Wednesday 26 March 2014

Advice For Purchasing Used Cars

By Philip Tag


Thinking about purchasing a new car is very fun, but is it a good investment? It has never been owned by anyone and the salesperson talks it up quite nicely. However, you may not know that so much of your money is wasted on a new-car purchase. The truth of the matter is that a new care will lose a huge chuck of its initial value when it is driven off the sales lot. This is why going with a used car is a better way to go, when you think about how much cheaper it is to buy.

You Need to Buy Smart

Most people purchase used cars just for because they are more affordable. When a new car is purchased, you will be in for payments over several years at least, with a lot of interest. On the other hand. A car that is used may be purchased for about half the price of this year's latest model. The new car within the first twelve months will depreciate by twenty percent at least, so choose wisely.

The fear most have about purchasing a used car is the fact of hidden problems. Today though, dealerships calm this fear by only having Certified Used Vehicles for sale. You can trust the used car is in excellent condition, when you purchase it from a reputable dealership, because the car has gone through mechanical and physical inspections. A used car that is certified and is not that old will operate almost like a new car.

How to be a Smart Buyer

Purchasing straight from the car dealership is less risky today, since the dealerships have increased their standards for informing their customers. You need to do enough research before you make any important purchase and a vehicle is one of the most important purchases you can make. Regardless of the condition of the car's body or the slick pitch of the salesperson, it is also wise to learn some information on your own before paying out any money. Check out the information below to know how to go about this.

1. Understand What Vehicle You Want

Be prepared before you go shopping this type of large purchase. You then should know at least the style and the condition you desire, if not the make, year and model of the vehicle you are looking to purchase, as this will help trim off some time in your search.

Even when you have a certain vehicle in mind, you are still wise to expand your choices with similar cars. Many brands of cars are for sale today, but some of these brands come with huge price tags. It is easier to find a vehicle at a way lower price, when you have broad parameters when looking. As an example, Toyota offers the Matrix, but you may be delighted with the Pontiac Vibe. This Pontiac is made in conjunction with Toyota using some of the same parts that Toyota puts in the Matrix.

2. Research into the Cars

Don't base your whole decision on looks or reputation. Some cars look and seem wonderful when they're new on the lot, but a little research might reveal some glaring flaws that show up a few years down the line. Take time to read consumer reviews on any car that you're interested in purchasing. No car is perfect, but some simple research can prevent you from ending up with a lemon.

On top of this, you need to make sure what the value actually is of the car in which you are interested. Check the car our on KBB.com or Edmunds.com to get a proper estimate of what your desired car should be priced for sale. When the vehicle is selling for lower or higher that the market value found at these sites, go somewhere else to find a car.

3. Use Caution When Buying from an Individual

Even though, you can buy some great cars from individuals, you must be very careful about doing this. There are certain regulations dealerships follow, when selling used vehicles that individuals do not have to follow. This means the cars are typically not the same quality from people, as they are from dealerships. You do not have to avoid buying from individuals though, just examine the cars closer to pick up any prospective problems.

4. Thoroughly Check

There is no way that you can be too thorough when you are about to purchase a new or used vehicle. Take all the time you need to examine the car. Put it through a test drive. Find out how it handles at various speeds, quick stops and even around sharp turns. Make sure engine hums and not clicks, whines or rattles. Also, check to see if the car pulls to the side as you drive it. Do not take a car you are not pleased with thinking you will be unable to find something better.

If a car checks out after your initial test drive and inspection, ask if the dealership can provide a VIN history check through CarfFax or a similar service. Make sure that you get the vehicle's complete history. If the dealership (or individual) is unable to provide it, it's worth the small investment to purchase the VIN check online for yourself. This will alert you to any possible red flags, accidents or potential problems.

Prior to buying, you need to have a mechanic you trust inspect the car. Tell him any issues you have found, and inquire if they are big or some ones. This mechanic needs to be able to reassure about any issues you have or alert you to possible pitfalls. Remember, this cautionary act will cost you far less than the price the car is selling for, so don't forget to do this.

5. Don't Be Afraid to Negotiate the Price

Many times, the dealerships are up for negotiating, but you will find some that want to stick to their prices. There is usually $2000 worth of pure profit added to the price of used cars. This allows for some negotiating on the price of the car in which you wish to buy.




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