The thought of buying a brand new car can be exciting, but are you sure it's worth the investment? Sure, it's shiny and the salesman makes a good pitch; however, many first-time buyers don't realize how much money goes right down the drain when they purchase a new car. The truth is, a used car is going to lose a significant percentage of its value the minute you drive it off the lot. When you consider that you could get a nearly-new car at a fraction of the price, it's easy to see that used is the way to go.
You Need to Buy Smart
Many folks buy used cars simply for economic reasons. When you buy new, you're usually looking at ongoing payments and considerable interest. A car that is only a few years old may sell for fifty percent less than the current year's model. During the first year, a new car will lose at least twenty percent of its value, so buy smart.
Unknown or hidden issues are the scariest part of purchasing used cars. Many of the car dealerships help to soothe this fear by providing only Certified Used Vehicles for sale. When you purchase any used car through a reputable dealership, you can be assured that the car has been put through in-depth mechanical and physical inspections. When you purchase one of the certified used cars that are only three-years to four-years old, you can be confident that it is almost like new.
How to Purchase Wisely
Purchasing straight from the car dealership is less risky today, since the dealerships have increased their standards for informing their customers. You need to do enough research before you make any important purchase and a vehicle is one of the most important purchases you can make. Regardless of the condition of the car's body or the slick pitch of the salesperson, it is also wise to learn some information on your own before paying out any money. Check out the information below to know how to go about this.
1. Know what you want
Be prepared before you go shopping this type of large purchase. You then should know at least the style and the condition you desire, if not the make, year and model of the vehicle you are looking to purchase, as this will help trim off some time in your search.
In fact, if you do have a specific car in mind, it's smart to broaden your horizons a bit to consider similar vehicles. There are some big names on the market, and with these big names come big price tags. If you're willing to widen your parameters a little, you may find something just as good at a far lower price. For example, you may be in the market for a Toyota Matrix; however, you might be just as happy with a Pontiac Vibe - a less-known vehicle, but one made in collaboration with Toyota, and with many of the same parts as the Matrix.
2. Perform Research
Make sure not to decide on a car by just how it looks or how well the make and model is supposed to operate. There are some vehicles that are in great shape on the outside, but as you drive them off the lot some serious problems show up one by one. Read some customer reviews to make sure you know what the car is like that you are about to purchase. No vehicle is without a single flaw, but enough research will keep you from buying a lemon.
On top of this, you need to make sure what the value actually is of the car in which you are interested. Check the car our on KBB.com or Edmunds.com to get a proper estimate of what your desired car should be priced for sale. When the vehicle is selling for lower or higher that the market value found at these sites, go somewhere else to find a car.
3. Be Cautious with Private Sales
Even though, you can buy some great cars from individuals, you must be very careful about doing this. There are certain regulations dealerships follow, when selling used vehicles that individuals do not have to follow. This means the cars are typically not the same quality from people, as they are from dealerships. You do not have to avoid buying from individuals though, just examine the cars closer to pick up any prospective problems.
4. Check Thoroughly
You cannot be too careful, when you are buying a new or used vehicle. Spend enough time to examine the car you are thinking about buying. Make sure to test drive to see how the engine runs and how the car handles on the road. Take it through both slow and fast speeds, quick stops and sharp turns. Pay attention to if the car drifts to one side or makes weird sounds as it goes down the street. Keep in mind that you can find a lot of vehicles for sale, so do not buy one that may have issues.
When the car passes your standards on the test drive and initial inspection, request the VIN history through services such as CarFax. You want the car's complete ownership history. If an individual or dealership cannot provide this history, it is worth doing the search on your own online. This history will show any possible issues such as possible engine problems or past accidents.
Prior to buying, you need to have a mechanic you trust inspect the car. Tell him any issues you have found, and inquire if they are big or some ones. This mechanic needs to be able to reassure about any issues you have or alert you to possible pitfalls. Remember, this cautionary act will cost you far less than the price the car is selling for, so don't forget to do this.
