California Used Car Tips

• Before you go to the first dealer, try to arrange financing with your bank, credit union, or other financial institution. Compare finance charges to find the best deal.
  
  
• Know beforehand what the total cost will be, including price, down payments, the interest rate and monthly payments.
  
  
• When you are ready to actually go look at cars, take someone with you whose experience and judgment you trust.
  
  
• Do not sign any documents until you have read and understand them. Make sure there are no blank spaces, all of the salesperson's verbal promises are included, and the type of warranty that comes with the car is spelled out.
  
  
• If you are required to make a deposit, ask whether it is refundable and under what circumstances, and make sure the information is also included in the contract (the contract may be your only receipt).
  
  
• Before buying a used car, have your own technician inspect it. A used car may have major mechanical or structural problems; replacement parts may be hard to find; the seller may misrepresent the car's mileage or condition; and warranty coverage may not be available.
  
  
• The "three-day cooling off period" for canceling a contract does NOT apply to new or used car purchases. Many consumers think that it does apply, but it does not.
  
  
• For used cars, a dealer is required to make sure the car is in safe working order before it leaves the lot. This means the car must have brakes, lights, etc.
  
  
• For used cars, a dealer is required to make sure the car is in safe working order before it leaves the lot. This means the car must have brakes, lights, etc.
  
  
• Verify that the vehicle's California registration is current. If not, you may be subject to late fees and penalties imposed by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Also, the registration will disclose if the manufacturer repurchased the vehicle under California's warranty (Lemon) law.
  
  
• When a used vehicle is sold in California, the seller is legally responsible for providing a smog certificate. The seller is obligated to ensure the vehicle's emission (smog) control equipment complies with the state's emission control equipment requirements. Even when a smog certificate is supplied, however, beware that you may be purchasing a vehicle that is not in compliance. It is advisable to pay for an inspection at a station of your choice as a precaution. Also, check for the underhood label showing whether the vehicle was manufactured to meet either California or U.S. emissions standards. For more information on smog requirements, call the California Department of Consumer Affairs toll-free telephone number, (800) 952-5210 (Local Number: (916) 445-1254), and request a free copy of Smog Equipment Requirements for Used Vehicles. Note: waiver or hardship extensions are not granted when a smog certificate is required for change of ownership.
  
  
• If the registration fee is paid to the dealer, the dealer has 30 days to forward it to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
  
  
• California's Lemon Law only applies to new cars still covered by the manufacturer's original warranty; most used car buyers are not protected so beware!