Used Car Buying Tips
When you walk onto a used car lot, you are entering a high pressure sales environment. It is in your best interest to be educated and well prepared. Many used car salespeople are quite aggressive, so don't let them catch you off guard. Here are some survival tips from a former car salesperson.
Tip Number 1: Never buy a car on your first visit to a used car lot. They will try to pressure you by saying that the "big sale" ends tomorrow or that someone else is interested in the car you want, but don't fall for it. Once you pick out a car you like, you will want to do some research to make sure you are getting a good price and not buying a lemon. If you don't walk away, you won't get the chance to do the research and you could get burned.
Tip Number 2: If the salesperson who approaches you makes you feel uncomfortable, insist on working with someone else.
Tip Number 3: Don't buy a car until the end of the month. This is when the salespeople and managers are scrambling to make their bonuses. They are more willing to negotiate at the end of the month than they are at the beginning of the month.
Tip Number 4: Make sure you know how much the car is worth before you buy it. If you are trading in a car, you can find out how much it is worth, too. The most realistic car value research tool is at Nada.com. The used car industry uses NADA guides, so they can't dispute the results. You can print up your results and bring them to the dealership to help you negotiate.
Tip Number 5: When you reach the point that you found the perfect car at the perfect price, have it checked out by a mechanic before you buy. This will cost a little money, but it can help protect you from losing thousands of dollars. If the salesperson or manager won't let you take the car to a mechanic, then you are at the wrong dealership and you should walk out.
Tip Number 6: Make sure you know the history of the car you're buying. Once you decide on a car and are happy with the price, tell the salesperson to order a carfax report. Once the report is ordered, check the VIN number (serial number) against the car you're looking at to make sure it is the same. With a carfax report, you will know important facts such as how many people have owned the car and whether it has ever been in an accident.
Tip Number 7: Follow the advice given above because lemon laws don't apply to used cars.
I have always purchased my cars used. And every single time, I got a great deal because of a few secrets that is easy to do.
These secrets will save you money. And the good news is there is no luck involved.
If you follow these steps you are guaranteed to save lots of money, so please pay attention.
BUYING A USED CAR Power Tip #1
Check Consumer Reports on the safest cars out there. Looks are one thing, but never ignore safety.
Here's what you do: Go to a reputable car repair shop and ask if you can bring the vehicle by for a look-over.
There is a 99% chance they will say "yes".
While you're there, ask what cars they have to repair most often. Also, ask what the inspection includes, how long it takes, and the price. Always get this information in writing - just to be safe.
Once the vehicle has been inspected, ask the mechanic for a written report with a cost estimate for all necessary repairs.
Be sure the report includes the vehicle's make, model and VIN. If you decide to make an offer to the dealer after approving the inspection, you can use the estimated repair costs to negotiate the price of the vehicle.
Do you see how easy it is?
Are you going to purchase from an individual? If yes, then here is your next tip.
BUYING A USED CAR Power Tip #2
Remember, private sellers generally are not covered by the Used Car Rule and don't have to use the Buyers Guide. However, you can use the Guide's list of an auto's major systems as a shopping tool.
It's simple.
You can ask the seller if you can have the vehicle inspected by your mechanic. If he/she says no... beware. No matter how nice the car appears, something fishy is going on.
Now, a private sale likely will be on an "as is" basis, unless your purchase agreement with the seller specifically states otherwise. If you have a written contract, the seller has to live up to the contract.
The car also may be covered by a manufacturer's warranty or a separately purchased service contract. But that doesn't mean that the warranty and service contract are transferable.
Plus, other limits or costs may apply. Before you buy the car, ask if it's still under warranty or service contract, and review that baby carefully.
Some states will require vehicle sellers to pass a vehicle inspection before a sale is made. That's not always the case, though. To find out what your state requires, contact your state Attorney General's office or a local consumer protection agency.
Hey, it's just a phone call. And it will take less than 5 minutes.
Whether you end up buying a used car from a dealer, a co-worker, or a neighbor, follow these tips to learn as much as you can about the car:
BUYING A USED CAR Power Tip #3
Examine the car carefully yourself using an inspection checklist. You can find a checklist in many of the magazine articles, books and Internet sites that deal with buying a used car.
Once I bought a used car in August, and never thought to test the rear defroster. Guess what? Come November, I found out it didn't work. If you're shopping in the summer, don't forget to check the heater. And if it's cold as ice outside, still turn that air on full blast and make sure it works!
Test drive the car under varied road conditions--on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.
Ask for the car's maintenance record. If the owner doesn't have copies, contact the dealership or repair shop where most of the work was done. They may share their files with you.
Talk to the previous owner, especially if the present owner is unfamiliar with the car's history.
Have the car inspected by a mechanic you hire.
There you go.
Follow those three "used car buying" tips and you are guaranteed to save a ton of money buying a used car.
