Buying a used car these days could be a good idea or a bad one, depending on how much you know about the whole gamut of second-hand vehicle purchase before you lay down the cash and drive home with the first used car you test-drive. For all you know, what little savings you were after could transform into a huge and recurring financial obligation just because you fail to see “the signs.” Here are fool-proof tips on buying a used car.1. Distinguish between a private seller and a dealer. The main difference here is mainly the profit interest. A dealer, by his or her nature, would have to charge a price for an embattled used car at a commission rate fixed by the dealership company. A private seller may be out for simply earning something practical from a formerly owned car, and would be open to a friendly and more personal negotiation. Here’s a tip: call the person selling and if you are asked “which car?” that means you are dealing with a dealer.
2. When meeting the seller, go to their home instead of the car being brought to yours, so you’ll know it is really their car. They should be able to have mastered how the car runs. Have a good look, feel and gut-feel of the vehicle in the owner’s normal environment.
2. When meeting the seller, go to their home instead of the car being brought to yours, so you’ll know it is really their car. They should be able to have mastered how the car runs. Have a good look, feel and gut-feel of the vehicle in the owner’s normal environment.
3. If you opt to purchase a used car from a dealer, that is fine too. Only, be careful about the track record of the dealer and the shop. Ask around. Also, check for warranties (how much and how long the coverage is), their financing programs, and get alternative quotes from other dealer shops for the same vehicle type.
4. Car auctions are also a good place to buy a used car. Only be sure that you know about the whole car auction process. Bring someone who knows if you don’t. Find out if other fees would apply after the “hammer price.” And test-drive your purchase as soon as possible, since car auctions allow little time for returns.
4. Car auctions are also a good place to buy a used car. Only be sure that you know about the whole car auction process. Bring someone who knows if you don’t. Find out if other fees would apply after the “hammer price.” And test-drive your purchase as soon as possible, since car auctions allow little time for returns.
