These days, many people who want a new car are going with a used model because of price or lack of availability.
If you’re considering a pre-owned vehicle, check to see if it’s been recalled before you buy it.
There have already been more than 100 automotive recalls in the U.S. so far this year, according to Consumer Reports.
New car dealers are required by law to make recall repairs before they sell that vehicle. With a used car dealer, CR reminds us, you need to do the legwork to see if that vehicle is under a recall, and if it’s been fixed.
Here’s what you do. Find the vehicle identification number (VIN), a 17-digit combination of numbers and letters usually found at the bottom of the windshield on the driver’s side. Many online listings for used cars now include the VIN.
Take that number and head to SaferCar.gov, a website run by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. SaferCar.gov is free. If there’s an open recall on that vehicle, a problem that has not been repaired, it will tell you.
Then, you have a few options: Get the dealer to fix the problem – it doesn’t cost them any money. Or if they won’t, move on to another vehicle.
More Info: Make Sure the Used Car You Want Doesn’t Need Recall Work
