By Joshua Rose
You want to buy a used car that looks real good to you and the price seems to be right. But is it really in good condition? Well, you don’t know for sure because, like most car buyers, you’re not a mechanic.
Well, your initial options at this point aren’t ideal. You can trek the car to your mechanic, you can arrange to have a mechanic come to the car, or you can just buy the car with your fingers crossed.
But there is something you can do, as a “non-mechanic car dummy”, to help insure that you’re considering a vehicle in good condition or one that you shouldn’t waste your time or the cost of an inspection on. And this is to put the vehicle through a mechanical inspection that you can indeed do yourself, no experience required, and finish in about ten minutes.
By following the steps below, you will be able to eliminate about 90% of the vehicles with potentially serious problems… all by yourself.
There’s no reason for you to spend the time and money for a number of car inspections that you could have eliminated on your own. You can then arrange a professional inspection once a vehicle has passed the following:
Start the engine and listen for any unusual sounds or knocking. Make sure the exhaust is clean. Check the air conditioning, heat and all the power options (windows, seats, sunroof, etc.). Then, with your foot on the brake, put the car in drive and reverse several times. Make sure the car doesn't lunge at all or make a clunking sound when you shift into another gear.
Check under the seats, floor mats and rugs to look for dampness (do this in the trunk as well).
Pull out the oil stick. Check the oil for white bubbles (water present) and feel for grainy fragments. Also pass on a car where the oil is thick to the point of pasty. Sometimes I pass on a vehicle simply if the oil is very, very dirty (unless everything else is super great) because it is likely an indication that the owner didn't maintain it.
Do the same for the transmission fluid. It should not be dark brown or have a rancid smell. Check for leaking spots and stains under the car. Check the tailpipe for a gummy soot.
Check the exterior for rust, paint bubbles (possibly future rust), welding marks (particularly in the door frames, trunk and engine area), paint that doesn't quite match, gritty surfaces, paint overspray on bumpers and lights, and body panels out of alignment. Also, check the engine compartment for new bolts or bolts which don't match in color. And check the lights and turn signals.
None of this was brain surgery. Anyone can do it. You can even practice it once on your own car.
If a vehicle passes such an inspection, there’s a good chance that it’s in pretty good or even excellent condition. So, now would be the time to get serious about it and have it professionally inspected as a final step.
You can make your offer to the seller or Dealership contingent on it passing the final inspection. And if you’re a good negotiator, you can also make your offer contingent on a final inspection at their expense (although this isn’t something you need to be real firm about if you’ve already negotiated an attractive price).
Joshua Rose is a Used Car Broker at Auto-Broker-Magic.com and buys cars for people as their representative at Dealer-Only auctions. He also advises car buyers how they can do this themselves at Nationwide Public Auto Auctions
Cars Used will help you find that car your looking for, and give you plenty of car tips along the way.
VIN Number Check - Get One Done To Make A Safe Purchase
By Sandra Maria Stammberger
Whenever you are planning to buy a vehicle you should always go for a VIN number check. VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number. It is a 17 digit number which can be found on the inside driver door, dashboard and any other official document that may have come with the vehicle. People may buy used cars but VIN is really essential to check the condition of the vehicle before it is purchased by them. By having the VIN checked, a potential buyer can see if the vehicle has been involved in some sort of accident, major hurricanes, floods or any such incident which may have damaged it.
It is really a smart move by the customers to have the VIN number checked as a lot of things might be hidden under a great interior detailing job and a fresh coat of paint. Normally, customers are not that much cautious and attentive. Many of them do not bother to get their newly bought vehicle a VIN checked. Such a lapse may result in buying a damaged car.
VIN number check is necessary on part of customers while buying a used vehicle because it is very useful in producing a vehicle history report. To ensure that the vehicle your are buying is free from any sort of trouble is to have a VIN number check. A VIN number check is important in a vehicle history report that involves a complete analysis of a vehicle like meter readings and any past problems.
A VIN check includes looking for the VIN number in the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicle) records. After the VIN number is located in the DMV records, it identifies troubles like mechanical problem, insurance loss, any salvage history, or any damage done due to any natural calamity, criminal history, rewinding of the meter and other such problems.
It is always advisable to get a VIN number check to save you from future troubles regarding your vehicle. Today there are many websites that can provide you the detailed history of the vehicle use by through VIN number. These reports can be available to you in a few minutes only. You should never trust the person who sells a vehicle to you without the accurate listing of the history of the vehicle. This check acts as a defensive move by the customer to protect himself against purchasing a potential lemon. This surely is a counter move against the sellers odd and bad intentions of making a profit.
Giving your precious time and effort for having your vehicle the VIN number check is surely worth it. So prior to the purchase of used car , get a VIN check.
