How to Search For the Right Used Car for You
GET
THE USED CAR FACTS FIRST
The
price of new cars has steadily climbed over the past
few years making used vehicles more attractive than
ever. Because new vehicles lose so much of their value
as soon as they're purchased, car shoppers are increasingly
turning to previously owned cars as a smart financial
alternative. Today, thanks to manufacturing and maintenance
advances, used vehicles are better than ever and still
a great value.
WHICH
CAR IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
The
first step to buying a used car is making a detailed assessment
of your transportation needs. It's a good idea to answer
the following questions.
-
How
will the car be used? The first thing to do is to decide
on a class of vehicle that best fits your lifestyle.
-
Who
will be driving the car? And where? If you're concerned
about taking your kids to soccer practice, you're probably
going to need a car with lots of seating and storage
capacity. If you're planning to use the car for commuting,
gas mileage and comfort may be your biggest considerations.
-
What
features best suit your needs? If there are features
you simply must have — like air conditioning, lumbar
supports or adjustable controls — make a list.
-
What
are some vehicle safety features you are looking for?
Are you interested in anti-lock brake systems, integrated
seat belts, head injury protection or child
safety equipment?
-
How
much can I afford to spend? Think about how much you're
willing to spend, how much of a down payment you can
make, and how much you can afford per month, long before
you start the process. Refer to the section on "Paying
for Your Car."
ONCE
YOU'VE DECIDED ON TYPE
After
you narrow your search to a few makes and models, analyze
the pros and cons for each. There are many excellent
resources available to help you do your research including
websites, dealerships, and your local library. Read
Consumer Reports magazine — online or hard copy — for
reliability and repair ratings as well as general advice.
The website www.edmunds.com offers pricing information and comprehensive advice on buying a used car. In addition, refer to the list of websites included in this publication.
Look at individual used vehicles. Gather as much information as you can on the different makes and models. Check out the retail value, available options, performance, and track record for repairs.
For information about car safety features, recalls, crash tests, and other auto safety topics, go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) website at www.nhtsa.dot.gov. You can also call NHTSA's toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at 888-DASH-2-DOT (888-327-4236) and have information sent to you.
FINDING THE CAR OF YOUR DREAMS
You can purchase your new previously owned car from an independent used car lot, a new-car dealership, an auction, a used car superstore or a private seller. Wherever you decide to buy your car, there are some important things you need to know.
While your heart will play a big role in your decision, don't lose your head. Be willing to walk away from the car if the deal doesn't meet the criteria you laid out earlier. Your ability to negotiate a great deal will increase by magnitudes.
Always know the market value of any car you're considering and make your first offer lower. It's always easy to go up from your initial offer, but you probably won't be able to negotiate down from there. Several websites offer pricing information to help you determine the value of the car.
You should always be concerned about buying "someone else's problems." Make sure you get a detailed vehicle history report and service records from the person selling the vehicle. A vehicle history report can identify major problems including past accidents, flood damage, and odometer discrepancies. When you decide to buy a car, make sure you get it checked out by a trusted mechanic before you give the seller any money.
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