Some used car dealerships in Louisville call themselves “auctions” to generate excitement and make people think they’re getting a deal. These make-believe auctions don’t allow test-drives. One customer called me to complain that she bought a car at an “auction” and later learned the car couldn’t drive in reverse. The auctioneer had driven the car forward when it came up for a bid and the customer had driven it forward — right off the lot.

If you’re a master bargainer, you can probably get a better price somewhere else. But if you’re allergic to haggling, this could be a good choice for you. Just remember, even though the salespeople are low key and the showroom is sleek, a used car superstore still sells used cars. You need to scrutinize the car, same as always. One exception: Some used car superstores in Louisville have actually begun allowing returns. There’s a time limit of three to seven days, but it’s progress. Why shouldn’t cars be sold just like other products?

You can get a good deal in Louisville buying from a private owner, because there’s no dealer mark up. To protect yourself, insist on seeing copies of service records and records of the original purchase. (That will help you avoid illegal, unlicensed car dealers who pose as individual owners and unload defective cars on unsuspecting purchasers.) Scrutinize the car carefully, because it’s not like dealing with a Louisville business that has a reputation to uphold. Private owner sales are assumed to be “as is” unless you draw up a written contract with the seller.

These days, computer databases are a godsend for used car buyers. Carfax.com is probably the best known. You just provide the vehicle identification number, or VIN, of the car you’re interested in. Within minutes you can find out whether that cool Louisville car is a problem — or a peach. You’ll get a vehicle history report, which can reveal salvage cars, odometer fraud and flood titles. You can even find out whether the car was once a taxi or rental car. There is one weakness: These databases rely on government records. If the car was in a fender bender that wasn’t big enough to warrant a police report, there will be no record of the accident. That’s where a physical inspection becomes important.

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