Top 5 used car for your freshman College

If you're looking for reliable, used to transport your child to college-bound, check the before-are probably the best bets. And they are all under $ 5,000.

Geo Prizm, ' 95-' 97

Chevrolet Prizm, ' 98

' 94 Honda Civic,

Ford Taurus, ' 97-' 98

Subaru Legacy, ' 96

Here are some general tips when considering a used vehicle:

Before you shop

-Get your financing in place before choosing a car. Knowing exactly what you can afford will save you time.

-Be aware of the "going rate" of vehicles before buying controlling automotive guides available on-line and in most bookstores and libraries.

-Take into account all the different outlets for used vehicles as resumed at new car dealerships or private sales, not just secondhand car dealers.

Councils inspecting vehicles

Never buy a car without test-driving it yourself. First, make sure you are insured to drive it. Then, if possible, take on a drive that covers a mixture of fast driving conditions: highway, slow urban driving and twisting roads. Don't forget to check out the reverse gear.

Before making an offer

-After the car passes your personal inspection and test drive, there are a few things to keep in mind before making an offer more

-Ask to see the service and repair history, as well as repair of revenue. Treat the denial that these receipts exist with suspicion.

-Check if the mileage on the odometer corresponds with the service and repair receipts.

-Verify that the vehicle figure 17 number vehicle identification (VIN for brevity) matches the ID number of the vehicle on the registration document.

-Ask whether it is allowed to have the car inspected by an independent mechanic. If you (and you can afford the added expense), ask the mechanic to make a cylinder compression test to evaluate the condition of the engine and to estimate the cost of any repairs that he/she thinks could be justified. You can then ask the cost of these repairs to be deducted from the price requested.

-If you have a car to trade, not to mention until she has negotiated a discount for what you want to buy.

Additionally, when you buy a used vehicle, it may be worth investing in a warranty. The guarantee small print read very carefully, as some warranties exclude more covering.

Drive happy shopping!

And writes for Plugged In parents.

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