Buy a Used Car . . . Give it Consumer Reports' Seven Point Check

03/28/96

Consumer Reports: For Immediate Release

Buy a Used Car . . . But Give it Consumer Reports Used Car Services'
Seven Point Check

The $25,000 price stickers on new cars have sent consumers scurrying
to the used-car ads. Most potential buyers perform the obvious checks:
looking for leaks, bouncing on the bumpers, eyeballing the tires for
wear, taking a test drive. The less-known trouble signs noted here are
compiled by the editors of Consumer Reports, the non-profit magazine
that has been testing cars and other products for 60 years.

1.  Missing repair records

    The seller should be able to produce a warranty booklet or bills that
    prove regular servicing. If you question a car's repair record a call
    to the Consumer Reports Used Car Price Service will provide an unbiased
    reliability rating for that particular model. The ratings are based on
    evaluations from actual owners and cover hundreds of models from
    1987-94.

2. Sagging driver's seat.

    Especially suspicious on a low-mileage car, it indicates rough usage
    or odometer tampering. Also suspicious are worn brake pedals and
    safety belts, or brand new ones on a car that shouldn't yet require
    replacements.

3. Ripples along the side.

    These may be signs of a body-warping accident. Also take notice of new
    welds, mismatching paint, doors that don't fit properly. One sign of
    accident damage can show up in a test drive--a sideways drift as the
    car moves forward.

4. Tilting.

    Stand behind the car and look at it carefully. A lopsided stance could
    mean sagging springs.

5 Blue exhaust smoke.

    This indicates the car is burning oil. Listen for pinging or knocking,
    which means it needs a tune-up.

6. Bouncing.

    Make sure your test drive takes you over bumpy terrain at 30-40
    mph. Excessive bouncing points to suspension troubles.

7. High price.

    Is it worth it? One quick call to the Consumer Reports Used Car Price
    Service (1-900-329-9111) will provide today's going price for that
    exact model, with that exact mileage, in your exact zip code, along
    the model's Frequency-of-Repair rating. Armed with this information,
    you are in the very best position to negotiate a fair price.