Hey Desi,

Yes, I have heard of the lemon law and checked into almost immediately after we purchased his car. Unfortunately in Illinois there is no lemon law for used cars. It was an as is purchase and it was my own fault for being so stupid! See, I called the dealer before I bought it and told him I would need for my mechanic to look at it before I purchased it and he said "no problem"! So, I get to the car lot and he decides he wants to come with me to have car checked out. Well, we got to the mechanics garage and he wasn't there and I was REALLY suffering at the time. It was right after I was first diagnosed and I didn't know if I was going to be able to drive anybody anywhere anymore. anyway, we waited a while but the mechanic didn't come back when he was supposed to and I figured (sooo stupid) that if the dealer actually came with, than the car must be o.k. but it definitely was a piece of s**t! I mean it needed a new radiator, engine, drive shaft and brakes!!!! The dealer told me I could bring it back and use it for a trade-in but that he wouldn't be able to give me as much as what I paid for it becuase of all the problems with the car! So, anyway, Desi if nothing else I learned a very expensive lesson. If that car would have been a decent car my son would have been driving it instead of my car, oh the irony Thanks, though for trying to help, you are alway so thoughtful, so thanks again for your post, jenny

Jen,

I have been in the car business for over 35 years. 22 as a car/heavy truck/construction equipment mechanic and now for 15 years in management for a large fleet of vehicles.

It sounds like you have the right idea. All used cars should be looked over by a trusted mechanic before you buy. That is the drawback to an auction. They are always "as is - where is" with little or no chance to check anything.

The other thing I have always told people who have asked is: Do not spend your entire budget on a car. If, for example, you have $4,000 to spend, find a car that costs $2,500 to $3,000 maximum. EVERY used vehicle will need some work like tires, radiator, battery, etc. You will now have $1,000 - $1,500 left to spend on repairs and still not be immediately over your budget.

Also, go for an "ugly" car. Desirability will always drive up the price. Don't buy a convertible on a beautiful sunny day - buy it in winter, etc.

Good luck on your search.

Mike