By Bob Ford
Something happens to many people when they get serious about buying a particular used car. The excitement of a new car - well, “new” to them, the prospect of getting a really good deal, and the buying process itself tends to clog the synapses and cause people to neglect, forget, ignore - take your pick - the basic precautions that one should take before buying a used car.
What follows are the five mistakes far too many buyers make when buying a used . By knowing what they are, you can avoid making them yourself.
#1 Buyers don’t get the facts on a specific used car before they buy. Before you get serious about any one car, it's important to get the facts concerning:
Reliability and Repair Record
Consumer Reports offers a section in their Buying Guide entitled "Frequency of Repair Records. In it you'll get an excellent picture of the repair records of the vast majority of recent model used cars.
If the Car Been Subjected to a Recall
Consumer Guide - Auto Series, publishes a Used Car Rating Guide in which they offer a general assessment of individual used cars, technical data, price ranges and a detailed description of the recall history.
Owner Satisfaction with the Car
In addition to speaking directly with friends who have owned the car you're considering, you might also want to turn again to Consumer Reports. They offer charts showing how their subscribers rated their satisfaction with recent model cars.
#2. Buyers fall in fall in love with the car in front of seller.
Far too many consumers fall in love with a particular car and let their desire to own that car cloud their better judgment. Once a car seller - especially a professional - knows a person is hooked on a car, that person has all but abandoned the opportunity to negotiate a good deal.
#3 Buyers fail to give the car a “full” inspection.
Most used car buyers don't take the time or make the effort to thoroughly check out the car. This includes having it inspected by a third party, independent mechanic. Neglecting this step often results in costly repair bills or worse, owning a car that is not worth fixing. As part of the inspection process, it pays to order a CARFAX report on the car you’re considering.
#4 Buyers don’t take the time to understand their Used Car Warranties
If a franchise dealer offers a warranty and the warranty actually covers a substantial number of items, your risk is usually moderate to low. You will want to understand the warranty in terms of what's covered and for how long. With few exceptions, you don't want to trust the current condition of the car to the future protection of the sellers’s warranty unless the car is still under the original factory warranty.
#5. Buyers sign the check before checking everything. Before you sit down to complete the paperwork, take a walk around the car. Check to see if there any new dents or dings. Open the hood and check to be sure that there are no oil leaks that might have developed. If repairs or maintenance were to be performed, ask for proof that it was done as agreed. Then take the car out for one last test drive
Before you Sign:
1. Read everything . . . twice!
2. Be sure that anything you sign has all the blanks filled in.
3. Be sure that the wording on any agreement, bill of sale and/or warranty is specific, clear and exact in its meaning.
4. An Odometer Mileage Statement must be provided stating that, to the best of the seller's knowledge, the odometer has not been tampered with. The odometer statement can be made part of the bill of sale. [In some states this is part of the title.]
5.Be sure you fully understand and agree with the warranty - if it has one.
6. Bill of sale should include the following items:
● Date of sale
● Year, make and model description
● Tag number and state of registration
● Vehicle Identification Number (Check it against the VIN # on the title.)
● Odometer reading
● Amount paid for car and type of payment
● Conditions of the sale, if any
● Sellers and buyer's names, addresses and phone numbers
One more thing:
Buyers make a big mistake when they’re not prepared to “walk away” from the deal. If it doesn't feel right, if something seems amiss, if your "gut" seems to be telling you that your prospective purchase is a mistake . . . walk away. You can always find another car. Your money is harder to replace.
For over 30 years Bob Ford has worked in and around, and written for and about the automotive industry. His extensive exposure ranges from the executive suite to the factory floor to the dealership. He’s had virtually totally free access to closed door conversations, crisis management meetings and to some pretty odd and even questionable behavior.
Ford is author of "What Car Dealers Won’t Tell You." an “insider’s guide” to buying a new or used car. It details what to look for, what to watch out for and provides negotiation strategies and inspection guidelines designed to help buyers avoid scams and buyer pitfalls.
