If you are thinking of buying a used car then the internet can be a very useful resource to you. While you can get the car of your dreams and there are many reliable dealers out there, there are also many factors that you have to take into consideration when it comes to making the choice of not only the right car for your needs but also the right place to buy.
The choices when it comes to buying your car include buying from a private dealer, going to a second hand car dealer or looking through the many online sites that offer used cars. Of course if you choose to look online for your used car then this gives you the biggest scope and choices.
There are many sites which deal specifically in selling second hand cars, here you can select the area in which you want to confine your search, either locally or countrywide depending on how far you wish to travel.
The beauty of looking online for your used car is that all websites selling cars include photos; this of course can give you a very good idea of the condition of the car as most include more than one photo. However while this is a great starting point it isnt where it ends, there are many other factors to take into account other than the colour of the car.
By conducting an online search you are able to get a great idea of how much the particular model that you interested in is going for. Even if you dont intend buying the car online this is a great starting point for ideas on how much the car roughly costs.
Websites that offer used cars also give a lot of information that perhaps you hadnt thought about when it comes to the safety aspects of buying a second hand car. Along with this they give sensible tips on what to look out for if this is your first time of buying a used car.
After gathering all the information on the particular car you have in mind, then comes the choice of where to purchase it from. If you choose to go privately then you will have less protection than say buying from a second hand car dealer, although when bought correctly this can be the cheapest way to get the car of your dreams.
Whichever way you choose to go for your used car, always make sure you get to see the correct documentation on the cars history and if you know nothing about cars then take someone with you that does to give it the once over. Buying a used car it can be a gamble, but it can also be the cheapest way to get the car of your dreams when care is taken.
Tags: Beauty, Buying A Second Hand Car, Buying A Used Car, Buying Car, Car Buying, Car Of Your Dreams, Choices, Great Starting Point, Lot, Photos, Private Dealer, Right Car, Safety Aspects, Scope, Second Hand Car, Second Hand Car Dealer, Second Hand Cars, Selling Cars, Sensible Tips, Travel OnlineRelated posts
Buying A Second Hand Car? 19 Tips To Avoid Getting Your Fingers Burnt.
Do your homework. Read up about the model of car you’re thinking about. Will it perform as you will want? Be aware of any known mechanical problems with that particular model and remember to check them out when you take it for a test drive (see tip 15).
Look up the current second hand values for the car. Try starting at www.what car .com. Also get some of the second hand car magazines and your local paper. Check out the prices being asked for similar cars.
Car Insurance is always a major expense. How much will that car cost you to insure? It’s easy to find out on the Internet get a few quotes. It’ll just take you ten minutes.
Also check out the car’s other running costs. We’re talking about fuel consumption, servicing and repair bills. Again www.what car .com can help. Ensure you can afford to run the car!
When you see the car insist on seeing its registration documents and, if the car is more than 3 years old, its MOT certificate. The registration documents will also show the cars’ VIN number. Carefully check that the documents tally.
Always ensure that the person selling the car does actually own it.
And always see the car at the seller’s own home or business premises. Then ensure that the address on the Registration Document is at the same as the address – if not ask why. You should be suspicious.
Examine the Road Tax disc. Is it still valid? Does the vehicle registration number on the disc match the Registration Document and the number on its number plate?
Ask to view the cars’ Servicing Record. Usually, this will also show the cars’ VIN number and details of the first owner. If the Service record is not available, has the owner kept any of the service or repair bills? Ask to see them.
Now look under the bonnet and look for the VIN Number (it could also be on a plate on the inside edge of one of the front doors). Compare the VIN number with the number on the Registration Document and check that the number stamped on the car has not been interfered with. This will help to ensure that the car hasn’t had its identity changed.
It’s best to take a friend with you who knows’ about cars not only to look at the car but also to be a witness for what is said and anything that is agreed.
Don’t pay for a car on your first visit and try not to be pushed into putting down a deposit. You need to carry out some checks before you part with any money (see 17 below).
Ask the owner whether the car is subject to any outstanding finance. Take notes of what he/she says. Then, when you get home, get on the Internet and check out the information provided with RAC Vehicle Status Check. Go to the RAC’ web site. Click on Car Buying and then Vehicle Status Checks. The Status Check will cost you 24.99 but it will confirm whether the car has outstanding finance. Best to be safe without this Check you could find out that a finance company actually has a prior title to the car.
