Buying a used car can be tricky, no matter how much you already know about cars. There are lots of different things to consider so that you don’t end up buying a piece of junk that breaks down right away. Use some great tips of the trade in the following article to help you make your next car choice.
Before going to a dealership, you should know what you want. You can do your research online to find the vehicle best equipped for your needs. This can help you see the price range of the car you want so that you won’t get tricked by a slick salesman.
Get a third-party mechanic involved in your analysis of the car. If a dealer refuses, shop somewhere else. A mechanic will be able to give you an impartial opinion and alert you to any warning signs such as evidence of a wreck or being flooded.
Do not wait until you go car shopping to think about how you are going to finance your car. You need to arrive at the dealership with your car loan pre-qualified at a decent interest rate. You are almost always going to be able to get a better deal than the dealership would provide for you.
You should always have someone go with you when going car shopping. Your person will be your second set of eyes and ears. This company could be your life partner, a best friend or a trusted family member.
Don’t buy without test driving. You have to do it even if you drove that kind of car before, you might not like this particular one. This is the best way to find out about mechanical problems and get an idea of how the car handles.
When heading to a car dealership, get prepared for your bargaining side to come out. While there many be some dealers who have your best interest at heart, most just want to get as much money out of you as they can. This is why you have to be strict and never settle on a deal you are uncomfortable with.
Whenever shopping for a used car, it would be wise to stick with certified pre-owned vehicles as this greatly reduces the likelihood that you’ll end up with a car that is in poor condition. Just make sure that the certification if offered by the car manufacturer rather than the dealer.
It may be hard to find exactly what you are looking for. You may not find the car of your dreams, or you may not be able to afford a car with all the extras. Missing heated sets will not ruin your driving experience.
Always be leery of any used car dealers on the side of the road. These dealers almost always have a less than reputable reputation. The cars they sell could have flood damage, need major repairs, and are sold without warranty. Once you drive that car off the lot, any problems the car has are now your problem.
When looking to buy a new or used vehicle, make sure that you never elude to the fact of how much money you have on your person. You only want to talk about what you think you should put down in regards to the terms and price of the vehicle being discussed.
Watch out for dealership advertising fees. These are often tacked on to new car purchases, and you should not have to pay them. Car dealerships have to advertise as part of doing business, and many shoppers who challenge this fee will win. If your salesman will not remove this fee, ask to speak with a manager.
It is illegal for a dealer ship to roll back the odometer on any car they sell. Even if they put a new motor in the car, it is still illegal. If you suspect that a dealer is not stating the correct mileage on a car, leave and shop elsewhere.
If your preferred make and model is already identified, call the dealership to see if one is currently on the lot. Otherwise, the salesman will try to get you to buy something you may not want. If you are truly interested in a particular model that they do not have, it is a waste of time to go there. Just pick up the phone.
Think about gas mileage when car shopping. While it may cost more to purchase a fuel efficient vehicle, it will be worth it in the long run. Think about the long-term when deciding which car to buy.
Have car insurance in place before you go car shopping. You need to have insurance before they will let you drive the car off the lot, so make sure to shop around for the best. While there are some companies that let you sign up from the lot itself, that may not be the best insurance deal you can get.
There are many options other than going to a dealership to buy a car. For example, auto brokers or buyers’ agents are available to help you through the process. This lets you sit back and have them do the work, while it will cost you a bit extra for the service.
If a dealer offers to give you, a used car that is similar to the new car you are interested in, make sure to check the value of that car first. Go home and take a look at some online pricing guides to help. Sometimes these really are great deals, but sometimes it is a bait and switch practice used to get used cars off the lot.
As you now know, there are many things to consider when purchasing a used car. There are lots of different warning signs to look out for, but if you take the time and do your research, you can end up with a great car that will last for years to come. So go out there and find your next dream car!