Georgia’s Clean Air Force Offers Seven Key Guidelines for Buying a Pre-Owned Vehicle

According to a 2017 used car market report, three out of four automotive sales in the United States involve a pre-owned vehicle. Since Georgia motorists rely so heavily on their cars for transportation, choosing the right pre-owned automobile is important. Utilizing the best resources can help with this decision.

Georgia’s Clean Air Force, in partnership with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), offers seven expert tips to help motorists in the market for a pre-owned vehicle.

“Prior to buying a pre-owned vehicle, it’s imperative that consumers research its history. Researching a potential buy can save you time and money later,” said Michael Odom, Mobile & Area Sources Program Manager, Georgia EPD.

• Obtain a Free Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR). To view a free summary of the most recent vehicleinspection reports, motorists should visit www.cleanairforce.com/motorists/vir-reprints/. This report informs you if the vehicle has had a valid, passing emissions inspection performed within the last 12 months.  
• Ask for a Carfax Report. Carfax reports give you the history of the vehicle, letting you know if the vehicle has been involved in an accident or other negative event. When you’re ready to buy, check to see if the dealership will run this report for you. If not, you can easily run a report by visiting www.carfax.com.
• Research the Dealer. Knowing who you are purchasing a pre-owned vehicle from is a vital step in the buying process. By reading reviews for any dealerships or sellers, you can eliminate those that are untrustworthy or have negative comments posted about the vehicles they sell.
• Acquire a Pre-Purchase Inspection. Employ a trusted third party to perform a pre-purchase inspection. 
• Take a Mechanic to a Private Sale. Bring a trusted mechanic with you to a private sale so you don’t drive home with a lemon.
• Complete an On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Test. Not sure what this entails? An on-board diagnostic (OBD) test scans the vehicle for specific codes that indicate when the vehicle had certain repairs, or if it has undergone recommended preventative maintenance services. This is helpful information to know when determining what kind of damage or work has been done in the past.
• Choose Your County Wisely. Sellers located outside of metro Atlanta’s 13-county testing area are not required to provide a passing emissions test at the time of sale. You should take this into consideration if you reside in one of the 13 counties where passing an annual emissions test is required.

For additional information or to download an infographic on tips for buying a pre-owned vehicle, visit the Georgia’s Clean Air Force website at http://www.cleanairforce.com.