Carefully examine the car in good daylight. Look carefully for signs of repairs and accident damage. If you have followed our advice and obtained a Vehicle Status Check, that Check will also notify you if the car has previously been written off.
Try to ensure that the car hasn’t been clocked. (Clocked means that the mileometer has been wound back to show a lower mileage.) The average annual mileage is around 12,000. Be wary if the wear and tear on the car looks greater than you would expect from the mileage. The wear on the driver’s pedals is usually a give away. Then ask when the tyres were last replaced. Does the wear on the tyres look about right?
Insist on test-driving the car for at least 10/15 miles. You need to get the car fully warmed up and drive it in varying conditions. Incidentally, don’t forget to ensure you are insured to drive it! Don’t assume that your own insurance policy will cover you for driving someone else’s car. Check your policy before you leave home. If the seller claims that his insurance covers you, ask to see his policy a bit of a pain but better safe than sorry!
Has the car ticked all the boxes so far? Then spend some more money get it professionally inspected.
Never pay any money until you have seen the results of the RAC Vehicle Status Check. And even then, avoid paying any money until the car is handed over to you complete with its Documents and tax disc. Always get a written receipt for any money you pay and ensure that it includes the sellers name and address.
Last of all, make sure you’re insured from the moment you drive the car away. The Police can now impound, and ultimately scrap, your car if you’re driving it without insurance or road tax! If the car has not got Road Tax disc, call in at the Post Office on the way home and get one. You’ll need to show them a valid insurance cover note for the car and the cars up to date MOT Certificate.
If you’ve followed all these steps you’ll have done just about everything possible to ensure the car is legally yours at the right price, and you haven’t bought a scrapper!
Tags: 3 Years, Bonnet, Business Premises, Buying A Second Hand Car, Car Insurance, Car Magazines, Fingers, Front Doors, Fuel Consumption, Hand Values, Homework, Mechanical Problems, Registration Document, Registration Documents, Repair Bills, Running Costs, Second Hand Car, Tax Disc, Test Drive, Vehicle Registration NumberRelated posts
If you feel purchasing a new car is tricky, then buying a second hand car can be quite trickier. But don’t fret just yet–with these guidelines to keep you on track, that used car could be one of the sweetest deals you’ve ever had.
Where to Look
Snoop around. It pays to be on the lookout for owners wanting to shift to a newer model, and thus wanting to sell the car of your dreams. This is where your friends and family come in. Aside from referrals, they could more or less ensure that the price is reasonable and the car’s ownership history is satisfactory.
Asking the Right Questions
Why are the owners letting the car go? Make sure that they are not selling due to any major problems.
How long have they owned the car? Given proper maintenance, a five to seven year-old car would generally be in good condition. What repairs have been done, or are currently needed? How’s the mileage? The lower the mileage, the better. However, a used car with more miles could be satisfactory, too. In this case, ask about the vehicle’s use. Was it a family car limited to city driving? Does the car come with a warranty?
Take Note of the following:
Body rust or holes are difficult to repair. A body panel rusting through is to be replaced. Different paint shades from one panel to another, peeling and cracked paint, or smudges on other car part indicates a poor re-paint job, which needs to be re-done. Threadbare tires, chipped or cracked glass, the electrical work and what’s beneath the hood should be given proper attention, too.
Going Out for a Test Drive
If it’s a manual car, the clutch shouldn’t slip. If the clutch slips, instead of being steady as it accelerates, the motor will be revved up as when using neutral. If this happens get yourself a new clutch! Is the exhaust not chugging out excess smoke and noise? The car may need some good motor repair, or some of the exhaust system parts replaced. Do the pothole test. Overly shaky rides could indicate a suspension problem, an alignment problem and or a tire problem. Always have a trusted mechanic or a car aficionado friend to thoroughly go over the car with you.
The Turn Over, at Last
The number of previous owners, registration details, applicable taxes, and insurance papers – should all be properly documented. With the paperwork done and the payment terms agreed upon, you’re ready to hit the road, and enjoy the ride!
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These days a number of Americans have their own cars; in one house approximately every member of the family is having their own separate cars. But, there are some people who still cannot buy a car, because it is out of their financial reach. For them, Government auctions can help to find out some good offerings that may make them a car owner!
Although, a second hand car but now you can also purchase your own dream car at very low prices.
If you thinking seriously about a car, you might want to go for auctions, if going by the auctions route, go for police auctions, simply the best one. They sell-off the cars that were seized or withdrawn from their active service.
