What should I know if I'm buying my first car?

Question

How to know if they're giving me a good deal, if the car's really as good as they say, how to negotiate for a good price?

Answer 1

You can do a lot of good online research at Edmunds and Epinions (see links below). Also, there are online forums for every car brand; use Google to track down a forum for the brand of car you're interested in and read up on it. On forums, there will be running discussions of a car's various trouble spots.

First -- and it's a long shot -- always ask if a car has repair records. Very few do but I've donated cars with complete maintenance records. It's worth paying a little extra for a car that has good service records.

Check the car very carefully and maybe bring a knowledgeable friend to help you. Look at the tires: If all four are not identical, that's a sign of cheap maintenance. If the odometer has low miles, look at the gas and brake pedals for wear. Is the wear on the brake pedal commensurate with the odometer mileage? Look in the trunk: Is it clean or does it look like they've been carrying garbage around for three years?

Make sure all the windows and doors work properly. Make sure the heater, A/C, stereo, cruise control, lights, blinkers, wipers, locks and other electrical items work properly. Look under the hood to see if anything looks broken or missing. Pull out the oil dipstick to check the oil level and color. If the oil is at the "low" mark and is black, this is a sign of poor maintenance. If it is above the "low" mark and is from light-to-dark amber in color, that is a sign of a recent oil change... that's a good thing.

Are there any unexplained clunks, thumps, knocks, shudders or droning sounds when you drive the car? Does the steering feel smooth? Do the brakes feel smooth or do they shudder and make grinding noises? If the brakes shudder, there is a probably a problem with the brake rotors. If they make grinding noises, the brakes are probably worn and you'll need a good brake job -- that will cost $300 to $500, depending on the car.

It's always a gamble buying a used car but some research and careful observation can tilt the odds in your favor.

Answer 2

Hello,

I suggest to find someone who deals or dealt with used cars, someone who knows what to check. This person can also give you suggestions of the make and model worthy for purchase.
When negotiating for price, you should have a detailed check of the car, and when you like it, don't show it. Emphasise the weak spots of the car to push the prices down, but don't confront the owner with pity offers. Don't check a car in the evening or bad light conditions. Try out everything to see if all works (even things you think it's obvious). Don't rely on the qualities that the seller says until proved. Always take the car to a test drive. The age of a car can be hidden, but old doesn't necessarily mean bad condition (contraversely, a newer car can also be a scrap). Pop the hood and look around carefully. Look for replaced parts and the engine. Oil traces mean that the egine needs some treatment. A shiny clean engine is also suspicious in an old car (it was intentionally cleaned, to hide what ... ? :O ), ask to clarify the situation. Try to locate as many problems, as possible, no claims after the deal !
When buying a classic or a collector's car, learn about the car, for collectors don't sell their loved cars for just anybody who knows nothing about the car. A good atmosphere during the deal can slightly improve the willingness of the seller to felxibility.
You don't have to buy the first car, take a look to different specimens and go for the most sympathic.

I hope this helps a little ... :D

Answer 3

Um, can you be more specific? Is it new or used?

If new, you can compare prices at carsdirect.com.

If used, check out autotrader.com for prices on similar cars.

Also check kbb.com to see what the used car prices are for that specific car.