Search
Custom Search
Bookmarks
Tips On Buying A Used Car
It's trickier to buy a used car but you can follow most of the same guidelines as buying a new car.
Knowing what car you want is the first thing you have to do. Go ahead and research the car. Go online and you'll see a lot of information there. There are consumer reports and car manufacturers web site you can check out as well as edmunds.com website. Know the approximate value of the car before you head out to the dealer. Before you go shopping, go to your bank or credit union to determine the amount of money they can lend you on a used car. This is important so that you'll have a better idea on what you can spend.
There are different models of the same car and you need to realize this. You may not find exactly the car with all the extras you want, or the exact color, but you may find something close that is a great deal.
Most dealers are upright and honest when selling used cars. They also offer limited warranties. In the case of luxury end cars a lot of them still have warranties in effect when you purchase them.
If you are buying from a private seller ask to see service records. You can order a carfax car history report when you go online. You can find out if the car will be sold is already state inspected or is "as is." When you are serious about a used car make sure that you have time to take the car to your mechanic for him to give the car the once over, especially if it's being sold "as is". What if it needs a lot more repairs than you thought? Visual inspection isn't enough.
An important factor in determining the car's value is the cosmetics of the car. Generally, cars are rated as either being in good, fair, or excellent condition. But when purchasing from a private seller, these ratings would vary.
Whatever you do, don't let anyone pressure you into making a quick decision, especially a private seller. If you hear something like "I already have someone else who's willing to give me a down payment" let the car go. You need to stick to your budget - and your guns. There will always be another and better one so if you don't get this car then it wasn't meant to be.
Knowing what car you want is the first thing you have to do. Go ahead and research the car. Go online and you'll see a lot of information there. There are consumer reports and car manufacturers web site you can check out as well as edmunds.com website. Know the approximate value of the car before you head out to the dealer. Before you go shopping, go to your bank or credit union to determine the amount of money they can lend you on a used car. This is important so that you'll have a better idea on what you can spend.
There are different models of the same car and you need to realize this. You may not find exactly the car with all the extras you want, or the exact color, but you may find something close that is a great deal.
Most dealers are upright and honest when selling used cars. They also offer limited warranties. In the case of luxury end cars a lot of them still have warranties in effect when you purchase them.
If you are buying from a private seller ask to see service records. You can order a carfax car history report when you go online. You can find out if the car will be sold is already state inspected or is "as is." When you are serious about a used car make sure that you have time to take the car to your mechanic for him to give the car the once over, especially if it's being sold "as is". What if it needs a lot more repairs than you thought? Visual inspection isn't enough.
An important factor in determining the car's value is the cosmetics of the car. Generally, cars are rated as either being in good, fair, or excellent condition. But when purchasing from a private seller, these ratings would vary.
Whatever you do, don't let anyone pressure you into making a quick decision, especially a private seller. If you hear something like "I already have someone else who's willing to give me a down payment" let the car go. You need to stick to your budget - and your guns. There will always be another and better one so if you don't get this car then it wasn't meant to be.
About the Author:
When you're looking for truck repair Apex NC, try Vital Automotive. We offer the best in automotive repair and diagnostics. Our rates are competitive, with no hidden fees.