What Are Smart Ways To Buy A Used Car?

Question

Some people say used car dealers are "rip-off." Some people say buying a car from the owner can be risky...

I'm buying a used car, but I don't know what are smart ways to do so, because people tell me different things!

Dealership? Use newspaper ads? Purchase from the owner directly? All types of suggestions are welcome!!

Answer 1

The best way to fiance a car is through a credit union. Their rates are always alot cheaper then banks. Don't use the dealer to fiance your car. They will add on points to your rate. That is how they make their money. If you do go through the dealer, make sure you ask to see the original rate quoted before they add on their points. If they refuse to show you it, then don't buy the car. Trust me you will save alot of money by doing this. You can also tell them to reduce their points on the fiance rate. Again if they won't show you then leave. Be a detective when it comes to buying a car. Car dealerships are all scams and they will scam you if like them. Personally I would use the Internet to buy a car. You will get a better price then going with a dealership. Always know the true market value of the car or the bluebook price before going in to buy it. Remember knowledge is power. Good luck

Answer 2

Hi,

There really is no right or wrong place to purchase, each has it's own advantages/dis advantages. The only exception in my opinion is to stay away from auctions or online sales where you can't perform an inspection or road test.

It's best to research all the options, see what you can find that fits your needs and budget and then proceed from there.

You are at risk with either a private seller or dealership of buying a car that's not up to standards so to speak.

Most dealerships will inspect the cars before they sell them, but this doesn't mean that they repair everything that needs repaired.

At my former job as a service manager of a mult-line dealership I've seen numerous vehicles we inspected that needed repairs but the used car sales manager would'nt authorize these repairs.

But as a general rule, anything that was a major safety issue was either repaired, or the vehicle was sold at auction or to some other wholesale source.

The advantage of a dealership is that if something goes wrong, you at least have someone to complain to. Not that they will always correct the problem. But you do have some options such as filing a complaint with the bbb, speaking to a general manager or owner etc.

With a private seller you have very few if any of these options.

You'll get a better price with a private seller than a dealerships, but as mentioned above, at a greater risk.

Dealerships themselves are not always so honest, they will attempt to add options you don't need, such as window etching and even some add on paint sealants, undercoatings etc, not just new but used cars as well.

If you know what to look for and how to look for those items that may hinder your search, then you can at least feel comfortable about shopping for a used car, rather it be a dealer or private seller.

For financing you may consider a local credit union or bank rather than a dealership, they typically have lower interest rates.

Education and knowledge is the key, knowing as much as you can before buying a car will help you reduce the risk of buying something that is a "lemon".

Mechanically speaking, you can't fore see into the future on what if anything will break down. This of course is true with even new cars, if they didn't, they wouldn't offer a warranty.

With a used car, the best you can do is to make sure the mechanical condition basics are up to par, this really isn't so difficult if you know what to look for.

Research the history if possible, determine if the oil has been changed on a regular basis, look inside the oil cap if you can and see if you see any oil sludge or caked up oil.

Look at the cooling system as well, remove the radiator cap (COLD ENGINE ONLY) and look to see if the water is rusted or brownish looking which would indicate possible serious issues.

Know how to peform a proper test drive and what to look for during, this doesn't include a spin around the block either. A proper road test should include 25 miles of driving, cold and hot, along with different road surfaces as well.

Visit the web site below, you'll find some helpful articles, tips etc.

Jerry
http://www.usedcarwise.com

ps--Thought it was rather intersting you used the term smart way-That's exactly what my tutorial is titled--"How To Buy A Used Car The Smart Way"

Answer 3

ALWAYS try to buy the car from the owner directly. This way you can ask him or her questions about the car. Although, yes, they could still lie to you, you can use your judgement as to whether or not they are. If you buy from a dealer, they don't know anything about the previous history of the car. If you know anyone who knows a lot about cars, take them along.

Be sure to ask the owner. Are the miles original? How long have you had the car? How many miles were on it when they got it? Any accidents? Any recent repairs or troubles? Any receipts showing proof of repairs done recently? How often was routine maintenance done on the car? What was the car used for? Daily driving? Long trips?

You can also get a good idea of what kind of care the car was kept in simply by looking at the driver. If it's a 75 year old grandmother, the car was probably cared for. If it's a 25 year old girl who spaces when you ask her when she had the oil changed last, you might want to walk away.

Lastly, look up everything you can on the internet about that particular make and model car BEFORE you go look at it. Find out some common problems that happen with that car, and check to see if you see them on your possible purchase.

You get the idea. Good luck, and happy shopping, but always BEWARE.

Answer 4

Wherever you get the car, make sure you take it to a mechanic and have it checked out as part of the sales agreement. Get it in writing. Also the seller should agree to fix all the tings wrong that your mechanic finds or the deal is off and the seller can pay for the inspection. You can get a CAR FAX report on the car to see if it has a history..

Answer 5

Ive had the best luck with dealers.just remember to take your time. most dealers now do a full check up on the cars.

Answer 6

Beware!

Private Sellers can be worst than car dealerships. They will not disclose a problem with the car just to unload it on you.. and they will ask ridiculous prices for the vehicles out there.

The secret is not with them, it's actually with YOU.

Do your homework on the vehicle and everything that it entails. Then when you are armed with knowlege, you will not be screwed.

Places to visit:

http://www.nada.com
http://www.kbb.com
http://www.autotrader.com

Good luck!

Answer 7

use the Internet as a best price guide most deal ears on the lot hold 4,000 gross on used cars the Internet pricing is about 2,000 over what they paid for the car minus the inspection, good luck and don't impulse buy.....

Answer 8

I would think sell on kcstar.com