By
Ace Abbey
Submitted On September 25, 2014
Due to the nation's struggling economy, used cars have been
tougher to buy these days. Most people are avoiding new vehicle
purchases, and hanging onto their vehicles for longer. This means local
dealership lots are full of heavily used cars and clunkers.
Research the Dealer as Much as the Product
This world is full of hucksters and snake-oil salesmen. Know who you're dealing with. Find reviews on dealerships that sell used cars and figure out where you'll be treated fairly and honestly. You want to deal with someone who will give you a good automobile for the right price, without any major strings attached.
Research the Make and Model
One beauty of the information age is that you can research anything before you dive into a major purchase. Utilize this power. Go on Consumer Reports and comb auto forums for information on any make and model you're thinking of buying. Pay special attention to trusted, experienced sources - you'll likely be able to find information posted by mechanics and other experts that can tell you whether a vehicle is worth your money or a lemon waiting to happen.
Find Out the Car's History
When you have your eye on a hot rod, jot down its vehicle identification number, or VIN. You can go online and use this VIN to buy a title history report from a place CarFax or AutoCheck. This report will describe where the vehicle was previously titled and how it was registered - as a personal automobile, taxi, or rental. It will also reveal any problems it has had: if it's ever been marked as salvaged or damaged, if it was recalled, and more. You can also ask the dealer for a service record that details all the instances in which the car has been fixed, and why.
Have the Vehicle Inspected
You'll have to pay for an inspection, but if you're getting close to sealing a deal, it's worth it. Bring the automobile to a mechanic that you trust and have them run a diagnostic test on it. They will let you know of any extant problems, major or minor. This is of course essential information to have before you put any money down.
Take a Test Drive
This is a no-brainer - drive the vehicle before you take it home for good. Insist that the dealer allow you to take it out on both residential and highway roads. You should be able to get a feel for the drive and handling on every kind of road that you'd normally use. Used cars can look beautiful on the lot, but may be finicky on the road. Make sure everything feels right with you behind the wheel.
Don't Finance with the Dealer
Dealers try to make money on their used cars via the interest they charge on financing plans. You can easily skirt around this by getting financing through your bank or other financial institution. You'll likely get a better deal this way, so avoid financing with a dealer that wants to charge you any interest at all on your payments.
Research the Dealer as Much as the Product
This world is full of hucksters and snake-oil salesmen. Know who you're dealing with. Find reviews on dealerships that sell used cars and figure out where you'll be treated fairly and honestly. You want to deal with someone who will give you a good automobile for the right price, without any major strings attached.
Research the Make and Model
One beauty of the information age is that you can research anything before you dive into a major purchase. Utilize this power. Go on Consumer Reports and comb auto forums for information on any make and model you're thinking of buying. Pay special attention to trusted, experienced sources - you'll likely be able to find information posted by mechanics and other experts that can tell you whether a vehicle is worth your money or a lemon waiting to happen.
Find Out the Car's History
When you have your eye on a hot rod, jot down its vehicle identification number, or VIN. You can go online and use this VIN to buy a title history report from a place CarFax or AutoCheck. This report will describe where the vehicle was previously titled and how it was registered - as a personal automobile, taxi, or rental. It will also reveal any problems it has had: if it's ever been marked as salvaged or damaged, if it was recalled, and more. You can also ask the dealer for a service record that details all the instances in which the car has been fixed, and why.
Have the Vehicle Inspected
You'll have to pay for an inspection, but if you're getting close to sealing a deal, it's worth it. Bring the automobile to a mechanic that you trust and have them run a diagnostic test on it. They will let you know of any extant problems, major or minor. This is of course essential information to have before you put any money down.
Take a Test Drive
This is a no-brainer - drive the vehicle before you take it home for good. Insist that the dealer allow you to take it out on both residential and highway roads. You should be able to get a feel for the drive and handling on every kind of road that you'd normally use. Used cars can look beautiful on the lot, but may be finicky on the road. Make sure everything feels right with you behind the wheel.
Don't Finance with the Dealer
Dealers try to make money on their used cars via the interest they charge on financing plans. You can easily skirt around this by getting financing through your bank or other financial institution. You'll likely get a better deal this way, so avoid financing with a dealer that wants to charge you any interest at all on your payments.
When buying used cars, Exeter residents visit Honda Barn. Learn more about this dealership at http://www.hondabarn.com/used-vehicle.html.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ace_Abbey
No comments:
Post a Comment