As a car dealer that specializes in luxury late model imports, I never deal with cars that don't have a balance of factory warranty. Still, I know a number of people out there simply can't afford to spend a lot on transportation. I've been there, and I know how it feels to be on a budget when needing a reliable vehicle you can depend on to get you to and from work. The solution for many is to purchase older model used cars with high mileage. In my opinion, this can be an excellent temporary (or permanent) solution to your transportation needs. Properly taken care of, a vehicle can last for several years beyond what many would call its "shelf life".
The trick, of course, is knowing which automobiles have been well maintained. As with people, the phrase "you can't judge a book by its cover" often applies. A rusty exterior, while not esthetically pleasing, may be the outer shell to a well oiled machine (pun intended). As I mentioned in another article, having your mechanic check out any vehicle you are considering isn't a bad idea at all. It may cost you forty or fifty dollars, but the amount it could save you in the short term is well worth it.
There is one type of car, however, that I can wholeheartedly recommend against, and that is a vehicle sold "as is". "As is" vehicles have no warranty whatsoever. The buyer
assumes all responsibility for the auto in the condition its in when sold. Let me make it clear for you...if a vehicle is sold "as is", there's always a reason why. A reputable dealer will be up front with you about problems with an "as is" vehicle. You may be wondering why any reputable dealer would be selling a car "as is". The answer is that dealers often receive cars on trade that have one or a multitude of mechanical problems which are not worth the trouble (i.e. expense) of fixing. Still, these cars can serve some purpose. They can be used for parts or, in the right hands, repaired and driven as reliable transportation.
Consumers looking for a car they can simply drive right off the lot, however, would be doing themselves a favor by staying away from any auto that doesn't have at least a thirty day warranty. If something is seriously wrong with the vehicle, there's a great chance it will show itself within that time frame.
