Finding a
Used Car
There are
many places where a used car
is found for sale, and there
are many types of vehicles
too. The task can sometimes
be daunting, but if you do
your research, make some
comparisons, and figure out
exactly what you want, you
will be in good shape.
Prices can vary greatly on a
used car, but so can the
quality. To begin your
search for a used car, look
online, in the local
classifieds, or in dealer’s
ads. Always have a few
models up for consideration,
as you will be in a stronger
position when it comes time
to bargain. If your top
choice falls through, you
have a fallback position.
Think about your driving
habits, your needs, and your
budget when selecting the
models of vehicles.
Where to Look
The Internet:
This has become a very
powerful tool for finding a
good used car in the past
few years. There is no
database that can bring to
you more options, opinions,
and information on used
cars. The Web also provides
an easy way to find out the
price for which various
models are selling in your
area. Try to limit your
search to the area within
which you're willing to
travel to inspect a vehicle.
Because many sellers are car
dealerships, most sites
provide direct links to the
dealerships' Web sites.
Online auctions are another
resource. The auction system
is a little different from
standard negotiations over
price, it is more like
bidding. This does mean you
can get a bargain, but it
also means that you usually
can't get out of the deal. A
note about looking for a
used car online; even if you
find one, it doesn’t mean it
is still at the dealership,
as there is no way you can
know how often they update
their site. So, always call
ahead to check for
availability.
Private
Owners
Going
through
a
private
party
will
often
turn up
the best
price.
They
have no
overhead
to cover
and
frequently
they are
eager to
get rid
of the
vehicle.
A
private
owner,
however,
would
not be
able to
provide
financing.
Again,
always
make
sure you
have a
professional
mechanic
inspect
the used
car.
New Car
Dealers
Many
franchised
dealers
have a
used-car
department
that
sells
trade-ins,
auction
vehicles,
or used
cars
that
have
come
back at
the end
of a
lease.
You will
often
find
late-model
vehicles
here,
and they
often
have the
remains
of a
warranty
on them.
What you
will not
find are
older,
less
expensive
used
cars, so
shop
elsewhere
if the
is a
tight
budget.
Used-Car
Dealers
Here
you can
find
many
makes,
models,
and used
cars in
almost
any
condition
and
price
range.
If the
dealership
has been
around
for a
long
time and
has a
good
reputation,
it is a
good
sign
that
they are
trustworthy.
Many
used-car
dealerships
also
arrange
financing
for you.
Still,
price
and
quality
tend to
be lower
than at
a
new-car
dealership.
Service
stations
These
sometimes
have a
sideline
business
selling
used
cars.
There is
often
not the
greatest
selection
of used
cars.
Still,
prices
are
often
better
than
those
you'll
find at
a
dealership.
Choosing
the Used
Car
Consider using the following
steps when purchasing a new
car:
Budget
Set a clear limit of
how much money you want to
pay for the used car, and be
firm. Don’t assume ‘low’
monthly payments will mean a
lower priced vehicle, so
keep focused on the overall
price. For a price range of
$1000-$2000 expect to get an
older vehicle, it may be in
run, but may have other
issues such as rust or
engine troubles. Dealers
usually don’t spend time
selling vehicles in this
price range, so these would
be found through private
sales. The $4000-$9000 price
range would get you a
reliable used car, it may be
an older style with high
mileage, but suitable for
everyday use. Used Car
Dealers may delve into this
range, as well as private
and online sales.
$10,000-$18,000 is a top of
the used car prices. This
will bring a modern car,
just a few years old. A used
car in this range should be
mainly trouble free for a
while.
Model
Recognize your needs,
such as passenger and cargo
space, when selecting a
model. Narrow your choices
of as much as possible, but
keep a few options in mind.
Pay attention to things such
a visibility, comfort, and
safety features. It is best
to enter a dealership
knowing what you want, as
this will make the whole
process much easier.
Pricing: Look online and in
local ads to see how much
you should be paying for
this model. You should look
for a car in decent
condition at a reasonable
price, instead of going for
the lowest priced. You will
save in the long run on
repairs and will have less
doubts of breaking down.
Research the Used Car: Talk
to as many people as
possible about their
personal experiences with
this model. The internet is
a great place to find
reviews, and use CARFAX to
get the used car’s history,
including any accident or
flood damage.
Financing
Dealer financing
and bank financing are the
two options if you have to
borrow money for the used
car. Shop around for who
will give you the best
loans, and go from there.
Also be aware of how much
insurance will cost for this
model, you can check with
your insurance company for a
quote.