Once interested in a car, you can verify the vehicles history with the help of vehicle identification number (VIN). Further, you may see the list of vehicles, which are accessible or presented over the internet.
All set for buying cars from police auctions, also get ready to bid! Yes in every auction you have to bid. As you know there are so many others just like you who wish to buy the same car that you want to. Just be careful before you bid, get to know more details about the car, the current market value and carefully estimate the bidding price
Moreover, there are six tips that you should follow when go to buy a second hand car:
The Vehicle Tires
Tires are one of the costly parts in any car. So before finalizing the deal see whether the tires are in perfect or acceptable condition or not. At times, soon after buying a second hand car its tires needs to be replaced for safety. One should gauge the tires carefully; they are the reflection of how the vehicle is used.
Number of scratches
Scratches, the most visible artifacts that sometimes reduce the market value of a car. Just see, how many you can spot, check how considerable they are.
Dents
Dents, big brother of scratches, they can be ignored at times, but clearly they depict how much you have to spend if you might want to remove them.
Safety Belts
Please check them, they do not impact the bidding value but replace them if in any doubts!
Car Windshield
Windows should be in good working condition & there should be no single scratch on the windshield
Paint
Sooner or later you will have to suffer if there is a damage or problem with the car paint. So it will cost you so much (very high) if you get the car painted again.
Finally, the Mechanics
If you dont know much about the mechanics of the car take an advice of a person who is familiar with it and have the feel of right and wrong. An experienced car mechanic can also help you a lot about the engine and other working conditions about the considered vehicle.
Remember, just being a little shrewd might get you a good car that you will rover for the next many years.
Tags: Acceptable Condition, Active Service, Artifacts, Bidding Price, Big Brother, Buying A Second Hand Car, Buying Cars, Car Owner, Cars Auctions, Current Market Value, Dents, Dream Car, Government Auctions, Member Of The Family, Police Auctions, Scratches, Second Hand Car, Separate Cars, Value Of A Car, Vehicle Identification NumberRelated posts
Buy Your Audi Car Finance Online After Getting Several Quotes
When looking for Audi car finance it is worthwhile going online and getting several quotes with the help of a specialist website. A specialist car finance website will have access to those lenders who specialise in financing Audi cars and so are more likely to get the cheapest rates of interest and best deal on your behalf.
A traditional loan or hire purchase as it is also called can be used for finance for your new or used Audi, this is the simplest of all finance methods and requires you to put down a deposit against the car and then pay monthly repayments over the period of time stated. Once you have made the repayments then the car is yours, hire purchase is also called a secured loan and the car is the security for the money you are borrowing, if you should default on the repayments then the car can be repossessed. An alternative method is to take out a personal loan, however this option would perhaps only be to your advantage if you are buying a second hand car and do not need to borrow a large amount.
If buying a new car or have a very bad credit rating then you could take out a secured loan, however the majority of secured loans will require that you put your home up as security if you are borrowing a large amount and wish to repay it over a longer term. It is essential that you make sure you can afford to repay a loan which is secured on your home as falling behind on the repayments means the roof over your head is at risk.
Another option when it comes to Audi car finance is to go for personal contract purchase. This option asks that you pay a lump sum on the car and then spread the monthly low repayments over a period of time. Once the agreement comes to an end you then have to pay the balance left outstanding on the car. You do have other options, you can choose to trade the car in or give it back and you will owe nothing. A very similar option is credit purchase, however with this option you have no choice but to find the money to pay what is left on the outstanding balance.
An Audi car finance specialist will offer the cheapest rates for all types of loans and a specialist website will be able to gather quotes together so that all you have to do is compare them. However when it comes to comparing for the best deals you have to make sure that you have first read the small print and know about any additional hidden costs which might come with the loan. Along with hidden costs the key facts will highlight the rate of interest, how much interest you will pay and how much in total the loan will cost, in the case of personal contract purchase it will also show how much will be left outstanding.
Tags: Audi Car, Audi Cars, Bad Credit Rating, Buying A New Car, Buying A Second Hand Car, Car Finance, Car Quotes, Finance Quotes, Finance Website, Lenders, Lump Sum, Online Quotes, Period Of Time, Personal Contract Purchase, Personal Loan, Repayments, Second Hand Car, Secured Loan, Secured Loans, Traditional LoanRelated posts
Buying a car from an individual or from a local car dealer is one tedious task if the objective is to purchase a second car that is still in good running condition. A buyer would never trade his hard-earned money with just a complete wasted used car. Whether new or used, when buying a car, it should be treated with the same importance and value.
