Car buying guide
Used Car Buying Tips
Used Car Buying Tips
When you walk onto a used car lot, you are entering a high pressure sales environment. It is in your best interest to be educated and well prepared. Many used car salespeople are quite aggressive, so don't let them catch you off guard. Here are some survival tips from a former car salesperson.
Tip Number 1: Never buy a car on your first visit to a used car lot. They will try to pressure you by saying that the "big sale" ends tomorrow or that someone else is interested in the car you want, but don't fall for it. Once you pick out a car you like, you will want to do some research to make sure you are getting a good price and not buying a lemon. If you don't walk away, you won't get the chance to do the research and you could get burned.
Tip Number 2: If the salesperson who approaches you makes you feel uncomfortable, insist on working with someone else.
Tip Number 3: Don't buy a car until the end of the month. This is when the salespeople and managers are scrambling to make their bonuses. They are more willing to negotiate at the end of the month than they are at the beginning of the month.
Tip Number 4: Make sure you know how much the car is worth before you buy it. If you are trading in a car, you can find out how much it is worth, too. The most realistic car value research tool is at Nada.com. The used car industry uses NADA guides, so they can't dispute the results. You can print up your results and bring them to the dealership to help you negotiate.
Tip Number 5: When you reach the point that you found the perfect car at the perfect price, have it checked out by a mechanic before you buy. This will cost a little money, but it can help protect you from losing thousands of dollars. If the salesperson or manager won't let you take the car to a mechanic, then you are at the wrong dealership and you should walk out.
Tip Number 6: Make sure you know the history of the car you're buying. Once you decide on a car and are happy with the price, tell the salesperson to order a carfax report. Once the report is ordered, check the VIN number (serial number) against the car you're looking at to make sure it is the same. With a carfax report, you will know important facts such as how many people have owned the car and whether it has ever been in an accident.
Tip Number 7: Follow the advice given above because lemon laws don't apply to used cars.
About the Author
Barbara Woodcox has been researching and writing consumer education materials for almost 10 years. She has also been active in numerous consumer advocacy campaigns. She graduated summa cum laude from Ohio State University and holds a Master of Arts degree.
Understanding how car buying guide benefits your life, yet? If so, that is great, my goal is met. I sincerely hope you found what you needed. If not, try looking at these articles on new cars or used cars or more generally, car buying.
Comments
None Yet
Add a Comment
Voice of America
International Herald Tribune, France - 4 hours ago
As a result, American consumers went on a sustained buying spree for new cars, trucks and sport utility vehicles. In 1970, less than 6 percent of American ...
Video: Chrysler, Toyota, Lead Declines in Auto Sales AssociatedPress
Auto dealers slash prices to entice buyers WTHR
Cars outsell trucks in rough year USA Today
Bloomberg - The Associated Pressall 1,343 news articles
AutoBrag Launches Braggle System, the Best Way to Buy New Cars - Business Wire (press release)
Business Wire (press release), CA - 6 hours ago
People love driving new cars: the smell, the feel, the pride. But almost everyone dreads the actual new car buying process. First you have to figure out car ...
Thomasson: Auto bailout will be early test for Obama - Seattle Post Intelligencer
Seattle Post Intelligencer - 7 hours ago
They used to call the awarding of bloated benefits "buying labor peace." Now, of course, it is time for everyone in this nightmare to pay up, ...