In buying a used car, what should I consider most?

Question

like make? year model? mileage? what else? help!!

Answer 1

I'm sure there are other ways to go about but to me, I'd first narrow down your choices by looking at the cars you like or the brands you like.

For instance, I'm more of an import guy so I'd look at Honda, Toyota, Acura, Infiniti, and Lexus. Plus, they're pretty reliable overall.

Then, choose a car(s) among those that you like and do some research on the vehicle as far as its price, specifications, features, etc. But most importantly, read Consumer Reports or websites like edmunds.com and see what the owners have to say about the car(s) you're considering. This way, you will know what to expect. Plus, they list recalls and technical service bulletins for every car (at least on edmunds.com).

Then, you look for the car(s) you want in the used car listings.

Once you find a car you like, there are two very important things I recommend you do.

First, get the VIN# of the car(s) you're looking and check its history. You can check the history by using websites like carfax or something similar. If you're buying it from a dealer, they should provide you with one. If they don't, just walk away because it would mean they're hiding something.

Second, once you learn that its history is clean, then make an arrangement with the seller and have the car checked out by a mechanic or a dealer for its condition.

It doesn't matter how many miles it has (although lower mileage would be preferred) as long as the car has been well maintained. Plus, high miles doesn't actually mean it's bad. Chances are, it's been running a lot on the highway and if that's the case, it's actually better than cars that run mostly in the city (stop and go traffic). Highway driving yields less stress on the engine.

As for year model, obviously, you want to get a more recent model.

Out of all those mentioned, history and checking the condition of the car are most important things to consider.

Other little things you may also want to consider:

-choose a reliable car since the chances are, it will no longer have a warranty unless you purchase it
-choose a car/brand that will have a good resale value...this means that there will be a fairly high demand for the car and will also be easier to sell in the future when the time comes

Good luck.

Answer 2

IMHO- Reliability.
I start with a copy of the "Consumers Reports" annual buying guide.
Then I at least know what models and brands have the worst and best repair record.
I try to avoid anything made between 1975 and 1990 because of the problems with the smog systems. Which should not be a problem for most because most of these are in the salvage yards (or worst).
High mileage as bad as low mileage in a car that shows lots of wear. This is because a car with a lot of wear tells you that the mileage came in short runs. Such treatment is hardest on a car.
So look at the carpets and seats. Avoid cars with new paint jobs or any other forms of cosmetic repairs.
Check with the BBB in your area and avoid those with complaints. Keep your ears open also- dealers that have to sink a lot of money into TV and/or radio ads are trying to make up for poor reputations.
I could go on for pages on this subject, enough said.

Answer 3

well before you go to a lot or buy out of the paper you should consider buying from ebay. reason being, everything written in the description of that car on ebay has to be factual, if it isnt as described you are not obligated to buy it. it's a legal contract so the description of the vehicale has to be factual. hence the scammers have no chance on ebay. car dealers and owners selling out of the newspaper can tell you anything, but if it is in writing it legally has to be factual. i've purchased a car on ebay from out of state and it was a scary feeling when i made that winning bid, i expected the worse and was surprised that the car was in better condition than described! you wont find cars like that on the lot or in the newspapers, it amost always turns out to be the other way around, not as the seller 'told you'. this is very important now that there are so many flood vehicles being sold. also do a carfax report.

now for some advise on the kind of car you may want to look at would be a VW TDI (turbo diesel). the VW Beetle TDI (turbo diesel) gets 48+ mpg. and it is a very dependable car. if you are needing 4 doors try the jetta TDI. don't be afraid of high mileage in diesel engines. a diesel doesnt even start breaking in good until about 100,000 miles. diesel engines can get several hundredthousand miles on them when taken care of routinely.

do your research on bulletin boards to see the common types of repairs you'll experiance with a particular model.

Answer 4

if you are not financing a car buying from a private owner will be the best. try to get a honda, acura or toyota. ask them if they have maintenance records. mileage on these cars is not really a bad thing as long as they were maintained properly. ive worked in the service departments in car dealer for 14 years and currently manage a precision tune. ive seem many cars over the years with proper maintenance last well over 200,000 miles. imports only. when you look at the car check the fluids. if they are black and nasty do not buy.
most cars at the dealer come from the auction and you just dont know why people got rid of them. carfax will let you know if they have had an accident. but if it was a lemon u may get stuck with it.

good luck

Answer 5

First, you have to decide on what you want, make, model, colour, extras, year, mileage.
I always aim for as late a year as poss, for the money I've got, even if it has a few more miles than an earlier model for the same price.
When you inspect the vehicle, bring one or more people with you, preferably with good mechanical knowledge, the more eyes you have, the more faults will be found.

