As a single, financially independent woman in my mid-thirties, I’d like to believe that I can survive in “a man’s world” with just a little bit of research and preparation. I can throw a mean curveball. I have a toolbox and I use it. I don’t go calling Daddy to install shelving on my wall or to build something. I do it myself… or at least, I try to.

There is one area of life, however, that seems like an impenetrable boys’ club and that’s the arena of Auto Mechanics. I hate to admit it, but as often as I’ve heard of the air filter, alternator, clutch, transmission, radiator and what-have-you, I just can’t seem to assemble it all in my mind. Whenever I take my car to the auto mechanic, my eyes begin to glaze over as he tells me exactly what is wrong with it.

Buying a used car wasn’t any easier.

I knew that buying a pre-owned automobile would be the most pragmatic decision. In fact, statistics show that during the ownership of a vehicle there is an increased cost efficiency of up to 50% when buying a three-year-old car as compared to buying new. Nevertheless, I was downright intimidated by all the things that could possibly go wrong.

Moreover, I was well aware of the smug way those patronizing used car-salesmen spoke to me. They assumed that I wouldn’t have known a lemon if it rolled over me. They thought I would have bought anything that was pretty and easy-to-drive.

“Do you have a particular color in mind?” I have been asked on one occasion.

“This car has power-everything,” I was informed, “It will make things really easy for you.”

The fact is that the automotive industry is largely male-dominated. Furthermore, men are traditionally more mechanically inclined, more experienced with the technical aspects of car maintenance and as a result they know what to look for when buying a pre-owned vehicle.

Yes, once again, it’s a man’s world out there. OK, I admit it; but now, I’ll tell you a secret… We women can “get in” on their most guarded used car buying tips IF we know where to look.

Yes, the information is readily available to us on the Internet, girlfriends. There are educational web sites that provide key information on “How to Buy a Used Car the Smart Way.” One site, in particular, offers a tutorial that will turn average consumers into savvy car-buyers without any prerequisite knowledge of auto mechanics.

The truth is that buying a used car is really not risky and gaining the knowledge to buy a used car confidently is well worth the time-investment. In fact, a little knowledge goes a very long way when it comes to being able to spot a well-maintained automobile, or a lemon, or a car that survived a wreck.

For less than $30 we can get the following questions answered:

· How do I get a vehicle history report? Can I rely on it?

· How can I tell if the car has been damaged in an accident?

· What is “engine sludge” and how do I check for it?

· So, what’s the scoop about “Certified Used Cars”?

· How, exactly, am I supposed to perform a “Quality Test Drive”?

· How can I get my hands on a warranty report? What can I find out with it?

· How do I protect myself from Dealership and Seller Scams?

There is a Full Service option, which includes free email and phone support. That means professional advice about contracts, vehicle history reports, warranty history and of course, questions about the condition of a vehicle and/or dealer or seller.

Armed with this knowledge and these services, we girls can even-out the car buying playing field. We can confidently look any used car salesman squarely in the eye and ask the right questions. Most importantly, we can be confident about our used car-buying choices.

The automotive industry: a man’s world? Maybe so; but thanks to the Internet, we can now all buy a quality used automobile with confidence.

Sabrina Chalco is a freelance writer for the Web with articles and web copy that have been published on many sites throughout the Internet. This article gives an indirect reference to www.usedcarwise.com. Jerry Christopher, a veteran of the automotive industry, developed UsedCarWise to educate the general public and to help consumers acquire winning strategies for buying a quality pre-owned vehicle.

Sabrina Chalco