Buying Used Cars
From LoveToKnow Buy
Buying a used car need not be an experience you’ll want to forget. Today you have a lot more information gained from online Web sites, consumer broadcast shows, print media and publicized experiences of others. All of this ammo arms you for the hunt. Unfortunately the same media provides those interested in ripping you off with ammo as well. But with a dose of common sense and techniques dad forgot to teach you, you can do OK.
How To Get A Good Deal
Used cars are now called pre-owned, indicating that used heaps costing several thousand bucks are more than a pile of old and worn parts. But costs are still relative. Set a firm budget and research the market before going forth.
Most cars have a 7-10 year lifespan. Good deals are found in those less than three years old. The best is one a year old, because you’ll get good value since the car is relatively new. Age makes a difference. Driver’s can mistreat, beat up, ignore needed maintenance and delay needed repairs until their car quits running. Then they sell.
Kelley Blue Book provides price range information based on car condition. This is an excellent general guideline and negotiating tool used by the insurance industry to set rates for different models.
More than likely you’ll buy from a stranger or a car lot. NEVER go to a used lots offering 100% financing, targeting first-time buyers or those who have credit problems. It’s not unusual to pay 100% to 400% more than the car is worth with added financing. Sometimes unwary buyers get stuck paying for a heap that dies before the note is paid.
Inspect Your Used Car Closely
Walk around the car and check the tires for condition and wear patterns. Does the paint match on all body panels with no undercoating showing through? Open doors and sight down body lines for dents or distortions indicating previous accidents. Check the oil dipstick for clean oil and a no burned odor. A clean engine is good. But unless you’re a mechanic, don’t judge the car by it’s shine. You’ll still need other eyeballs so you won’t be swayed by auto lust. Get permission from the owner to take the car to a trusted auto mechanic for an inspection.
Before You Buy, Check Reports
Check for model recalls with the National Highway Transportation Safety (NHTSA) Web site or calling 1-800-424-9393.
For about $20, CARFAX will check your vehicle's history with information compiled from motor vehicle records and police reports.
Your state’s Motor Vehicles Department Web site should provide a vehicle history report based upon the car's vehicle identification number (VIN) helping you to identify single or multiple ownerships.
Dealers And Deals
Dealers always jack up the price so that they have enough wiggle room to reduce the price because of your “tough” negotiating skills. Caveat emptor. The more reputable used car dealers will offer an extended warranty or a service agreement. Never sign an "As Is" agreement, because this means you‘re relieving the dealer of responsibility should the car fall apart two miles down the road.
Backyard Used Car Sharks
Negotiating with individuals is sometimes easier than with used car dealers. But not all backyard mechanics are innocents trying to sell a car legitimately. You can avoid bad deals by knowing what to look for How to Avoid Buying a Lemon. Always check out why they want to sell and make sure you get the car inspected before signing on the dotted line. Ask about accidents and repair records. Know your state’s laws concerning vehicle emission testing and who is responsible for those costs.
Take A Test Drive
When you take the car for a test drive have someone riding shotgun who can look for problems or noises indicating problems you may miss. Be aware of any vibrations upon steering or stopping which could mean hefty repairs in the near future. Test all interior controls especially the heating/air conditioning. It goes without saying that the radio should work. Some folks actually make buying decisions based on the radio’s performance. Don’t make the same mistake. It’s what’s under the hood that counts, not what issues forth from the speakers.
Where To Buy A Used Car Online
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