Sandra Stammberger owns and operates http://www.carhistoryservice.com Car History Services
Whenever you are planning to buy a vehicle you should always go for a VIN number check. VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number. It is a 17 digit number which can be found on the inside driver door, dashboard and any other official document that may have come with the vehicle. People may buy used cars but VIN is really essential to check the condition of the vehicle before it is purchased by them. By having the VIN checked, a potential buyer can see if the vehicle has been involved in some sort of accident, major hurricanes, floods or any such incident which may have damaged it.
It is really a smart move by the customers to have the VIN number checked as a lot of things might be hidden under a great interior detailing job and a fresh coat of paint. Normally, customers are not that much cautious and attentive. Many of them do not bother to get their newly bought vehicle a VIN checked. Such a lapse may result in buying a damaged car.
VIN number check is necessary on part of customers while buying a used vehicle because it is very useful in producing a vehicle history report. To ensure that the vehicle your are buying is free from any sort of trouble is to have a VIN number check. A VIN number check is important in a vehicle history report that involves a complete analysis of a vehicle like meter readings and any past problems.
A VIN check includes looking for the VIN number in the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicle) records. After the VIN number is located in the DMV records, it identifies troubles like mechanical problem, insurance loss, any salvage history, or any damage done due to any natural calamity, criminal history, rewinding of the meter and other such problems.
It is always advisable to get a VIN number check to save you from future troubles regarding your vehicle. Today there are many websites that can provide you the detailed history of the vehicle use by through VIN number. These reports can be available to you in a few minutes only. You should never trust the person who sells a vehicle to you without the accurate listing of the history of the vehicle. This check acts as a defensive move by the customer to protect himself against purchasing a potential lemon. This surely is a counter move against the sellers odd and bad intentions of making a profit.
Giving your precious time and effort for having your vehicle the VIN number check is surely worth it. So prior to the purchase of used car , get a VIN check.
Sandra Stammberger owns and operates http://www.carhistoryservice.com Car History Services
Used Car Loans - Get The Most Luxury Car You Can Afford
By Jon Arnold
You have most likely dreamed of owning a car that was too much for you to afford. If that is the problem then used car loans is what you probably will need. Having your dream car is not a privilege anymore, with used car loans you can have it the day you want it.
Acquiring a used car loan isn’t hard now days. The only thing you will need to do is browse for used car loan providers.
Which car do you want to buy?
What is the cost of that car?
How will it affect you financially?
After that, the providers will get back to you if you are eligible. The important factor that the lenders are concerned about is the cost of the car. If you are one of those types of people that watches for prices then you should know about the blue book? Basically, it is used to confirm the retail value of a car you would like to sell or are looking to buy. It can aid you in finding the right price for the car you are looking for. For the convenience of customers, these are available online too.
Used car loans are available in both secured and unsecured loan forms. If you want secured loans the only thing you will need to do is give the provider some type of collateral then you will most likely get your loan. This way of getting a loan provides the borrowers with as little problems as possible and will be able to get the payment in on time. The second option is that you don’t provide the creditor with any collateral and that is considered an unsecured loan . This will probably result in paying higher interest rates every month and causing you longer to pay your loan back.
Used car loans are now available for every person, even to those who have had a history of bad credit i.e. people with arrears, who have previously filed for bankruptcy or have been adjudged bankrupt, and with IVA’s. Lenders have now opened the door for those who had been rejected in the past. So if you are one of those people with bad credit you can still go get a used car loan. All lenders just need a copy of your credit score so they can see if you are still eligible, which would always be based on your previous loans or things you may have financed. The one good thing about getting a used car loan is that you can raise your credit by following the payment plan given to you by your lenders.
Cars are fantasies of many people but not everyone can afford them. Nowadays, with the advent of car loans everyone can get a car, or at least a used car. Used car loans are available in both secured and unsecured forms; hence, they can serve every class of people. Therefore, even if you have financial problems you can get used car loans tailor made to your requirements.
For more information about finding the best deal on a Used Car Loan please visit our web site at http://car-loan-resources.com/used-car-loan.php
You have most likely dreamed of owning a car that was too much for you to afford. If that is the problem then used car loans is what you probably will need. Having your dream car is not a privilege anymore, with used car loans you can have it the day you want it.
Acquiring a used car loan isn’t hard now days. The only thing you will need to do is browse for used car loan providers.
Which car do you want to buy?
What is the cost of that car?
How will it affect you financially?
After that, the providers will get back to you if you are eligible. The important factor that the lenders are concerned about is the cost of the car. If you are one of those types of people that watches for prices then you should know about the blue book? Basically, it is used to confirm the retail value of a car you would like to sell or are looking to buy. It can aid you in finding the right price for the car you are looking for. For the convenience of customers, these are available online too.
