicles however all used car dealers are required by federal law to tell buyers whether a used car is being sold with or without a warranty. Dealers must clearly display this information on a side window of each used car. The buyer's guide, or window form, should state either:

• "AS IS" -- the vehicle does not have a warranty and the seller is under no obligation for repairs; or
• "WARRANTY" -- the vehicle has a warranty, and the window form must list exactly what parts and services are covered and for how long.

The buyer's guide becomes part of the contract at the time of the sale, and any guarantees listed on it override any restrictions in the contract.

You will need to decide if you want to buy a used vehicle from a dealer or private party. Buying from a private owner often means paying a lower price than you can get from a dealer. And buying from the owner means you can learn the car's complete repair history, if the person is honest with you. Dealers, on the other hand, may offer services such as financing or warranties.

Whether you buy directly from the owner or from a dealer, never buy a used car without trying out the care. We would not advise to buy a car without taking it for a test drive and taking it to a mechanic of your choosing or have a mechanic visit the automobile for a presale inspection. If the seller will not let you do either of these then it is usually inadvisable to buy the car.

In New York there is a Used Car Lemon law however in this state one must keep in mind that, although buying a car from a private individual rather than a dealer may offer a lower price, such a sale is not covered by this state law.

The NYS Attorney General's office notes that if you are thinking of buying a second had vehicle one should find out as much about the vehicle’s history as possible. Check one of the on-line services, such as CarFax.com, to ascertain whether a car has been declared salvage by an insurance company, or has been labeled a lemon, or to see if there is an inconsistency in the odometer reading

The NY Used Car Lemon Law provides a legal remedy for consumers who are buyers or lessees of used cars that turn out to be “lemons.” The law requires dealers to give consumers a written warranty. Under this warranty, dealers must repair, free of charge, any defects in covered parts. If the dealer is unable to repair the car after a reasonable number of attempts, the consumer is entitled to a full refund. No used car covered by this NYS law can be sold by a dealer “as is.”

Most used cars are sold in as is condition so that is why it is important to check out the car for any defects, especially major mechanical ones, before buying the vehicle and taking possession of it.

For instant car insurance quotes for a new or used vehicle follow this link.