People approach car-buying with an inherent sense of apprehension because they don't want to buy somebody else's problems.

• They will get taken
• Unwittingly buy a lemon
• End up with something they don't want
• Pay way more than the car is worth

• Once in a while, a new one comes off the assembly line complete with problems
• Will the dealership fix the car?
  
  

• Is there any warranty remaining?
• What does it cover, and what does it not cover?
• What happens if the thing just quits on you?
• What if the master cylinder goes out?
• The battery proves to be moribund after two days
• If all the tires go flat at once?
• Will the dealership help you?
• Will they come get the car?
• What about a loaner?

• Who owned the car before
• What kind of problems they had with the car
• Did they furnish documents to validate the repairs they say they made
• Tell them firmly that you want your mechanic to check the car out

• Go elsewhere
• Look for a dealership that will give you at least 30 days to determine if the car is a lemon