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Used Car Buy Guide BOB modified BMW Site Updated |
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USED CAR BUY
HOW TO BUY A USED CAR |
How to buy a Used carDon't offer too little to start out, but don't take the seller's first offer either. Remember: You get what you pay for.
How to buy Used carStep #1 Check the Kelley Blue Book value for the model and year of the car and compare it with the asking price. The Blue Book is a catalog of car values, available at most libraries and banks.
How to buy Used carStep #2 Make a fair offer that fits your budget. Avoid a figure that greatly under-values the car.
How to buy Used carStep #3 If the offer is not accepted, ask for a counteroffer. If it is too high, point out any problems you noticed about the car.
How to buy Used carStep #4 Make a second offer. This should be the counteroffer minus the cost of fixing any problems with the car.
How to buy Used carStep #5 Continue until you reach an agreement or a stalemate. How to buy Used carStep #6 Pay with a money order or a cashier's check.
How to buy Used carStep #7 Ask the seller to sign the title to transfer ownership to you. Federal law requires the seller to provide you with two documents: the title certificate of the vehicle and an odometer statement showing the car's mileage. Certain states may require smog certificates and other forms (call your department of motor vehicles to determine exactly what you'll need).
How to buy Used carStep #8 Note that in many states the seller is required to contact the motor-vehicles department to inform it of the transfer of ownership; it's your responsibility to change the registration. Source: ehow The EXTRA Tips:
Try to pay a fair price but not be hard-nosed. It's sometimes a fine line.
If the seller agrees to supply a warranty for the car (which is not required by federal law), make sure it is in writing.
Offering cash often brings the price down. For example, you might say, "I can pay you $1,500 by check or give you $1,200 cash right now."
Make sure any liens (financial claims) against the car, such as bank loans, are marked as "satisfied" before your purchase.
If the seller agrees to supply a warranty for the car (which is not required by federal law), make sure it is in writing. Source: ehow
Suggestion from euser:
Have a mechanic check it by eHow Friend Have a mechanic check it, but for a high mileage car have a better examination than what 1/2 hour and $20 bucks will get you. A thorough examination may run up to $70, but should include a better analysis of the mechanicals. I just spent $35 and was informed the vehicle I was looking at actually had $1800 to $2000 worth of work needed. A few bucks now could save you a lot of money in the long run!
Remember what Mom always said... eHow Friend Never get into a car with a stranger. Well, just remember to be careful. Don't go alone. If you're going to view a car at someone's house, be sure someone knows where you'll be. It might seem silly, but you just never know these days.
They make money eHow Friend Just remember that car dealerships make most of their money from used cars. Buy it from customer for 10,000, put it on the lot for 13,999.
Look it over Chris Take a close look. The condition of the body often reflects what it has been through. If the body is in need of maintenance then so is the rest of the car. Check to see if there are VIN on body panels and if so, whether they match.
Take a man with you! eHow Friend Honestly, women: take someone with you who knows a lot about cars and the specific value of the car you are looking for. I feel I was cheated because I was naive and settled for the first offer. Do your research online and don't get cheated.
See a Mechanic! Steph Ask the current owner if you you can take the car to a mechanic. See a mechanic that is honest and that you trust. It will only take 20 minutes for him to check the car out and only about $20. It will be well worth it in the long run.
Look for past accidents eHow Friend Look under the car for signs that the car has been in a crash. Look for crumpling, scuffs and paint overspray from past body work.
A few things to check eHow friend Check all electrical devices to be sure they work. Also check the a/c and heater. Look for rust around the radiator cap, and blue residue in the tail pipe (which indicates burnt oil). Notice if the panels are mismatched; this indicates body work.
Buying a ford with a 3.8L V6 Rory If buying a Ford with the 3.8L V6 be aware of the head gaskets. In my experience, they can fail even after only 50,000 miles. So if buying a Ford with this particular engine, see if the gaskets have been replaced or are under warranty.
Telltales wayne R. When looking at a car with seemingly low mileage, check the carpeting between the driver's seat and the door. Excessive wear would indicate a lot of short trips (city miles are hard on a car) or even odometer fraud.
Beware of odometers with only 5-digits wilder Older cars have 5-digit odometers that roll over back to zero after 99,000 miles. So that car with 85,000 miles on it might actually have 185,000 miles - so beware and look for other signs of actual mileage. And this is not just classic cars, even a 1991 Ford Ranger has a 5-digit odometer. Source: ehow
Conclusion Last but not least, find a good online company that sell used car before buying. The internet is a fabulous resource. Use it. There are all sorts company who list their used car online. Hence, internet is the best place where you can get fast quotes and a great bargain from a wide range of companies. Don’t just settle for the same company you always use. Companies selling used car rates vary all the time. Always get comparable quotes before purchasing.
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