Used car buyers should take precautions to avoid getting a lemon

But, despite popular belief, the Lemon Law does not apply to used cars.

Because the Lemon Law doesn't apply, buying a used car requires caution.

The vehicle's history plays a big role in its condition, and in some cases you won't have a warranty. On the other hand, you can save significant money when you buy a used car.

According to information from the Missouri Attorney General's website, there is a list of things buyers should do when looking for a used vehicle.

Pay attention to the Buyer's Guide, which the Federal Trade Commission requires dealers to display in the window of each used car offered for sale. The guide gives basic information about the car and includes a warranty section where one of two choices must be checked. The first is "as is - no warranty." The second choice is "warranty."

In Missouri, a dealer may sell a used car "as is." There are no specific warranties, and the warranties normally implied by Missouri law do not apply. You are responsible for any repairs on an "as is" vehicle.

If you buy a car from a private individual, the sale is not covered by the FTC rule and you will not receive a Buyer's Guide. Most cars sold privately are sold "as is" and without any warranties.

Before buying a used car, have a mechanic inspect the used car for defects.

If this block is checked, the dealer is promising to pay some or all of the costs of car repairs needed within the warranty period. Get a thorough explanation in writing from the dealer of exactly what is and what's not covered. Some warranties will cover the car bumper to bumper, while others will only cover certain parts like electrical systems or the power train. Still other warranties may exclude certain parts like brakes or tires.

Also, ask if the car includes any of the manufacturer's original warranty. These warranties typically expire after a certain number of years or miles are reached, for example three years and 30,000 miles.

Finally, most dealerships sell extended warranties that cover as much or as little of the car as you choose. If you choose to buy an extended warranty, negotiate for what you think is a fair price.

Before buying a used car, do a title search using the car's vehicle identification number. You'll learn such things as who has owned the car, whether it's been in an accident, totaled, stolen or used as a rental car, whether the odometer is accurate, even the length of time the dealer has had it for sale. That might help you negotiate a better deal.

For about $20 you can check a car's history, or for about $5 more, you can check an unlimited number of cars. Two online companies that offer this service are carfax.com and autocheck.com. Some details may not show up on these reports. That's why it's essential to also have your mechanic check the car.

State law requires a seller to get a car inspected before selling it.

For more information, visit the Missouri Attorney General's website at http://ago.mo.gov/publications/auto.htm