So you are in the market for a used car or truck. Can you tell a great deal from a lemon? Do you know how to get the best deal? Where do you start?
You could start at the library taking out five or six heavy volumes on the topic. Or you could simply follow these five steps to reduce the risk that inevitably comes with buying anything used.
#1 – Do your research
You have many options. The Internet makes searching for used vehicles easy, but remember to spend the time to really do your homework. If saving money is your top goal, try to remain flexible in your search. There might be a great deal on a different make or model than you were thinking of. Or in a different town altogether.
#2 – Speak with the seller
So you’ve identified a vehicle of interest. The next step is to speak to the seller (even if only by email) and ask a few basic questions:
#3 – Inspect the car
Once you gotten all the information and narrowed your list to vehicles that “appear” to be a good deal, you need to see those vehicles in person. Ideally, you should bring someone else with you. Even if they don’t have a better understanding of cars than you do, the extra set of eyes – and a more emotionally detached set of eyes – can’t hurt.
Here are a few tips to make sure someone doesn’t make lemonade out of you:
1. Always schedule a time to see the vehicle during the day, when there is good light to spot any visible flaws.
2. Ask your friend to look as thoroughly as you do.
3. [spin]Take your time with your examination. This a crucial step you don’t want to rush and overlook anything. Don’t let the seller hanging around make you feel rushed.
4. Observe all the bodylines, do the hood, trunk, and doors line up with the rest of the car? If they don’t this could be a sign that the car was in a serious crash.
5. Look to see if the car has ever been repainted by checking for over spray in the trunk and the engine compartment. Overspraying would be a sign that the car has had bodywork done, most likely following an accident.
6.Check for rust on the undercarriage and inside the car and trunk. Rust on the inside on bolts and other metal fasteners is a possible sign of flood damage.
7. Check the tread wear pattern on the tires. Uneven wear could be a sign of a suspension problem.
8. Test all the power options, including locks, trunk, windows, lights, etc.
9. Turn on the air conditioning and the heater (not at the same time!), as well as the defroster.
10. Look for any signs of leaks in the engine compartment (Oil, coolant, etc.)
#4 – Take a test drive
If master-mechanic-you finds no problems after this rigorous inspection, it’s time to see how the vehicle performs when it’s actually moving. Don’t be shy to ask the seller to come along. If there are unexpected noises that pop up while you are on your test drive, you might want to ask him about them.
In a vehicle with an automatic transmission watch for signs of slippage. When you accelerate, there should be no hesitation between the engine’s acceleration and the car’s. If there is, it is a sure sign of transmission wear (with a costly repair just around the corner).
Test the brakes, both regular and ABS. The car should stop straight and quickly, without pulling to one side and without any vibration. The one thing more important in a car than going is stopping
#5 – Negotiate the price of the car
OK. The car passes your visual inspection, it passes a road test and your independent mechanic (don’t forget him) gives you the green light. No lemon here. But how to get the best deal?
Buying a used car from a used car dealer and a private seller they are two very different experiences. This is most apparent when it comes to negotiating. Dealers are seasoned negotiators; private sellers are not.
Here are a few tips to help you with negotiating:
1. Use the knowledge you gained when researching. The price of a used car is based entirely on its condition, mileage, reliability, performance and popularity
2. Try to remain positive and confident and if you need some handholding bring along a friend for moral support.
3. If you think you will need some financial help, speak to your bank first and see what kind of rates you can get. If you don’t know what you can afford, you cannot negotiate with confidence.
4. You will most likely end up paying more than your offer Make your opening offer low, but one that is still realistic..
By following these five steps and keeping your options open you are bound to buy a used vehicle that will not only meet your needs but also your budget.
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