Used Car Ratings and Reviews
From LoveToKnow Cars
Buying a used vehicle can be a bit of a gamble, but you can take a lot of the risk out of the situation by consulting used car ratings and reviews before you make a purchase.
Why Reviews Are Important
When you buy a used car, you can often get an amazing deal on a vehicle with the features you want and need. Most casual observers can’t even tell the difference between a newer used vehicle and a brand new automobile, and you’ll save thousands of dollars on your purchase.
However, buying a used car also means you’re dealing with a little uncertainty. Since you don’t know exactly how the car was treated by previous owners, it’s important to make sure the vehicle has great ratings for reliability.
Reviews can also help you find a vehicle that gets excellent gas mileage, performs well in nasty weather conditions, or has top-notch safety ratings. You can use car reviews to narrow down your options and make it easier to decide which vehicle is right for you.
Sources for Used Car Ratings and Reviews
These days, the Internet is your best resource when it comes to researching a car. Besides ratings and professional reviews, you’ll find informal user reviews. These offer a real-world perspective, which can be valuable when you’re deciding on your next car.
Consumer Reports
The go-to source for many car buyers, Consumer Reports has ratings for nearly every model of used vehicle for the last several years. Specific vehicle systems and features, like body integrity and electrical components, are rated for each model year of a vehicle. Although you need to subscribe to Consumer Reports in order to access these reviews and ratings, many car buyers believe that the information is well worth the cost.
JD Power and Associates
JD Power and Associates has a long history as a respected source for used car reviews. This organization surveys owners of vehicles to discover how they feel about various aspects of their car. From general owner satisfaction to specific repair concerns, JD Power and Associates is a reputable source for car advice.
Consumer Reviews from Cars.com
Typically a good resource for new car reviews, Cars.com also provides a tool to search consumer reviews. You can browse consumer reviews by make, model, and year. If you’re strongly considering a specific car, it’s a good idea to check out what other owners are saying about that vehicle before you sign on the dotted line.
NADA Guides Reviews
A respected source for new and used vehicle appraisals, NADAguides.com also offers reviews for many car brands. In addition to learning about the features of a specific car, this site is a great place to find out about used car values.
CARFAX Reports
After you’ve selected a vehicle, it’s a good idea to find out about the history of your car. CARFAX is a great place to find this information. You can get a vehicle history report to make sure you are aware of any previous accidents, damage, or other issues with your vehicle.
Research Makes a Difference
Besides helping you choose the right car for your situation, researching a used vehicle is a great way to feel more confident during your sales transaction. Auto dealers are in the used car business to make money, and an informed buyer is likely to be in a better negotiating position. Researching used car ratings and reviews is very likely going to save you money when it is time to buy your next used car.
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This page has been accessed 15 times. This page was last modified 21:12, 6 November 2009.
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