Buying a Used Car
The new vehicles prices of today are similar to the cost of a new home just a generation ago. In comparison, quality used vehicles can be purchased for 25 to 50 percent less money than new vehicles. It is no wonder that buying a used car is now said to be a better financial decision than buying a brand new car.
A boost was recently given to the used vehicle market when employee discounted pricing was offered to the general public by many of the car manufacturers. The special pricing caused a wave of new car sales and in the process, created an increase in the number of used vehicles that are for sale. With the increase in supply, used vehicles are selling for less money than ever before. This is very good news for consumers who are in need of a quality vehicle at a fair price.
When shopping for a used vehicle, there are many different sources to consider, including private sellers, used automobile lots, car dealerships, and automobile auctions. No matter which source you use, it is important to research your purchase prior to making it.
To begin your search, you must decide what type of vehicle would be best suited for your needs. For instance, do you need a mini-van, or would you be better suited to a sports car? Once you have decided on your basic need, start thinking about brands. Consumer Reports, Kelly Blue Book, the Department of Transportation, and other guides/organizations can assist you in finding information about vehicle safety, fuel efficiency, maintenance expectancies, and vehicle value. However, the real research will begin when you finally find a particular vehicle that you are interested in.
To save time and gas money, you can try contacting your source via telephone or email. This will give you an opportunity to ask questions and narrow down your search without too much effort on your part. No matter what type of vehicle you are interested in, there are some general things that you should ask before making any definite decisions. The list below will help get you started:
• How many miles does the vehicle have?
• Are there currently any major or minor problems with the vehicle?
• Has anything been recently repaired on the vehicle?
• Has the vehicle ever been involved in a traffic accident?
• What is the condition of the vehicle’s body?
• Why is the vehicle being sold?
• Who owned the vehicle previously?
• Was regular maintenance (oil changes, etc) performed on the vehicle?
• What price is the vehicle being sold for?
• Is the price negotiable?
• What are the financing options?
• Does the vehicle have a warranty? If so, what are the details of the warranty?
Research your used vehicle as carefully as possible prior to purchase. Extra work now will save you extra money later. If you are concerned that the vehicle may have a problem, have it checked out by a mechanic that you trust prior to purchase.