Buying a used car over a new one is a great way to get on the road without paying too much money. However, car buying can be tricky, especially for used cars. Too many buyers find a car, buy it, and then find out that they paid too much for it or inherited the previous owner\u2019s problems with the vehicle.<\/p>\n
Luckily, with a little bit of shared wisdom, you can know how to find the best used cars for your money while filtering out potential lemons<\/a> and poor deals. Here are a bunch of great used car buying tips and bits of advice that\u2019ll help get you the car you want without any unwanted surprises.<\/p>\n Before you go searching for a used car, you\u2019ll need to know how much you are able to spend. Know how much you are able and willing to pay before you make your used car search. If you decide to take out a loan, make sure that the monthly payments don\u2019t exceed 20% of your take-home income. It also helps to have some extra money stashed away in case you buy a car<\/a> that has an expired warranty that needs repairs.<\/p>\n Talk to friends and do some research online to see what type of make and model of car would fit your needs. You can read up on reviews and tests on a variety of vehicles on car buying sites like Edmunds.com<\/a>. Once you have found three or more types of cars you\u2019re interested in and are in your price range, it\u2019s time to move on to the next step.<\/p>\n Search online for classifieds or websites for local used car dealers to see if they have one of the vehicles on your list. You can also do things the old fashioned way by just walking onto a used car dealership lot. It is recommended to buy from a reputable dealership with certified pre-owned vehicles on the lot, since they will be easier to track down and help you if end up having a problem.<\/p>\n If you see a car you want, look at the price tag and then it\u2019s back to doing research! When you buy used cars, you should check the price and worth of them online on such sites as the Kelley Blue Book<\/a> to see their actual worth versus the asking price. When it comes to specifics, get the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the car you want and get a vehicle history report. You can get a vehicle report from websites such as Carfax<\/a> and AutoCheck<\/a>. Once you know the car\u2019s worth and the history, it\u2019s time to either move on to the next prospect or move forward.<\/p>\n Before going out to buy the car, give the seller a phone call. This will allow you to establish a rapport in case you do end up meeting them with the intent to purchase their vehicle. It will also allow you to ask some questions before committing to visiting them with the intent to buy. Some questions you should ask before meeting up should be:<\/p>\n If you like the seller\u2019s replies, it\u2019s time for a face-to-face encounter.<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to get a feel for the car and see how it drives before you commit to purchasing it. While you\u2019re test driving, listen to how the engine runs. Make note of any noises or vibrations you feel that seem out of place. Examine any blind spots and make sure you can adjust your mirrors to ensure maximum visibility. Test the comfort of the drivers seat, its position, and how easily you can reach the controls. Test how the steering feels and how long it takes the car to accelerate. Test the heating, air conditioning, and all other perks. If it is important to you, see if the car can connect to your Bluetooth devices. If you are satisfied, the real game begins.<\/p>\n Typically, used cars are sold for higher than they may be worth. However, since you did the proper research by looking up the car\u2019s value and history, you\u2019ll be able to make an educated counter offer. You may also be able to negotiate a lower cost if you notice that certain parts are worn out and need to be replaced. Be sure to call out any additional fees that are being tacked on and be sure to include the cost of registration fees, document fees, sales tax, and transferring the title over to you so you clearly known the final cost of purchase.<\/p>\n Some dealerships may offer you a lower monthly payment in lieu of lower the overall price. This only forces you to pay what they want at a piecemeal rate. Don\u2019t fall for it.<\/p>\n Basically, with the research and knowledge you have done, you should know what you should pay. If you feel mistreated or that your negotiations are getting nowhere, feel free to walk away. There is no point in wasting your time compromising for a deal you don\u2019t want. Most car salesmen know that if you walk away from them, you\u2019ll usually find someone else that will accept your offer.<\/p>\n So now you\u2019ve shook hands and are buying a great used car, but it\u2019s not over yet. Many dealerships will offer various options, products, and services in order to tack on more money to your agreed upon price. Take a look at the contract<\/a> and ask the dealership to remove any fees that the finance manager cannot fully explain.<\/p>\n While many of these fees are bogus, certain offers such as an extended warranty could be helpful if it the price is right. If everything is in order, sign the contract, pay your money, and drive home happy.<\/p>\nKnow Your Finances<\/h2>\n
Build a List of the Cars You Want and Research Them<\/h2>\n
Investigate Local Dealerships and Online<\/h2>\n
Check the car\u2019s pricing and vehicle history<\/h2>\n
Contact the Seller<\/h2>\n
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Take a Test Drive<\/h2>\n
Negotiate<\/h2>\n
Close the Deal<\/h2>\n