Used car loans are available in both secured and unsecured loan forms. If you want secured loans the only thing you will need to do is give the provider some type of collateral then you will most likely get your loan. This way of getting a loan provides the borrowers with as little problems as possible and will be able to get the payment in on time. The second option is that you don’t provide the creditor with any collateral and that is considered an unsecured loan . This will probably result in paying higher interest rates every month and causing you longer to pay your loan back.
Used car loans are now available for every person, even to those who have had a history of bad credit i.e. people with arrears, who have previously filed for bankruptcy or have been adjudged bankrupt, and with IVA’s. Lenders have now opened the door for those who had been rejected in the past. So if you are one of those people with bad credit you can still go get a used car loan. All lenders just need a copy of your credit score so they can see if you are still eligible, which would always be based on your previous loans or things you may have financed. The one good thing about getting a used car loan is that you can raise your credit by following the payment plan given to you by your lenders.
Cars are fantasies of many people but not everyone can afford them. Nowadays, with the advent of car loans everyone can get a car, or at least a used car. Used car loans are available in both secured and unsecured forms; hence, they can serve every class of people. Therefore, even if you have financial problems you can get used car loans tailor made to your requirements.
For more information about finding the best deal on a Used Car Loan please visit our web site at http://car-loan-resources.com/used-car-loan.php
Used Car Buying Tips
By Steven Gillman
Some of these used car buying tips won't be new to you. Often the trick is just to apply what you already know. On the other hand, when it comes to expensive areas of life like buying a car, one new thing learned can save you hundreds of dollars. Try some of the following.
1. Make a low offer. Okay, you knew this one. A trick you may not have used, though, is to make a low offer, and then leave your phone number with the seller. Time has a way of making sellers desperate, especially after you just helped convince them that they are asking too much.
2. Be careful with car price guides. Use the "blue book" etc, but try not to pay more than wholesale. I can't think of many times when people I know have paid more than "bluebook," so these "average" sales prices are doubtful.
3. Talk to people. This is one of the simplest and effective used car buying tips. Just let friends, family and others know you're looking for a car. Quite often people would be happy to avoid the whole process of advertising and showing their car if they could just get rid of it by giving a good deal to a friend.
4. Check out the engine. Have a mechanic look at the car, and tell you what it's likely to need in the next year or so. Then make a list, so the seller can see in writing why you are offering less than he wants.
5. Auctions. See if there is a public auction in your area. If not, maybe you can go with a dealer friend and give him a $100 to buy a car for you.
6. www.carfax.com. It's around $25 to run vehicle background checks for a month - long enough to find your next car. They'll show the chain of title, accident reports for the car, and even safety and reliability scores for that model.
7. "Ugly" cars. Watch for cars that sit on the lot for months. Dealers will often sell these "ugly ducklings" at a loss just to move them. Again, you may want to leave your phone number with a low offer.
8. Rental company cars. They are sold fairly cheap when they get the new ones in. Buy at bluebook wholesale or less, because they have had many different drivers, so they've more wear than normal.
9. Repos. Credit unions and some small banks do their own selling of repossessed cars. You usually bid on paper, maybe with a $50 deposit, and then get your $50 back if you're not the winning bidder. If they don't sell their own repossessions, ask where they are sold.
10. Consider gas mileage. High mileage may be better, but maybe a car that costs $500 less will use only $400 more gas in the two years you expect to own it. Do the math.
Use the tips here the next time you are shopping for a used car. Meanwhile, why not learn a few negotiating strategies. This helps in many areas of life, and is the most important of these used car buying tips.
Steve Gillman has been hunting down obscure knowledge and useful secrets for years. Learn more and get a free gift at: The Secret Information Site (http://www.TheSecretInformationSite.com)
Some of these used car buying tips won't be new to you. Often the trick is just to apply what you already know. On the other hand, when it comes to expensive areas of life like buying a car, one new thing learned can save you hundreds of dollars. Try some of the following.
1. Make a low offer. Okay, you knew this one. A trick you may not have used, though, is to make a low offer, and then leave your phone number with the seller. Time has a way of making sellers desperate, especially after you just helped convince them that they are asking too much.
2. Be careful with car price guides. Use the "blue book" etc, but try not to pay more than wholesale. I can't think of many times when people I know have paid more than "bluebook," so these "average" sales prices are doubtful.
3. Talk to people. This is one of the simplest and effective used car buying tips. Just let friends, family and others know you're looking for a car. Quite often people would be happy to avoid the whole process of advertising and showing their car if they could just get rid of it by giving a good deal to a friend.
4. Check out the engine. Have a mechanic look at the car, and tell you what it's likely to need in the next year or so. Then make a list, so the seller can see in writing why you are offering less than he wants.
