10 Tips for Buying a Pre-Owned Car Saint Paul MN

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Introduction

Sometimes it seems as if even Sherlock Holmes would have trouble finding a good pre-owned car. There's just so much to check, from interior wear and tear to maintenance history. Why does the interior on the '96 Lexus look like it belongs on a '92 Chevy? Why does the car with more than 100,000 miles look and drive better than the car with only 30,000 miles on the speedo?

Rest assured, there's a reason for everything--and putting it all together doesn't have to be a hard as a New York Times crossword puzzle. Just keep these ten tips in mind and chances are you'll be on your way to a dependable pre-owned car.

1. Go with low mileage: Given the choice between two virtually identical cars with dissimilar mileage, (even if there's no mechanical or cosmetic difference), pick the lower mileage car. The same holds true even if there is a few years difference between the cars as well. For example, a 2004 Honda Accord with 40,000 miles on the odometer trumps a 2006 Honda Accord with 80,000 miles. Lower miles are a benefit if you resell, and provide more extended warranty eligibility at a better price.

2. Options increase selling prospects: With new cars, the difference between modestly- equipped and loaded can mean several thousand dollars. As vehicles age, this price gap narrows. Loaded used cars cost more, but deliver desirable options for much less than original cost. Well- optioned, deluxe models are easier to resell than base models of the same vehicle.