Buying a Used Car for Your Student to Drive to School? Here’s what you need to know.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) August 15, 2011 -- School is starting soon and many parents are looking at buying a used car for their student to drive. Matt Allen, owner of Virginia Auto Service, and BBB Automotive Advisory Board member offers these tips.

1. Don’t buy an expensive car to start. When kids are just starting out as drivers they are playing bumper cars, (especially young men). Buy something that you are not going to mind it getting a few bumps and bruises for the first couple of years until the student gets more on the road driving experience.

2. Get a pre-purchase inspection: Take any used car you are thinking of purchasing to a repair shop with a good reputation, preferably one you have had good experiences with in the past. Get a pre-purchase inspection to make sure there are no hidden problems before signing any contracts. Because once you buy it, you can’t take it back.
3. Take a test drive. Request a test drive with your student and yourself in the car, but without the salesperson or the original owner so you can experience the car without any pressure.
4. Stop, look and listen to the car. During your test drive, pay attention to how the car handles, what it sounds like, and how it drives. You can often pick up on warning signs that a problem exists and save the trouble of visiting the mechanic.

5. Ask for the maintenance record of the vehicle. Generally, a car that has had regular maintenance is going to be in better condition, perform better, and last longer than a car that has not.
6. Shop your insurance rates before you buy. Get the VIN number of the car you are considering purchasing and call your insurance company for the rate before you buy it. The cost of insurance can vary greatly for inexperienced drivers based on the type of car they are driving.

7. Ask about a warranty: While some dealerships like Honda and BMW have a “certified pre-owned” program that provides the new buyer with a warranty similar to that of a new car, most used cars in Arizona are sold “as is”. This means the dealer has no obligation to fix any problem with the car unless they have agreed to provide repairs in writing.
8. Know your rights under Arizona’s Lemon Law. Under Arizona’s lemon law, if a major component breaks within 15 days or 500 miles after purchase, whichever happens first, the car is covered. You will still have to pay as much as $25 for the first two repairs, but may be able to recover the purchase price of the car. For more information on the lemon law, visit http://www.azag.gov/consumer/cars.html.
About Virginia Auto Service:

Matt Allen has owned and operated Virginia Auto Service since 1995. A former crew member for Porsche’ Racing, and an ASE Certified Technician, Matt understands automotive repair and service technology from the inside out. Matt has been an adviser on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Automotive Advisory committee since 2000 and served as the Chairman in 2008 and 2009.
Virginia Auto Service is located on 7th Street and Virginia in Central Phoenix, Arizona. They specialize in service and repair of Japanese and European Imports as well as Domestic Cars, Light Trucks & SUV’s including Mercedes, BMW, Toyota, Honda, and Audi. Accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating, they are a NAPA Auto Care Center, an ASE Blue Seal Facility, and a member of NARPRO (Neighborhood Auto Professionals). For more information go to http://www.virginiaautoservice.com or call 602-266-0200.

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