Car Buying Tips

Car Buying Tips

Used Car Buying Tips – Buying a Used Car Guide

Author: Larry Haywood

Shopping around for big ticket items is always a good idea. Buying a used car is included in this. Low prices attract many a buyer to a used car lot. Actually, there are more people who buy used cars than there are individuals who purchase new cars.

The challenge is, however, that not all used cars are maintained in top notch condition. There are several factors to keep in mind concerning the condition and performance capability of a used car. It’s always a good thing to search out some used car buying tips before starting to look around.

Here are some used car buying tips that will help you make an informed decision.

Buying a Used Car Guide

Used Car Buying Tips 1. Every safety feature of the car should be functional.

This include anti-lock brakes, seat belts, hazard lights and, if applicable, air bags.

Used Car Buying Tips 2. Look at the mileage.

If the mileage is unusually high, you might want to reconsider. If the mileage is unusually low, you might want to find out why.

Used Car Buying Tips 3. Check the over all appearance of the car.

Is the car clean on the inside without rips and tears in the upholster? Is the body free from rust and dents? The condition of the car should be compatible with the age of the car.

Used Car Buying Tips 4. Road test the car.

This is an obvious factor. Don’t be content with a quick trip around the block. Drive the car for several miles on both expressways and side streets. Don’t turn the radio on so you can hear any squeaks, moans or groans that could be a warning sign.

Used Car Buying Tips 5. Get a second opinion.  

If you can get a copy of the service history of the car, that’s great. More importantly, take the car to your own mechanic to have it checked.

Following these tips can save you a great deal of grief and money. No car, no matter how cheap, is worth it if you end up with a long list of repairs to make the car safe to drive. Therefore, make sure to find a good buying a used car guide to make sure you’re ready to go car shopping.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/used-car-buying-tips-buying-a-used-car-guide-1317053.html

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Comments

  1. raj says:

    Edmonton canada, car buying tips?
    I am moivng to Edmonton and soon will be looking to buy a car. Can some one give me an idea of the car prices? I am not looking for brand new flashy cars. Some thing like an ecomony family cars, may be around 5 years old?
    Are there any companies that check the condition of cars? do I need to carry out a security check on the car to make sure it is not stolen? any tips would be appreciated

  2. coumadin says:

    What is the best financing deal right now on a new car? Are there any other car buying tips for 2007 cars?
    I’m in the market for a mid size sedan – in the class of legacy, camry, accord, or others like them. Prefer all wheel drive b/c i live in upstate new york

    • Anonymous says:

      Check Edmunds.com for latest incentives and special finance rates.

      Looks like Suburu is your only option since the Camry and Accord aren’t available in AWD. Acura and Lexus offer AWD sedans but they are over $30K.

  3. asturiasangel says:

    Used car buying tips and advice?
    I’m looking into buying a used car. Under $8,000.
    Please suggest any car brands and names that are affordable to drive (and insure, if possible.) Car insurance is a fortune, especially being young. I already know “family cars” are slightly cheaper to insure.
    Carmax in my state is a rip-off compared to other car dealers I’ve seen. I will have to finance, I do not have $8,000 cash so I can’t buy privately (I doubt the seller wants loaned money..could be wrong but…)
    Any tips and advice would be helpful.

  4. Plan A says:

    what are some of the best new car buying tips and tricks that people don’t know?
    Also what are some things that dealers don’t want you to know?

    • Anonymous says:

      wrong. MSRP doesn’t tell you much. What you need to know is invoice value, than you adding up freight, other compulsory cost and you getting you number – where you want to be.
      Sure thing dealer have to have some profit- often they will accept something in the range of 600 to 1,000.
      Don’t give them more.
      Get the best offer from one dealer, go or call another one of the same band and offer them 1,000 less. See what’s happen. Take an offer, come back to the first one and ask them to beat this price. :)

      Most important – don’t buy on the spot !!! If the price looks great to you put $500 deposit subject to the wife/father/granddad/etc approval in 48 hours.
      good luck!!

  5. Jim White says:

    Where can I learn about car buying tips to avoid the games dealers play with customers when buying or selling?

    • Anonymous says:

      Nothing beats experience.
      Your best bet is to WANT a particular vehicle, not NEED it. Cars are sold on emotional buys.
      Try telling the agent you have X amount to finance, and if it goes $1 above that, you walk. And be ready to walk out of a few dealers. If the car doesn’t sell in a couple weeks, they’ll call you back.

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