Dear Hillary,
I am having dreadful problems trying to buy a second-hand car. I don’t have much to spend, but I want a good one, and I think that my B. 100,000 budget should be sufficient. I have trudged in and out of so many car sales outlets, I am starting to recognize the faces of the sales executives, but it is obvious they only want to steer me in the direction of cars five times my budget. Have you any foolproof way to make sure I don’t buy a lemon?
Charlie
Dear Charlie,
Dare I say it, “cheap” Charlie? I do believe that your budget is a little on the low side but I can help you to avoid buying a lemon. Firstly, my parsimonious (like that word?) Petal, don’t go buying a car in the fruit market, because that’s where they sell lemons. Secondly, see if there is any warranty with the car (and that’s a written warranty). Thirdly, go to the Classified ads section of this newspaper and see if there is a listing of the car you want, and if not, put an ad in the ‘Wanted’ section. There is more than just people on the run in this town in the wanted section! I also suggest you take a trusted Thai friend with you when you are looking at cars in the lots.