There are things to take into consideration before buying the car and these are:
1. Educate yourself as a consumer
2. Prepare a list of your needs. Prioritize between the necessities and the wants.
3. Determine the budget and the kind of car that would best fit.
4. Make a selection by models and types. Narrowing them will be helpful.
5. Research both online and offline by dealers.
6. Know the value of the second hand car in the market.
7. Research the Vehicle Identification Numbers and history.
8. Take a mechanic when checking the car whether buying from a friend or a dealer.
9. Never shy away from asking questions.
10. If there’s a gut feeling about it not being good, don’t be afraid to walk away.
Bringing a mechanic along is always a good strategy. Make sure your mechanic inspects the totality of the car, from the history down to its last screw. It should be parked on a level spot. You should make certain that it was driven for about an hour. This should make it a good time to make the inspection. Always make it on a well lit surrounding and in broad daylight.
How to inspect it thoroughly:
Checking the exterior. Walk around to see if there is damage to the body. The corners of the car should be shaken and bounced up and down to see if the shock absorbers are still in good condition. Make sure that the wheel bearings do not make any sound when trying to pull the front tires by tugging them. Open the doors lift the hood and the trunk to see if all the rubber seals are still in place. This will also tell if there’s anything loose around the hinges. Check for signs of repaint. There will be difference in the color because shops can never duplicate the original paint of the car. Ask someone to turn on all the lights outside of the car and look if all are working. Cars with only 30,000 miles of travel must still have its original tires. Beware if you find a car with only a few miles of travel but has new tires. When the test drive is done, check the discs of the brakes, this should still be clean and smooth. Check the windshield for cracks.
Checking the Interior. Though it sounds odd, smell the insides of the car. Sniff under mats and the carpet. If it smells like mildew then it’s a sign that there is a leak somewhere or that the car may have undergone flood damage. Switch on the air-conditioning to make sure that it really turns the whole inside of the car cold. Next, try the heater. Try out all lights inside as well and never forget to blow the horn. Also try all the seat adjustments. The upholstery should still be in good shape too. There will be a lot more to check and here is where the mechanic can help the buyer.
Looking inside the trunk. Once more, smell the insides and check for any signs of leaks. Make sure that some basic car tools are still present for the new user.
Checking under the hood. Feel the wiring for any cracks or brittleness. Squeeze the hoses and the fan belt for any cuts and possible electrical tape patches. Do not take off the cap of the radiator until its cool enough. The greenish color indicates a good condition where the coolant is. Beware of stains and dirty-whitish color on the radiator. Again, let the rest be checked by the mechanic like the batteries.
Checking under the car. Lie down if you must and use an emergency light to see the engine underneath. Feel any signs of residue. Check the pipes and examine any possibility of heavy rusting.
Do the Test Drive. The owner or dealer should not stop a buyer from going over about twenty minutes of test drive. This is a special time to thoroughly look for any problems with the air-conditioning, heater, steering wheel, brakes, transmission, and most importantly, the comfort. Feel everything; its okay to try it on a hump or a slight bumpy road to really experience the performance. Listen carefully to check any rattles. Have a pen and paper, flashlight, gloves, magnet, towel, blanket and even CD or tape when checking a car out.
Tags: Broad Daylight, Buying A Second Hand Car, Good Time, Gut Feeling, Hard Earned Money, Hinges, Local Car Dealer, Mechanic, Necessities, Objective, Pointers, Rubber Seals, Screw, Second Car, Second Hand Car, Shock Absorbers, Tedious Task, Totality, Vehicle Identification Numbers, Wheel BearingsRelated posts
Whether to buy a new car or buy a used car is often times the first decision that needs to be arrived at before you can actively begin perusing purchasing your next vehicle.
Lets take a look at some tips, pros, and cons when it comes to making this decision.
First of all, having been in the automotive business for many years, I almost always lean toward finding a good used car that fits what I am looking for. For me, I believe that used cars offer the best value for your dollar. In most cases, youll find used car departments are much more used to and willing to negotiate the price that they have posted on the car. From a negotiating standpoint, most used cars wont have all of those superfluous dealer add-ons stuck on the window either that will just never do.
In the automotive market, used cars will most certainly come with a lower initial price tag than a comparably equipped new car. And not only will the price be lower, you may also find that so is your cost to insure the used car as well as the tags, and taxes. Depreciation being what it is; means that with a car a couple of years old, the biggest depreciation hit has already occurred. And from a tangible perspective, you may have a better chance of getting those upgrades youd like to have on the used car that you couldnt otherwise afford going with the new.
