Buy A Used Car: 3 Reasons To Say In With The Old
Why you should buy a used car. You know it is time to buy a replacement for your vehicle. Repair bills are looming on the horizon or eating into your checking account. Every time you turn around something seems to be going wrong — both large and small annoyances make driving an ongoing hassle. Once you have made the decision to go car shopping, the first question you must face is whether to go new or used. Here are three reasons you should buy a used car.
The top reason to buy a used car is that new cars are a losing proposition. New cars depreciate fast. Did you know that as soon as you drive a new car off a dealer lot it will instantly depreciate between $1,000-$2,000. After the first three years most cars are worth only about 60-70 percent of their original value. However if you buy an used car then you will have to pay a lot less for a nice car and you will not have to worry about that depreciation.
Once upon a time buying an used car was a risky proposition. There was a good chance you could buy a lemon or a car that had been used and abused or even been in an accident. Today the savvy consumer does not have to face these risks which leads to the second reason for buying an used car. It is safer (and less risky) than it has ever been before. Many reputable dealers offer one-owner vehicles that are still on warranty so that takes some risk out of the equation, but in addition today there are many research tools available on the internet to help you learn about the reputation and performance history for the particular vehicle model you are considering plus you can even run the vehicle identification numbers to determine if a specific vehicle has been in an accident. It is probably a lot less risky to buy an used car than a new unproven vehicle that might turn out to be a lemon. You can also get a pretty accurate value for a vehicle so you know how much you should pay.
Finally, buying an used car takes a lot of the stress out of new car ownership while still letting you enjoy the benefits of a new vehicle. Dealers will give a vehicle a turnout so it will have that new car smell, but because you do not have to worry about the price you paid you can sit back and enjoy your new-to-you vehicle without worrying about tempting fate. Plus, many dealers have more room to deal on an used car than they often do with a new car so you have more bargaining power.
So if you are looking to buy a car then you should consider buying an used car because it will save you money, it is safer than ever before, and it is less stressful.
Tags: Accurate Value, Annoyances, Checking Account, Depreciation, Good Chance, Hassle, Horizon, Losing Proposition, New Car, New Cars, Owner Vehicles, Performance History, Repair Bills, Reputable Dealers, Reputation, Research Tools, Risky Proposition, Savvy Consumer, Vehicle Identification Numbers, Vehicle ModelRelated 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
Each year, out of all the vehicles bought in the U.S., 41 million are used cars compared to only 16 million new car purchases.
Since purchasing a car is the next financial investment made by US citizen other than housing, it is important to determine if buying a used car is worth your money.
1) CONS – Here is a list of the disadvantages of used-car buying:
* The options of cars are limited, so the search for the right vehicle could be lengthy.
* The buyers have no idea if the car was treated. Used cars usually have worn consumables such as hoses, tires, shocks, filters, fans and clutch.
* Although used car dealers provide a warranty, it is only limited to a couple of months unlike purchasing a new car with full warranty. Certain maintenance on your purchased second-hand car could be more expensive.
* Purchasing a second-hand vehicle would offer you a lower trade-in value.
* The main disadvantage of purchasing old cars is that it has an unknown quantity. Whether the dealer has worked the vehicle to make it attractive for the test drive, the buyers are still unaware of the repair bills, economical issues, and its reliable transportation.
* It is difficult to negotiate fair financing terms on an older vehicle.
2) PROS – On the other side, buying a used car could benefit the buyer in several ways:
* The original owner of the car received the depreciation hit. The market value of the new car decreases from year to year. An average 30% of its value within three years from the time it was bought, so buying their car would save you a lot of money.
* Unlike purchasing a new vehicle with high insurance fees, you will receive a lower cost of insurance if you choose to buy second-hand cars.
* Although buying new and used cars both provide loans, lease, or money-saving the majority of dealers who sell used cars often have shorter loan terms.
* If your investment is decided based on appearance and gas mileage, choosing a used car would guarantee the value and reliability it has provided over the years.
* A used car would provide your dollar more flexibility. Compared from buying a new car that would eat all your finances, buying a second-hand car would allow you to purchase other accessories such as air conditioning that would cost approximately US$200 to $900 extra.
Buying your used car could waste your money if you fail to do your research, compare dealerships, and be aware of the cars market value. Be a wise used-car buyer.
Tags: Buying A Used Car, Buying Used Cars, Car Purchases, Depreciation, Economical Issues, Financial Investment, Gas Mileage, Hoses, Insurance Fees, Loan Terms, Old Cars, Pros And Cons, Purchasing A Car, Purchasing A New Car, Repair Bills, Second Hand Car, Second Hand Cars, Several Ways, Unknown Quantity, Worth Your MoneyRelated posts
Whether you receive car insurance quotes from phoning companies directly or browsing their web sites it makes no difference. However, it is often much quicker to find many free auto cheap insurance quotes online.
Before actually committing to a particular automobile insurance company it is wise to lay out your needs first. Motor car insurance is there to protect you and your family from possible financial ruin. It is to cover your costs in case of a catastrophic occurrence. It is not only there to pay for the repair or replacement of your car, but for any medical or hospital bills that may become necessary.
There are many things to consider before taking out an auto cheap insurance policy. One thing to think about is the amount of your deductible. A higher deductible can save you a little on your premiums, but it may end up costing you more if you are actually involved in an accident that is your fault. No fault car insurance can increase your premiums, but it sure is great to have if an uninsured runs into your automobile. Most auto insurance companies offer discounts for features that will reduce the risk of injuries or theft. Daytime running lights or anti-theft devices can often lower your premiums due to the fact that they will decrease the likelihood of you filing a claim.
Many people decide to drop the collision or comprehensive coverage if they own a car that is not worth very much money. Why pay higher premiums for a car that is not worth very much? So choosing to insure for liability only is certainly a way to lower the coverage costs. Insuring for just liability has the potential to save you a lot of money, but if you are involved in an accident with someone that is uninsured you will probably end up paying your repair bills out of your own pocket.
Once you have decided if you want full coverage or just liability and have also considered your other insurance factors its time to get some free auto insurance quotes. You want a company that is financially stable which can be checked by using a rating company. One of the better known rating companies is Standard and Poors. There are also many magazines available that can help you find some financially strong insurers.
The internet is the easiest method of getting fast and free quotes, but there are other places to search as well. Many companies sell their own insurance through their own agents while other agents can get quotes from several different insurance companies, allowing you the opportunity to go with the lower priced ones. It is often wise to ask acquaintances about their insurance. Price alone should not be the sole deciding factor when insuring your auto. Dependability, honesty, 24-hour claims service and other factors should also be weighed.
A wise thing to do is to contact your state insurance department. They can provide information about the companies you are investigating. If there are consumer complaints about a particular insurer chances are they can tell you.
Another item that should be thought about is the possibility of saving money by insuring both your auto and your home through the same company. Most insurance companies will give you lower rates if you insure more things with them.
If you want to keep your costs the cheapest possible there are many other factors in determining what your coverage will end up costing you. Some of these include the quality of your credit rating, how many miles you drive each year (lower mileage can mean cheaper premiums) and whether or not you work for a company that will allow you to get their group discount. Some professionals such as doctors or chiropractors get discounts. Belonging to certain types of businesses or associations can also possibly qualify you for auto cheap insurance coverage. One of the biggest factors is your driving history. Have you been in other accidents lately?
These are all factors that should be investigated before committing to a particular company. Write down all of your questions and concerns and then you can begin with the free quotes. Call several insurance agents that are in your area and get some free quotes online. You can save on your premiums by doing just a little homework.
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