Buying a used car is a bit trickier than buying a new car although you can follow most of the same guidelines for both.
First, know what car you have in mind. Go ahead and research the car. Go online and you'll see a lot of information there. You can check the edmunds.com website and check the car manufacturers website and consumer reports. Know the approximate value of the car before you head out to the dealer. You need to go to your bank or credit union first and see how much money can lend you on a used car before you go shopping. This is important so that you'll have a better idea on what you can spend.
Realize that there are many different models of the same car. You may not find exactly the car with all the extras you want, or the exact color, but you may find something close that is a great deal.
Honest and upright are what most dealers are when selling used cars. Limited warranties are what they offer. When you buy luxury end cars, a lot would still have warranties in effect.
If you're going to purchase from a private seller, you need to see the service records. You can order a carfax car history report when you go online. Will the car be sold "as is" or is it state inspected? You need to take the used car to your mechanic to give it a once over especially if it's being sold "as is." You never know, it could need a lot of repairs. Visual inspection isn't enough.
In determining the car's value, the cosmetics of the car are an important factor. Cars are generally rated as being in good, fair or excellent condition. But these ratings would vary especially if you're purchasing from a private seller.
Don't let anyone, especially a private seller, pressure you into making a quick decision. Let the car go if they tell you they already have someone who's willing to give them a down payment. What you need to do is stick to your guns and budget. If you don't get this car it wasn't meant to be and there will always be another, and better one.
First, know what car you have in mind. Go ahead and research the car. Go online and you'll see a lot of information there. You can check the edmunds.com website and check the car manufacturers website and consumer reports. Know the approximate value of the car before you head out to the dealer. You need to go to your bank or credit union first and see how much money can lend you on a used car before you go shopping. This is important so that you'll have a better idea on what you can spend.
Realize that there are many different models of the same car. You may not find exactly the car with all the extras you want, or the exact color, but you may find something close that is a great deal.
Honest and upright are what most dealers are when selling used cars. Limited warranties are what they offer. When you buy luxury end cars, a lot would still have warranties in effect.
If you're going to purchase from a private seller, you need to see the service records. You can order a carfax car history report when you go online. Will the car be sold "as is" or is it state inspected? You need to take the used car to your mechanic to give it a once over especially if it's being sold "as is." You never know, it could need a lot of repairs. Visual inspection isn't enough.
In determining the car's value, the cosmetics of the car are an important factor. Cars are generally rated as being in good, fair or excellent condition. But these ratings would vary especially if you're purchasing from a private seller.
Don't let anyone, especially a private seller, pressure you into making a quick decision. Let the car go if they tell you they already have someone who's willing to give them a down payment. What you need to do is stick to your guns and budget. If you don't get this car it wasn't meant to be and there will always be another, and better one.
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