Media/Lecture Credits
Ford has appeared on television as a subject expert on The Today Show, Fox News, CNN, many local market cable shows and dozens of call-in radio programs. He is invited by civic organizaitons and clubs as a guest speaker. He also is the automotive editor at-large for Young Money Magazine.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bob_Ford
Cars Used will help you find that car your looking for, and give you plenty of car tips along the way.
Make The Most Of Used Car Search Engines
By Louis Rix
It has never been easier to search for a used car with the advancements in technology and with the introduction of the home PC and the World Wide Web finding the perfect used car for you is as easy as just a few clicks of your mouse. From the comfort of your own home you can go to a specialist website and browse through hundreds of car which interest you in the shortest time possible. While used car search engines aren’t difficult to use you have to be aware of what they offer in order to be able to take full advantage of them.
Specialist web sites offer used car search engines which are similar to any normal search engine, but these are specific to used cars. Perhaps the best way to start your used car search is by limiting the cars down to the price that you can afford to pay for your used car. Once you have found a selection that you know you can afford to buy then these can be looked through and then reduced by the make, model, and colour etc. until you have the car of your dreams.
All used car search engines will show you the cars by way of photos which gives you an excellent indication of what the car looks like before you make the decision about whether to go and give it a test drive. You should take into account the distance that the car is from you, of course, in your search and if need be this can included in your search to keep the results in just your local area or area within a set amount of miles.
You should follow the advice and tips that all specialist sites give to make the most of used car search engines to ensure that you get the best out of them when it comes to buying your dream used car.
Louis Rix is a Director of NetCars, one of the UK's leading motoring websites. First established in January 2000, it provides a used car search. NetCars also provide finance, loans and insurance.
It has never been easier to search for a used car with the advancements in technology and with the introduction of the home PC and the World Wide Web finding the perfect used car for you is as easy as just a few clicks of your mouse. From the comfort of your own home you can go to a specialist website and browse through hundreds of car which interest you in the shortest time possible. While used car search engines aren’t difficult to use you have to be aware of what they offer in order to be able to take full advantage of them.
Specialist web sites offer used car search engines which are similar to any normal search engine, but these are specific to used cars. Perhaps the best way to start your used car search is by limiting the cars down to the price that you can afford to pay for your used car. Once you have found a selection that you know you can afford to buy then these can be looked through and then reduced by the make, model, and colour etc. until you have the car of your dreams.
All used car search engines will show you the cars by way of photos which gives you an excellent indication of what the car looks like before you make the decision about whether to go and give it a test drive. You should take into account the distance that the car is from you, of course, in your search and if need be this can included in your search to keep the results in just your local area or area within a set amount of miles.
You should follow the advice and tips that all specialist sites give to make the most of used car search engines to ensure that you get the best out of them when it comes to buying your dream used car.
Louis Rix is a Director of NetCars, one of the UK's leading motoring websites. First established in January 2000, it provides a used car search. NetCars also provide finance, loans and insurance.
Used Car Selling Tips on the Internet
By Alex Despageto
The internet has become a great place to buy and sell new and used automobiles. In a matter of minutes, you can advertise your vehicle for sale by posting your ad on various paid and free classified ad systems. Compared to traditional newspaper advertising, selling your car on the Internet can be easy, fast and can save you money as well.
The following are a few simple tips for selling your car on the Internet:
Research your selling price Part of a successful sale involves a reasonable price which buyers will be interested in submitting an offer on. If your sale price is too high, buyers may not be interested in contacting you at all. Initially start by researching your local newspaper for prices for your used vehicle, you may be surprised to find a wide range in price for the particular make and model of your vehicle.
Create an email selling account
At times you may receive junk emails, you may want to seperate your sales inquiries from your personal or business email account. Visit Google Mail, Yahoo Mail or Hotmail for a free email account where you can receiving inquiries and emails about the items you are selling.
Photo ads sell
People online want to see what they are buying. People look for color, condition and any additional accessories that your vehicle may have. Although you may not need to post all your car or truck photos, take as many pictures of your car in case a buyer wants to see more photos of your sales item.
Mention that it is a private sale or for sale by owner in your ad
Some people like to deal with people direct and may be apprehensive if they know they will be dealing with a dealership. Not to say anything about automotive dealerships, but it is simply a matter of personal choice.
