How To Buy A Used Car

With the escalation in new car prices over the last decade, many people today find that a new car is simply not within their budget. How to Buy a Used Car offers an in-depth look at used car buying, with particular emphasis on inspecting prospective purchases. At the heart of the tape are two series of inspections: the 38-step body inspection, and the 58-step mechanical inspection. Armed with a flashlight, a screwdriver, and a magnet, the average car buyer can do a pretty thorough inspection by following the outlined steps. On the plus side, the information is both good and detailed. On the minus side, however, the production qualities are not great. While certainly passable, the video image is not top-notch--during shots under the hood the contrast between the various parts is not very sharp. And the upbeat musical soundtrack clashes somewhat with the monotone narration. Still, the serious car buyer who's willing to devote some time to selecting a used car will find this program beneficial. Recommended, with the above reservations. (Available from: Driven By Design, 225 Crossroads Blvd., Suite 356, Dept. P4, Carmel, CA 93923.)