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The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
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Shopping For a Used Car

23 June 1998

Shopping For a Used Car
    PARK RIDGE, N.J., June 23 -- There is probably nothing more
intimidating in life than shopping for a used car.  For the inexperienced used
car buyer, there is a feeling of unease as he or she purchases what could be a
bargain or a nightmare.  Retailers in today's used car market boast about
hassle-free pricing.  But shoppers need more than hassle-free pricing to feel
secure in their purchase.  Hertz, a 20-year veteran in the retail car sales
industry and the innovator of no-haggle pricing, offers six foolproof
tips to aid the potential used-car buyer.

    * Ask to see maintenance records.  Regular oil change intervals are very
      important.
    * Look at the brake pedal pad.  Excessive wear on a lower mileage car
      could mean rough driving and hard braking.
    * Check under the car for freshly applied undercoating.  Poorly repaired
      frame or under body damage could be hiding.
    * Check the wear on all four tires.  Uneven wear might be the result of
      misalignment, worn parts, or hard driving that took its toll on the
      vehicle.
    * Take the car for a test drive, looking for smooth pick-up and ample
      power on hills.  Also watch for a pulling to the left or right,
      indicating a misaligned vehicle, and blue smoke that signals burning
      oil.
    * Have the vehicle checked by an independent mechanic.

    Hertz, the world's largest car rental company, operates Car Sales
facilities across the country, selling a wide selection of late-model vehicles
at competitive, no-haggle prices.  The cars come from Hertz' Rent-A-Car fleet
and most feature complete maintenance records for the buyer's review.
Remaining factory warranties, optional extended warranties at an additional
cost, and a return policy based on customer satisfaction are available.
    Hertz recently opened its largest car sales facility in the nation in
Raleigh, N.C.  Situated on nine acres in the heart of the Raleigh-Durham
Triangle region, the site features up to 300 high-quality used cars, most of
which are 12-months old.  The mix of vehicles available includes makes such as
Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Nissan, and Mazda.  In addition, the facility
features touch-screen kiosks that allow customers to search Hertz' inventory,
waiting rooms, and play areas for children so that parents may browse Hertz'
lot.
    Hertz Car Sales has a location in your area.  Sales Associates are
available to walk buyers through the inspection process of a used car as well
as offer explanations of what to look for during a test drive.  For the
location nearest you, call 1-800-654-3131.