More and more people are realizing that the cost of new
transportation can really throw a budget into reverse. In
many instances, today's new vehicle prices compare to
the cost of a new home just a generation ago.

Since dependable transportation is a necessity--do
not despair; a two to four-year old used vehicle can
be purchased at a savings of 25 to 50 percent as
compared to its cost when new. Additionally, the
number of well-built, dependable vehicles has
increased during the past decade.

When well maintained these vehicles can be driven for
many miles, and they are now available at substantial
savings.

The purchase of a dependable, reasonably priced used
vehicle is not a matter of chance or luck, but rather, it
is a matter of knowledge and understanding. Becoming
informed  is one of the most important factors in
successfully purchasing a dependable used vehicle at
the best price.

Gathering Information:
Variety is the spice of life. Certainly, the number of
vehicles that are available today can add spice to one's
daily travels. Literally hundreds of different vehicles are
available, but which one is the best for you? To better
determine the vehicle that satisfies your transportation
needs, first take the time to carefully identify your
current and future driving needs, then become aware
of the many available vehicles, and finally, zero in on
the vehicles that best meet your needs.

A vary dangerous frame of mind to be in is to "fall
head over heels" for a particular make or model of
vehicle based purely on emotion. Although some
emotion is always part of life, it is wise to put excessive
emotions aside and focus on day-in and day-out
transportation needs.

Some questions to consider about transportation needs
include:

-  How many people will be transported in the vehicle?

-  What type of objects and cargo will be transported
   in the vehicle (space considerations)?

-  Will driving be conducted in poor whether conditions
   or off-road (rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, all-
   wheel drive)?

-  Will stop-and-go or interstate driving be performed?
   Thus, is an automatic, a semi-automatic, or a standard
   transmission preferred?

-  Is there a preference for a domestic or a foreign
   vehicle?

-  In a sport-utility vehicle, is a more rugged full box type
   frame needed for off-road driving, or will a unit-body
   type frame be suitable for intended general highway
   driving? Additionally, what towing capacity should
   the sport-utility vehicle have?

-  In a minivan, are sliding doors needed on both sides,
   the left-side or the right-side of the vehicle for easier
   entry and exit?

-  How much will insurance cost to protect the driver
   and  the vehicle (consider obtaining an insurance quote
   before buying a vehicle)?

-  What is the approximate amount of money to be spent
   on a vehicle?

If you are not familiar with which vehicles meet your
transportation needs, visit a local public library to
consult the yearly publication or the April magazine
issue of "Consumer Reports." This objective information
source provides technical specifications for vehicles
including the size, weight, engine horsepower, optional
equipment, and miles per gallon of  fuel. If technical
information is desired for a specific used vehicle, review
the "Consumer Reports" issue that matches the vehicle's
year (1998 Toyota Avalon--consult the 1998 April issue
of "Consumer Reports").

After determining the type of automobile,
sport-utility vehicle, or minivan that satisfies your
needs, it is worthwhile to consult "Consumer Reports'"
frequency-of-repair information to identify specific
vehicles that will likely have fewer future repairs.
Regarding the frequency-of-repair information, if a
vehicle of interest is six years old or less, consult the
most recent April edition of "Consumer Reports." If the
vehicle is more than six years old, add five years to the
vehicle's year and then consult that year's April issue
of "Consumer Reports."

Web discussion groups are also a good source of "from
the street" information for identifying the strengths and
weaknesses of specific vehicles.

It is a good idea to identify at least two or three used
vehicles that meet your transportation needs. Then,
instead of being in a position to only consider vehicle A,
you will have the flexibility to consider vehicle A, B, or C.
This increases your ability to purchase a used vehicle that
is in excellent condition at the best price.

In addition to becoming informed about particular
vehicles, it is worthwhile to learn the approximate prices
for vehicles of  interest. To obtain a general idea of vehicle
prices, consult the current monthly edition of the "N.A.D.A.
Official Used Car Guide" at a public library, bank, or
automobile dealership.

Vehicle price information can also be obtained by
consulting the vehicle classified sections of major
newspapers at a public library. This is a convenient
way to get a read on future prices, because vehicle
price trends usually begin in major cities and then
progress to other areas of the country. The bottom
line on becoming informed about vehicles and prices
is to obtain a used vehicle that is in excellent condition,
with a low repair history, and at a substantial savings.

Identifying Used Vehicle Sources:
There are a number of possible used vehicle
sources from which to choose. Rather than becoming
overwhelmed with all the possible sources, keep in mind
that each source is actually competing with the others.
 Therefore, when shopping for a vehicle, be certain to let
each source know that you are also considering the other
sources.

Some of the sources to consider when buying a used
vehicle include:

-  The Internet (Investigate if the source is reputable)

-  Used automobile lots (buyer beware)

-  Rental car companies

-  Company vehicles

-  New automobile dealerships (investigate if the
   dealer is reputable)

-  Private owners

Contacting a used vehicle source by telephone and
obtaining specific information can help to reduce
unnecessary legwork. The telephone inquiry will
enable you to determine if a vehicle is worth your time
to investigate.

Some questions to ask a private owner or other used
vehicle source about a vehicle include:

-  How many miles has the vehicle been driven
   (the average is about 10,000 to 12,000 miles
   per year)?

-  Is the transmission an automatic, a semi-automatic,
   or a manual? If the transmission is not what you
   want, there is no need to ask further questions.

-  What is the condition of the vehicle's body? Is
   there any rust?

-  Has the vehicle been repainted and if so, why?
   Avoid repainted vehicles. It is better to see the
   original paint even if a few small stone chips
   need to be touched-up.

-  Has the vehicle been involved in any accidents?
   Avoid vehicles that have been involved in any
   accidents.

-  When are the next state inspection and emissions
   standard test due? The vehicle should have a
   minimum of at least six months remaining until
   the next required state inspection and
   emissions test.

-  How often were the engine oil and the oil filter
   changed, and who performed the service?
   An acceptable answer would be every
   3,000 to 3,500 miles or about every
   three to four months.

-  Are you the original owner of the vehicle?
   Original owners tend to take better care of
   vehicles.

-  What is the reason that the vehicle is being
   sold? It is encouraging if the individual is
   the original owner and if he or she is
   planning to again buy the same make of
   vehicle.

-  Are parts and service readily available for
   the vehicle? Where can parts and services be
   obtained? Avoid buying a vehicle if parts and
   service are not readily available.

-  Has the vehicle had any recent repairs (new
   brakes, tires, exhaust, battery) or service
   and if so, what garage performed the repairs or
   service?

-  What price are you asking for the vehicle?

The interior and exterior inspections and the vehicle
test-drive are used to verify the information obtained
during the telephone inquiry.

For More Information:
Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for the Price:
How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility Vehicle, or
Minivan and Save Money." He has over 300,000 miles on
his 1986 Volkswagen Jetta - a used vehicle that he bought
in 1991 for $2,600. Additional information: 1 800 839-8640
or: www.drivethebestbook.com. The web site accepts
all transportation questions.