By Robert Powers
There's a lot of talk these days about online used car auction sites. You might ask "Are these online used care auction sites for real?" and "Should I join a car auction site?"
In this article I will answer these questions about online used car auction sites.
Where do these used cars come from and how come they are so cheap?
This was the first big question for me and basically what happens is that people default on their lease payments or car loans of their new cars and because of this, their cars get seized or repossessed by various financial institutions. After the car is seized it gets auctioned off quickly because there are large costs involved in the storing and maintenance of these vehicles.
I was surprised to learn that it's actually common practice for many used car dealerships to go to these auctions and buy several seized cars and then sell them at marked up prices! It's a little known secret that dealers really don't want us to know about.
How do these online used car auction sites gain access to these cars?
These auctions of seized cars are a very protected and secretive source of revenue for many car dealerships and it is never advertised to the general public. Thank God for the internet because these online used car auction sites are now able to gain information and access rights to let you utilize many direct sources to get great deals on used cars.
Can I check the VIN of the car that I like?
Yes! I was glad to see that the majority of the car auction sites do include a CarFax VIN report that you can view before you even place a bid. This definitely allows you to relax knowing that there's nothing fishy going on at these online car auction sites.
What condition are these cars in?
The condition of the cars on these used car auction sites was another thing I was concerned about since you can't fully inspect the vehicles yourself. Well what's great is that the government bodies take extremely good care of their vehicles and their maintenance is top notch. It is actually part of their organisational responsibility to comply with work safety legislation.
The majority of cars sold on these online used car auction sites come with service history information and various stamped log books. Not to mention many of the cars are still under the manufacturer's warranty! The greatest part about these online car auction sites is that most cars are only 2-3 yrs old and the majority have only 40,000 -60,000 kms, or 25,000 - 40,000 miles on them!
Conclusion
I spent about a week researching and collecting as much information about various auction sites before I finally joined one. I'm happy to say that these services are fast, easy to use, and best of all, cheap! I ended up saving a ton of cash getting my dream car, a beautiful 2 year old red Mustang!
Are you interested in using a car auction site to save tons on your next car?
Read this comparison review of the top 3 online used car auction sites, go here: http://CarAuctions.ReviewHelpDesk.com
Cars Used will help you find that car your looking for, and give you plenty of car tips along the way.
Used Car Auto Loans
By Cameron Sims
If you are planning on buying a used car or a second hand car, then you will probably need a used car auto loan. It is basically the same as getting an auto loan for a new car with a few stipulations. First and foremost, auto loan lenders are looking for people who have demonstrated that they are worthy of borrowing money. This simply means that they are looking for people with good credit. Banks are concerned with the fact that they are lending money to people who may or may not be able to pay back their car loan. Because of this they often put certain stipulations on used cars to make sure that the auto loan they offer you is going to make enough interest on the money that you are borrowing.
They often request that you take shorter car loans. They are usually not willing to give an auto loan to someone buying a $3000.00 car for 5 years. They feel more secure in giving an auto loan to someone who is buying a $3000.00 car for only 2 years. For people with bad credit, this is most often the case. Any lenders offering an car loan would much rather prefer having you buy a more expensive car for a longer period of time. That is why you might find yourself being declined for a small loan. That doesn’t mean that you need to get a used car loan for more money, you just have to investigate alternative lenders who are willing to give you a smaller auto loan.
Car loans with no down payment are usually directly given for cars that have higher mileage or are older models. Hence, that is why they don’t like to give out the auto loans for longer periods of time, because the car just simply isn’t going to last as long. It is really to your benefit to do a shorter loan because although you may love your used car, it rarely is worth much at the end of the no down payment car loan.
Cameron Sims is a financial advisor and specializes in the fields of a no down payment car loan.
If you are planning on buying a used car or a second hand car, then you will probably need a used car auto loan. It is basically the same as getting an auto loan for a new car with a few stipulations. First and foremost, auto loan lenders are looking for people who have demonstrated that they are worthy of borrowing money. This simply means that they are looking for people with good credit. Banks are concerned with the fact that they are lending money to people who may or may not be able to pay back their car loan. Because of this they often put certain stipulations on used cars to make sure that the auto loan they offer you is going to make enough interest on the money that you are borrowing.
They often request that you take shorter car loans. They are usually not willing to give an auto loan to someone buying a $3000.00 car for 5 years. They feel more secure in giving an auto loan to someone who is buying a $3000.00 car for only 2 years. For people with bad credit, this is most often the case. Any lenders offering an car loan would much rather prefer having you buy a more expensive car for a longer period of time. That is why you might find yourself being declined for a small loan. That doesn’t mean that you need to get a used car loan for more money, you just have to investigate alternative lenders who are willing to give you a smaller auto loan.
Car loans with no down payment are usually directly given for cars that have higher mileage or are older models. Hence, that is why they don’t like to give out the auto loans for longer periods of time, because the car just simply isn’t going to last as long. It is really to your benefit to do a shorter loan because although you may love your used car, it rarely is worth much at the end of the no down payment car loan.
Cameron Sims is a financial advisor and specializes in the fields of a no down payment car loan.
The Five Mistakes Used Car Buyers Make
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
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
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
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