Yet, with all of this, buying a used car isnt for everyone. Finding a used vehicle that fits ones entire car buying criteria can be a tough exercise in balancing what you want with the value versus risk inherent when it comes to used cars.
Not so many years ago, reliability was a major concern when purchasing a used car and rightfully so. Today however, reliability problems are a fraction of what they used to be. Todays vehicles, when properly maintained will easily go for 100,000 miles and its not uncommon for vehicles to be motoring along as they approach 200,000 miles or more. And with all of the information now available online, the risk factor is again reduced even a bit more.
Even though more reliable today, buying a used car for people means buying a car that is probably out of its original bumper to bumper warranty. This alone, is enough to repel many potential car buyers back to the new car side of the dealership.
As you know, if you are looking at buying a used car, you are probably looking at a car that is outside the factory warranty or at least would have very little remaining. With no warranty youll be on the hook to pay for any needed repairs out of your own pocket. However, the biggest expense for most all cars today are the things that arent covered by any manufacturers warranty anyway; items such as brakes, tires, alignment, batteries, etc.
Of course nobody can guarantee that you wont encounter a lemon. No matter what the make and model, no manufacturer can produce a vehicle that can withstand years of neglect and/or abuse. Always, always, always give the used car a thorough inspection both by yourself and a qualified mechanic; doing this will catch most problems that may be looming on the horizon.
When it comes to financing the purchase of a used car, you find that the going interest rates will typically be higher than new car rates. This is definitely a piece of the puzzle youll want to check out. There is no rule of thumb as to what the difference in the interest rate will be between the two because there are just too many determining variables involved such as; the economy, rebates and incentives involved on the new car side, your credit, length of financing, and even the type of used car youre looking at. Be sure to crunch the numbers for both sides.
With used cars, insurance can save you some money as well because youll typically pay less for your insurance on a like model from a few years past. The reason is simple; less cost of replacement for the insurance company and used cars are generally not high on the stolen lists.
And finally, (the latest) safety features could be a concern if youre looking at used car (particularly if youre going back a few model years).
All in all, if the touch, feel, and smell of a new car, isnt a top priority for you, I think youll find that a well thought out used car purchase you can get more car and features and still be within your budget.
Tags: Automotive Market, Better Chance, Buying A Second Hand Car, Buying A Used Car, Car Buying, Cars, Depreciation, Exercise, Fraction, Initial Price, New Car, Perspective, Price Tag, Pros And Cons, Purchasing A Used Car, Reliability Problems, Risk Factor, Second Hand Car, Standpoint, Todays VehiclesRelated posts
What Do I Need To Worry About When Buying A Second Hand Car?
If you apply a little common sense when looking to purchase a second hand car, all should go well, and you could end up getting a car which will serve you well for a long time.
However, if you rush blindly into what seems like a good deal, then you could end up not even getting the car home before it breaks down.
When thinking of purchasing a car second hand there are some points which you should give consideration to and be on the look out for when giving your potential new car the once over.
Always go to view the car in good light. Never, ever go at night or view in an area which has very poor lighting. If the seller is reluctant to show you the vehicle in good lightning conditions, consider this a warning sign.
Always spend time looking for rust on the bodywork .While a few surface blisters are usually harmless, corrosion is a totally different thing. If you see a rust blemish then gently rub it with your finger and if you hear a rustling noise this could mean there is corrosion underneath the rust.
Look for any signs that the vehicle has been in a collision previously. Obvious signs are joins where the car has been welded, or creases on the bodywork.
Where possible take a qualified mechanic with you to view the vehicle before handing over any money.
Take the car for a test drive it may be uncomfortable or have a blind spot. You can also see then just how healthy it sounds.
Finally, walk away from the deal if anything such as the owner not being able to supply you with the correct documentation happens. If the vehicle registration documents do not agree with the address where you are viewing the car, be suspicious. The car could be stolen or it could be trader posing as a private seller.
Tags: Blemish, Blind Spot, Blisters, Bodywork, Buying A Second Hand Car, Common Sense, Correct Documentation, Corrosion, Creases, Mechanic, New Car, Poor Lighting, Private Seller, Purchasing A Car, Registration Documents, Rust, Second Hand Car, Test Drive, Vehicle Registration, Warning Sign