Selling a car privetly also ensures that you will get the best possible price and the buyer will get the best possible deal.
Get your car ready
Thoroughly clean your car or truck inside and out. Buyers love a clean vehicle and it makes a great impression. Consider spending some money on having it professionally detailed.
Provide lot's of information in your ad
Buyers want to know everything about your car: when was it built, are you the original owner, how many miles or kilometers on the vehicle, has the engine been rebuilt and more. Listing lot's of information in your ad shows that you pay attention to detail and that you have nothing to hide when selling your car.
If you have photos of the vehicle posted on a website somewhere, provide a link to that site. Indicate to the potential buyer how to contact you; by email or by phone. Optional is to list where the car is located so that people can come and view it at their leisure. Some auto sellers even indicate what their viewing times are: mornings, evenings, weekends.
Don't be affraid to put "OBO" (or best offer) in your ad. This tells car buyers that you are willing to negotiate the price of the vehicle and that you are ready to sell your car.
Advertise your car on internet car classified systems
There are many paid and free car classified ad system on the Internet where you can post your used car ad to. Some will accept photos while others simply offer a text ad. Initially start out by searching for local ads within your city or state. National ad systems will provide you with a larger coverage, but may also charge your for your listing.
Alex is one of the founders of AutoMotoAds.com, a place where you can post free automotive photo ads to help you sell your used car, truck, motorcycle or boat.
The internet has become a great place to buy and sell new and used automobiles. In a matter of minutes, you can advertise your vehicle for sale by posting your ad on various paid and free classified ad systems. Compared to traditional newspaper advertising, selling your car on the Internet can be easy, fast and can save you money as well.
The following are a few simple tips for selling your car on the Internet:
Research your selling price Part of a successful sale involves a reasonable price which buyers will be interested in submitting an offer on. If your sale price is too high, buyers may not be interested in contacting you at all. Initially start by researching your local newspaper for prices for your used vehicle, you may be surprised to find a wide range in price for the particular make and model of your vehicle.
Create an email selling account
At times you may receive junk emails, you may want to seperate your sales inquiries from your personal or business email account. Visit Google Mail, Yahoo Mail or Hotmail for a free email account where you can receiving inquiries and emails about the items you are selling.
Photo ads sell
People online want to see what they are buying. People look for color, condition and any additional accessories that your vehicle may have. Although you may not need to post all your car or truck photos, take as many pictures of your car in case a buyer wants to see more photos of your sales item.
Mention that it is a private sale or for sale by owner in your ad
Some people like to deal with people direct and may be apprehensive if they know they will be dealing with a dealership. Not to say anything about automotive dealerships, but it is simply a matter of personal choice.
Selling a car privetly also ensures that you will get the best possible price and the buyer will get the best possible deal.
Get your car ready
Thoroughly clean your car or truck inside and out. Buyers love a clean vehicle and it makes a great impression. Consider spending some money on having it professionally detailed.
Provide lot's of information in your ad
Buyers want to know everything about your car: when was it built, are you the original owner, how many miles or kilometers on the vehicle, has the engine been rebuilt and more. Listing lot's of information in your ad shows that you pay attention to detail and that you have nothing to hide when selling your car.
If you have photos of the vehicle posted on a website somewhere, provide a link to that site. Indicate to the potential buyer how to contact you; by email or by phone. Optional is to list where the car is located so that people can come and view it at their leisure. Some auto sellers even indicate what their viewing times are: mornings, evenings, weekends.
Don't be affraid to put "OBO" (or best offer) in your ad. This tells car buyers that you are willing to negotiate the price of the vehicle and that you are ready to sell your car.
Advertise your car on internet car classified systems
There are many paid and free car classified ad system on the Internet where you can post your used car ad to. Some will accept photos while others simply offer a text ad. Initially start out by searching for local ads within your city or state. National ad systems will provide you with a larger coverage, but may also charge your for your listing.
Alex is one of the founders of AutoMotoAds.com, a place where you can post free automotive photo ads to help you sell your used car, truck, motorcycle or boat.
Inspecting A Used Car For The Non-Mechanic
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
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
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)
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