5. Auctions. See if there is a public auction in your area. If not, maybe you can go with a dealer friend and give him a $100 to buy a car for you.
6. www.carfax.com. It's around $25 to run vehicle background checks for a month - long enough to find your next car. They'll show the chain of title, accident reports for the car, and even safety and reliability scores for that model.
7. "Ugly" cars. Watch for cars that sit on the lot for months. Dealers will often sell these "ugly ducklings" at a loss just to move them. Again, you may want to leave your phone number with a low offer.
8. Rental company cars. They are sold fairly cheap when they get the new ones in. Buy at bluebook wholesale or less, because they have had many different drivers, so they've more wear than normal.
9. Repos. Credit unions and some small banks do their own selling of repossessed cars. You usually bid on paper, maybe with a $50 deposit, and then get your $50 back if you're not the winning bidder. If they don't sell their own repossessions, ask where they are sold.
10. Consider gas mileage. High mileage may be better, but maybe a car that costs $500 less will use only $400 more gas in the two years you expect to own it. Do the math.
Use the tips here the next time you are shopping for a used car. Meanwhile, why not learn a few negotiating strategies. This helps in many areas of life, and is the most important of these used car buying tips.
Steve Gillman has been hunting down obscure knowledge and useful secrets for years. Learn more and get a free gift at: The Secret Information Site (http://www.TheSecretInformationSite.com)
Used Car Deals
By Louis Rix
When it comes to used car deals there are many bargains to be had and one of the best places you can begin your search for your used car is online. Some of the cheapest used car deals can be found through private sellers advertising on one of the many sites that are available for searching. Another popular choice when it comes to getting a great deal is to search among the many car dealerships which sell second hand cars and find the best bargains.
If you are thinking of buying your used car from a dealership that specialize in used cars then you will have a warranty on the car, while if you choose to purchase the car from a private dealer there wont be one, you will have to weigh up the pros and cons of this and decide if you would rather have some peace of mind and pay a little extra or save some money.
While the cheapest used car deals can usually be got from the private dealer as more often than not they are desperate to sell and as such you can haggle over the price and knock them down more than the dealerships, it is also the more risky way of buying your car. However there are many honest and trustworthy people out there who want to sell their car for sincere reasons and with these people you can both get a good deal.
When it comes to finding a dealer in used cars then the internet is the best way to do this. Rather than traveling from dealer to dealer to see what each is offering you can do a search in a specific area online and more often than not they have any special deals of the week listed online. A great many dealers will offer incentives to buy from them and will boast of these online, many have offers such as free tax and testing or free insurance for 6 months. If looking to buy your used car from a dealer then this is the best way of doing so and can save you not only money but also a great deal of time.
There are many great used car deals to be had out there and it’s just a case of digging them out and finding the best and this is where the internet comes into its own. The easiest way to begin your search for the best deal is by using one of the popular search engines, this is your gateway to many bargains.
Louis Rix is a Director of NetCars, one of the UK's leading motoring websites. First established in January 2000, it provides used cars NetCars also provide finance, loans and insurance.
When it comes to used car deals there are many bargains to be had and one of the best places you can begin your search for your used car is online. Some of the cheapest used car deals can be found through private sellers advertising on one of the many sites that are available for searching. Another popular choice when it comes to getting a great deal is to search among the many car dealerships which sell second hand cars and find the best bargains.
If you are thinking of buying your used car from a dealership that specialize in used cars then you will have a warranty on the car, while if you choose to purchase the car from a private dealer there wont be one, you will have to weigh up the pros and cons of this and decide if you would rather have some peace of mind and pay a little extra or save some money.
While the cheapest used car deals can usually be got from the private dealer as more often than not they are desperate to sell and as such you can haggle over the price and knock them down more than the dealerships, it is also the more risky way of buying your car. However there are many honest and trustworthy people out there who want to sell their car for sincere reasons and with these people you can both get a good deal.
When it comes to finding a dealer in used cars then the internet is the best way to do this. Rather than traveling from dealer to dealer to see what each is offering you can do a search in a specific area online and more often than not they have any special deals of the week listed online. A great many dealers will offer incentives to buy from them and will boast of these online, many have offers such as free tax and testing or free insurance for 6 months. If looking to buy your used car from a dealer then this is the best way of doing so and can save you not only money but also a great deal of time.
There are many great used car deals to be had out there and it’s just a case of digging them out and finding the best and this is where the internet comes into its own. The easiest way to begin your search for the best deal is by using one of the popular search engines, this is your gateway to many bargains.
Louis Rix is a Director of NetCars, one of the UK's leading motoring websites. First established in January 2000, it provides used cars NetCars also provide finance, loans and insurance.
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