Cars
What's a key step before buying a used car? Getting a pre-purchase inspection
Keira Wingate
USA TODAY
First, it was toilet paper, then freezers and wipes. Now Americans are struggling to find used cars.
It began with a global shortage of computer chips, which has limited new-car production and the number of models at dealerships. That in turn has tightened up the supply of used vehicles as buyers snap up pre-owned cars and trucks if they can't find a new ride.
As more people hunt for fewer vehicles, they often have to make a quick decision about whether to buy or not. But consumer advocates say it's more critical than ever for shoppers to make sure they're getting their money's worth on the used vehicle before signing on the dotted line.