University of Michigan - Flint

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Transportation : Buying a Used Car

Places to Look

The Flint Journal

Daily newspaper for the Ann Arbor community. Check the classifieds.

University bulletin boards

Posted around campus

The Trader Online

A listing, like the newspaper classifieds, of hundreds of used cars for sale by private owners and dealers. It is available at many drugstores or gas stations.

Used Car Dealerships

Costs might be higher if you purchase your car through a dealer.



Before You Purchase a Used Car
It is advisable to hire a mechanic to inspect a car you are considering purchasing. Many local repair shops or service stations will inspect the vehicle for a fee. Check in the yellow pages under “Auto Repair” for a listing of shops. When calling, make sure that the shop will check all the vital systems (brakes, belts, steering, oil, cooling system, exhaust, shocks, tires) and make sure they will test drive the vehicle. Below are some local service stations that perform diagnostic inspections.


Responsibilities & Costs
Along with owning a car comes certain responsibilities and costs, such as paying for:

  • Michigan Driver's License: Visit the UM-Flint’s International Center's page on How to Get a Driver's License or Michigan Secretary of State for more information.
  • Auto Insurance (required)
  • License Plates and Tax (required)
  • City parking fees and University parking meter fees
  • General preventive maintenance expenses for your car
  • Safety seats for children under the age of four

You can find some useful information about mechanics and cars at Car Talk.  
You can find useful information about a specific car's history at Car Fax.