Safe driving tips for teens, parents, and all drivers

• Make sure the car has working airbags.  It used to be hard to find older cars with airbags.  Luckily most used cars today have at least a driver's side airbags. Newer models have passenger airbags, too. Have a mechanic check out the airbag to make sure it's still in place since this is a high theft item.

•  Check out an online car buying site such as carworks, cars.com or autobytel using the links below to find details about used and new cars in your area..

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• The Consumer Guide Used Car Rating Guide has listing with good and bad points of used cars.  
• Check the horn, lights, heat, air-conditioning, brakes, seat belts, steering, and seats out before you buy. Also look for evidence that indicates the car was in a major accident.
• Get a carfax report for the car by clicking on this button It will tell you if the car has been in accidents. If it has, you can order a full report from Carfax--it's well worth the price.  I found out that a car I was about to buy had been a demonstrator--and the owner didn't even know it.
• Check with the previous owner for the car's accident and maintenance record. You may find the owner's name written on the owner's manual in glove compartment. Also for a fee, you may be able to get some information from your state department of motor vehicles if you have the car identification number which can tell you if the car has been in previous accidents.
• Have a mechanic you trust go over the car and alert you to any potential problems.
• Check the car for evidence of tampering like any marks on the odometer or numbers that don't line up. Also see if the odometer miles are more than mileage entered on oil stickers, inspection stickers, or tire warranty cards.
• Look at the tires. If the odometer reads less than 25,000 miles, the car should have the original tires--and they should all be the same brand and probably radials.
• Kelly Blue Book and N.A.D.A. publish books with prices for new and used cars.
• Check out the insurance costs for that particular car before buying.

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