How To Buy Used Cars

Purchasing used cars is just as exciting as buying a new car. Used or new, cars are usually the second largest purchase you will make in a lifetime...and you do it over and over.

New cars are very appealing with their full warranty, new car smell, hopefully trouble free, etc. But buying used cars can have many benefits too.

Most consumers opt for a used model for finacial reasons. Simply put, the new car takes a huge lose in value the minute you drive it off the Dealers Lot. In the first year a new car will depreciate at least 20%...and continue to drop every year. Many times you can get a recent used car with decent milage for 50% less than a new one.

Buyers of used models can take advantage of a vehicle that is only a few years old, but is mechanically and physically sound, looks great, and has a price tag considerably lower than a new car.

With the savings you may be able to purchase a higher end model with more performance, safety and luxury features than you could afford with a new model...and still pay less!

Buying a used car has become less of a challenge, although you should still do your homework and shop armed with information. Read Consumer Reports to check on the model you're interested in. Discover what used cars are selling for by checking Blue Book Pricing (click on above link).

You can run a Lemon Check on the vehicle your looking at, by going to CarFax

The Top 5 Things You Should Know Before You Buy Used Cars

Keep in mind the reputation of the dealership for honesty and integrity whenever looking at a used vehicle. If you're purchasing from an individual, try to find some information on their honesty.
Test drive the car under varied road conditions - on hills, highways, and in stop and go traffic.
Ask for the cars maintenance record. &bnsp;It it's not available, contact the dealership or repair shop where most of the work was done.
Have the car inspected by the mechanic of your choice.
Shop Around...find a dealership (or a couple of Dealerships) you trust and try to find the car of your choice there. If they don't have in stock, tell them what you want and what you're willing to pay...they may be able to find an exact match for you.

Using these tips and resources and comparing the information gathered to local dealer web sites and used vehicle publications will give you a solid basis for making a reasonable and educated offer on a used vehicle.

These vehicles apply to private sales as well as dealership sales. just remember that private sales are usually sold "As Is" and the sale is final. Do more research is you're buying from a private party.

Whether you buy a used car from a dealer, a friend, relative or neighbor , you should, at a minimum...

Examine the car yourself using an inspection list. You can find a checklist in many of the magazine articles, books, and Internet Sites that deal with buying a used car.
Talk to the previous owner if possible, especially if the present owner is unfamiliar with the car's history.

10 Tips For Buying Used Cars

Check out the car's repair record, maintenance costs, and safety and mileage ratings in consumer magazines or online.
look up the Kelly Blue Book value and be prepared to negotiate the price.
Buying from a Dealer? ...Look for the Buyers Guide. It's required by a federal regulation called the Used Car Rule.
Make sure all oral promises are written into the Buyers Guide.
You have a right to see a copy of the dealer's warranty before you buy. Warranties are included in the price of the product; service contracts cost extra and are sold separately.
Ask for the car's maintenance record from the owner, dealer or repair shop.
Test Drive the car on hills, highways, and in stop and go traffic.
Have the car inspected by a mechanic you hire.
Keep in mind the reputation of the dealership for honesty and integrity whenever looking at a vehicle.
If you buy a car "as is", you'll have to pay for anything that goes wrong after the sale. The 'Used Car Rule' generally doesn't apply to private sales.

You should now be ready to hit the bricks and start shopping for your car. &bnsp;But, before you leave the house here are...

Five Steps To Buying Used Cars

Decide what type of vehicle meets your needs.
Locate used cars from a local newspaper ads or online. This will give you an idea of what's available in your area and the prices they're asking.
Once you locate a vehicle that fits the bill...run a CarFax Record Check on the car. You'll ned the VIN number from the vehicle your looking at.
Figure out your auto insurance costs up front. Don't wait until you fall in love with a car only to find out you can't afford the insurance.
Protect your vehicle with an extended warranty (Service Contract). It just makes good sense. An extended warranty protects you from mechanical breakdowns that can cost you an arma nd a leg. It is one of the few insurance policies you can buy where you may get your money's worth.

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Used Car buying Guide