Tips for buying a used car can help you make a good deal. Buying a used car can be a good financial decision that can save you money. Some advice to keep in mind when shopping for your next used car. Don't be in a hurry. Don't "fall in love" with a car. Always be able to walk away when the circumstances are not right. Also understand that you are buying a used car. In all probability it will need new tires, widshield wiper blades, brakes, and a battery. These are all consumables that need to be replaced during routine maintenance intervals. If these items have recently been replaced then consider that when pricing any used car. Here is a valuable article written by Kathryn Sucich and published in The EveningTribune.com.
Tips for Buying a Used Car
"If you’re in the market for a used car, you need to be an informed buyer. Patrick Olsen, editor in chief of Cars.com, says, “All cars will look new to you. Don’t be seduced by the first one you see.” Here are his tips for buying a used car:
1. Do your research. Read Consumer Reports to find out how well a certain make and model year has performed over time. Look online at the cars you’re interested in, and find out the price range for the model year and mileage you’re looking at. (You can do this via the Kelley Blue Book, or kbb.com.) Look for cars that are not at the top of the price range, but also not at the bottom, since that means something is likely wrong with them. Olsen says, “If you find a car for nothing, you’re getting nothing.”
2. Take it to a mechanic. Olsen says to take a car you’re interested in buying to a trusted mechanic to make sure nothing is wrong with it. This is no matter whether you’re buying from a private party or a dealer. It may cost you $100, but Olsen says it’s worth the money to make sure that the car runs and is worth what you’re paying. Also obtain a Carfax report to find out a car’s history and, if buying from a private party, ask for complete service records.
3. Take a test drive. Never take someone’s word on how well a car runs. Turn off the car radio and listen to the car, noting whether it makes weird noises. Check the acceleration and braking.
4. Know the right time to buy. There’s no right season to buy a used car, but if you’re buying from a dealer, there is a right time of the month. Olsen says to go toward the end of the day at the end of the month. Dealers are more likely to negotiate since they need to hit their monthly quotas.
5. Be prepared to pay a little more than normal. Even though buying a used car is generally a better financial move than buying new, prices are at a high. Olsen says this is because there was a 40 percent drop in new car sales from 2007 to 2008, and far fewer leases. This means a low supply of used cars a few years old, but high demand because of the uncertain economy. This is why it’s even more important to do your research and be patient to make sure you’re getting the right car for your needs." Read the original article about to get Tips for Buying a Used Car here at the The EveningTribune.com.
You may find that used cars are scarce in some areas and that used car prices are higher. A used car purchase makes good financial sense as long as you do your homework. Remember these Tips for Buying a Used Car when buying your next car.