Don't be afraid to jack the car up, have a good look at suspension and drive train, look for oil leaks specifically, torn rubber, rust under body and guards,uneven wear on tires, (especially front.)
Before starting the car, check all fluid levels, brake, engine oil trans oil, coolant, look for, dirty engine oil, black trans oil,(should be red and clean.) coolant off colour or oily, all should be at correct levels.
After starting, leave idling for 5 or more minutes, then stand at the back of the car and have someone push the accelerator hard to the floor, (1 or more quick hard revs.) and watch the exhaust, black smoke means its running rich and badly in need of a tune up or fuel system repairs, blue means oil rings are worn and will need major engine repairs, a small amount of moisture coming from the exhaust is normal, more than a few drips isn't, (possible head damage.) exhaust emission should be reasonably clear.
Check that all instruments are working correctly, including lights.

Bartering is nerve racking, no-one likes to be considered rude or uncompromising, but this person has one car for sale, the paper has thousands more competing against him. and you can guarantee you will have to spend some money on repairs that you have yet to find, I rarely ever pay the asking price!

Happy with what you've found, then negotiate a price, wants $8000, offer him 6500, if he says no, ask whats the best he will take, wants $7500, tell him you have $7000 cash, you may then have to negotiate that final few $.
Make it understood that the price stands as long as everything checks out, reg, unencumbered, Mechanical inspection if your not sure.

Use any fault you find as a levering tool,( and you will find something.) ie, needs new exhaust, $600, offer 6000, remove the cost of repairs from what you first offer, but tell him what faults you have found, and what you estimate it will cost to repair.
The owner will often counter with the fact that he is aware of the faults, which is why his price is so cheap, if it is a LOT cheaper than similar cars with the same mileage, it may be harder to get his price down.

and last but most important, NEVER show enthusiasm or excitment when you think you.ve found the CAR.
I once had a car advertised for $6000, but would have taken $4500.
When the car pulled up, I could see the woman was very excited, and was all ooh's and aah's and this is exactly what I want, while her husband checked the car over I got her into conversation, she told me, the car was for her, they had been looking for ages, she was paying for the car with her own money.
The husband has managed to curb his excitment, and offers me $5000, I tell them that I've already been offered $5700 and refused it, $6000 is the price.
He tells me they will go and think about it, if neither had shown any real interest I would have then started to negotiate, but as they got in their car she gave me the thumps up, 15 minutes later they returned with $6000.(and I was sure they would.)

Never be afraid to walk away, if you have suspicions that the owner is lying, go.
If the owner is immovable on the price, walk away, you will often be stopped before you drive away.
If you think that the final price the owner has set is fair and reasonable, and even with repairs needed would still be a good deal, look no further.

Buying a car can be a long hunt, I buy and sell cars as a hobby, I can look at 10 cars before I find the right one, if you are looking at exotic or popular cars you may not have any room to barter.
Enjoy the hunt, play it cool, and enjoy your new car.

Answer 6

Your car kinda depends on your lifestyle.
Do you tend to go out with friends and hang out with a lot of people? Then I would recommend one of my favorites, A Jeep Wrangler anywhere between '97 to the newer ones.
If you are more solitary, then maybe a smaller car would fit your needs, like a mini cooper or a VW buggie. Mileage?
A good person that takes care of their car would take in about 10,000 miles a year...at the max 12,000 so do the math...if the oldest car you get is around '97 the mileage, then it would be around 100, 000 miles.

Answer 7

No! He might sink $4000 into that auto and it nonetheless would not be valued at $2000. It might nonetheless be an 11 12 months historic auto with 150K miles on it. He received it from his son? Young guys are more often than not hard on automobiles so I do not see it measuring as much as the Blue Book's fine situation (of direction I'm being presumptuous right here). I would not purchase it for lots of explanations. He dosen't sound like a fair man or woman to manage, mid-1990's chevys are not that liable, it was once owned through a more youthful guy, he is asking means an excessive amount of as a beginning factor..... Just my opinion. Good success!

Answer 8

Mechanical condition is most important. It's the part that you can't easily see, especially if you aren't a mechanic.

Therefore, above everything else, have any car you're considering buying inspected by a qualified mechanic BEFORE you buy. Used cars are sold "as-is" which means you can't get your money back later if you discover problems, even if the seller lied to you and told you the car was fine.

See the following web site for lots of additional information that will help you:

http://www.used-car-advisor.com/buy-used-car.htm

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Answer 9

Your a smart cookie knowing how to ask a question and getting that many answers within a short time frame, some answers you got very detailed information with some valid info , but then again your a law student and know how to ask questions.

I been in the car industry business 30 years retired and build a website as a hobby - how to buy a car - and the # 1 problem with consumers today is not having the time to study the steps, and many will end up with a lemon in their driveway.

I know your profession takes heavy study, have you got the time to study how to buy a car ? http://www.usedcartips.org/

Answer 10

the first rule in buying a car is get the newest model and make for the lowest amount of money ,and always have any car checked before you even talk money with any salesman,or any one for that matter.if you have it checked really good,by a good mechanic,they may spot something that could save you from making a big mistake in buying it,also go for the lowest mileage one you can find,then talk money ,right now is a good time to buy ,its a buyers market,and you can get a really good deal on anything you find that you like,good luck on it.