what are some things to keep in mind while buying a used car?

Question

how can i calculate good mileage? what should I look for?

I have NEVER bought a car before.

Answer 1

actually, there is quite a bit you should know before you just go out and buy any used car...
-set a price range..more on that below..
go to autotrader.com and check the prices of all the cars you have in mind to see how much they are selling for or look at all the cars in your price range might be easier if you have no particular car in mind..
-I would assume you are looking for something small, and economical...
-dont be in a rush to get the first one that you like...too many out there
-dont concern yourself about gas milage too much, most cars get 20-30 these days. it wont cost that much more if it gets in the 20's as apposed to around 30.
-Dont get emotional about the cute one you find..that is a mistake...
-make sure everything works on the car. If it doesn't and it's just a light or something you dont care about, then think about it, but keep looking..you can come back later if you dont find anything else in your price range..chances are you will find something nicer/better..
-lowest miles and condition for the price,
-a private owner vehicle if possible that has been taken care of
-a car/vehicle that has been driven on the highway most of the time is best even with a little higher miles on it . highway miles on a car are the easiest miles one puts on a car.regardless of what anyone will tell you.
-if the steering wheel is worn and /or looks worn as with the driver seat, move on to the next car. dont even bother with that one..
If you are working and can make payments, then I would start in the $2000-$3000 range and up(depending on your situation) and find the cleanest and least worn vehicle with the lowest milage and best price for those things..
-I would suggest taking someone who knows cars very well; a guy friend, an older gentleman neighbor, etc. or bring the car to them ..
If you must go to a car lot or a buy here pay here place, be very careful because that is basically a place that rips you off.
they jack the prices up sometimes $3000 and more plus the high interest rates on top of that.
Again, I would try to buy from a good honest private owner before anything, even if you have to get a loan and/or a co-signer (parent or guardian, etc)if you have one.
Now after you have found one, two, or three you like and in your price range, call several insurance companies and get a quote on liability coverage and full coverage if you want to cover damage to your car also..but this full coverage is not always needed for a car of low cost..because if the car gets damaged it will most likely be a total loss and you will have spent money that you will not get back that you paid to the insurance company...
told you there is much to know..
-most important is to get the nicest car for the lowest price with the lowest milage
good luck

Answer 2

Mileage should be done for you. If you get to a dealership and find a car you like, research it a little on the internet. Find out what common problems people have with the car and ask if there have been any recalls on parts. Also find out whether the car has a decent resale value even if you are planning on keeping it for a long time.

This sounds terrible, but bring a male friend who knows something about cars, preferably one who is not 19 or 20 years old- you will get a better deal on the car. I hate it, but it's true. I take my uncle or brother-in-law with me, and I am not treated like a little girl by the salesperson.

Answer 3

Does the car suit your needs. think of the purpose of the car. What will you use it for? If it is to haul the family around don't buy a 2 seater sports car.

Do not let the salesman pressure you into buying the car. Don't listen to all his claims of you must buy it now.

Do have the car inspected by an independent mechanic before you sign the papers.

Does the car have all the options that you want?

Test drive the car, how does it feel?

Don't divulge a lot of information about yourself. The salesman is trying to figure how much he can get out of you.

The salesman is not your friend, he is earning a living and he will tell you anything to get you to sign the papers.

Think about the financing, shop for it the same way you shop for the car.

Answer 4

Remember, you are probably buying some other person's problem. Take the car to a trusted mechanic and have it inspected before you buy. If the seller doesn't want to let you do that, its probably not a good idea to buy it. Try to never fall in love with a car, it will skew your thought processes. Another thing is to take a parent or older/more knowledgeable sibling with you to look, but still go for the inspection.

Answer 5

Before conversing the deal, make sure the car is not stolen or you are shown forged documents. Thereafter you can think of mileage, the year of manufacture and other features.

Answer 6

Get a Carfax report done on any cars you are looking to buy. Also it is good to have a mechanic look at any cars you are thinking of buying BEFORE you sign the papers.

Answer 7

u need a 4 cylinder reliable car that will get you around, like i said in my answer in ur other ques a honda is ur best bet! , if u go see the car take somoene who knows a thing or two about cars, the ycan check it out for u and if u go alone guys will most likely sell you a piece of crap

Answer 8

Dang if I know, I ride a horse