If you buy a car from a private individual, however, the Attorney General has no jurisdiction to help you. You must consult a private attorney or go through small claims court. Consumers, when purchasing a used car, can save money by spending a little extra time and effort to make an informed decision they will not regret later. Buying a car is an exciting experience, but it is important not to let excitement get in the way of good judgment. Take the time to check out the vehicle and its history before you put your money down.
Vehicles are, after all, a major purchase, second only to buying a home.
The following information will help you when purchasing a used vehicle. Although these precautions do not guarantee the reliability of your vehicle, they give you valuable information upon which to base your decision. It performs various tests on vehicles to determine overall model reliability and maintenance trends. These tests are combined with national averages relating to costs for upkeep and trouble indexes. These publications are available at many bookstores or your local public library.