5. Be Ready to Negotiate
Many times, the dealerships are up for negotiating, but you will find some that want to stick to their prices. There is usually $2000 worth of pure profit added to the price of used cars. This allows for some negotiating on the price of the car in which you wish to buy.
You Need to Buy Smart
Many folks buy used cars simply for economic reasons. When you buy new, you're usually looking at ongoing payments and considerable interest. A car that is only a few years old may sell for fifty percent less than the current year's model. During the first year, a new car will lose at least twenty percent of its value, so buy smart.
Unknown or hidden issues are the scariest part of purchasing used cars. Many of the car dealerships help to soothe this fear by providing only Certified Used Vehicles for sale. When you purchase any used car through a reputable dealership, you can be assured that the car has been put through in-depth mechanical and physical inspections. When you purchase one of the certified used cars that are only three-years to four-years old, you can be confident that it is almost like new.
How to Purchase Wisely
Purchasing straight from the car dealership is less risky today, since the dealerships have increased their standards for informing their customers. You need to do enough research before you make any important purchase and a vehicle is one of the most important purchases you can make. Regardless of the condition of the car's body or the slick pitch of the salesperson, it is also wise to learn some information on your own before paying out any money. Check out the information below to know how to go about this.
1. Know what you want
Be prepared before you go shopping this type of large purchase. You then should know at least the style and the condition you desire, if not the make, year and model of the vehicle you are looking to purchase, as this will help trim off some time in your search.
In fact, if you do have a specific car in mind, it's smart to broaden your horizons a bit to consider similar vehicles. There are some big names on the market, and with these big names come big price tags. If you're willing to widen your parameters a little, you may find something just as good at a far lower price. For example, you may be in the market for a Toyota Matrix; however, you might be just as happy with a Pontiac Vibe - a less-known vehicle, but one made in collaboration with Toyota, and with many of the same parts as the Matrix.
2. Perform Research
Make sure not to decide on a car by just how it looks or how well the make and model is supposed to operate. There are some vehicles that are in great shape on the outside, but as you drive them off the lot some serious problems show up one by one. Read some customer reviews to make sure you know what the car is like that you are about to purchase. No vehicle is without a single flaw, but enough research will keep you from buying a lemon.
On top of this, you need to make sure what the value actually is of the car in which you are interested. Check the car our on KBB.com or Edmunds.com to get a proper estimate of what your desired car should be priced for sale. When the vehicle is selling for lower or higher that the market value found at these sites, go somewhere else to find a car.
3. Be Cautious with Private Sales
Even though, you can buy some great cars from individuals, you must be very careful about doing this. There are certain regulations dealerships follow, when selling used vehicles that individuals do not have to follow. This means the cars are typically not the same quality from people, as they are from dealerships. You do not have to avoid buying from individuals though, just examine the cars closer to pick up any prospective problems.
4. Check Thoroughly
You cannot be too careful, when you are buying a new or used vehicle. Spend enough time to examine the car you are thinking about buying. Make sure to test drive to see how the engine runs and how the car handles on the road. Take it through both slow and fast speeds, quick stops and sharp turns. Pay attention to if the car drifts to one side or makes weird sounds as it goes down the street. Keep in mind that you can find a lot of vehicles for sale, so do not buy one that may have issues.
When the car passes your standards on the test drive and initial inspection, request the VIN history through services such as CarFax. You want the car's complete ownership history. If an individual or dealership cannot provide this history, it is worth doing the search on your own online. This history will show any possible issues such as possible engine problems or past accidents.
Prior to buying, you need to have a mechanic you trust inspect the car. Tell him any issues you have found, and inquire if they are big or some ones. This mechanic needs to be able to reassure about any issues you have or alert you to possible pitfalls. Remember, this cautionary act will cost you far less than the price the car is selling for, so don't forget to do this.
5. Be Ready to Negotiate
Many times, the dealerships are up for negotiating, but you will find some that want to stick to their prices. There is usually $2000 worth of pure profit added to the price of used cars. This allows for some negotiating on the price of the car in which you wish to buy.
About the Author:
Landers McLarty Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram provided information on user cars and used car sales. Contact http://www.landersmclartydcjal.com/index.htm for more information.
