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
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
While it is possible to get a great deal and a bargain car at an auction, buying a used car this way isnt always the ideal way to buy a car, there are better ways.
If it is your first time of buying a used car or you know very little about cars, then buying from an auction isnt advisable. Perhaps the biggest problem with purchasing a car from an auction is the fact that that you have very little cover to fall back on if there should be any problem with the car. This is usually due to the auction house issuing a disclaimer, which many do, which states something such as sold as seen.
While many goods are covered by the Sale of Goods Act, some of the cleverer auction houses can get around this by altering the conditions of the sale by taking away the buyers rights under the Act.
If you do wish to purchase a car from an auction then it is advisable to visit an auction house several times before actually deciding to bid on a car. This way you can get used to the terminology used and the way auction houses work. It is also advisable to take someone with you who knows something about cars when you do decide to buy.
Most auction houses will hold preview days where you look at the car up for auction prior to bidding. This will give you a good chance to have a look at the vehicle.
You would be wise to consider having a vehicle data check done, which is a service that checks a vehicles history. It will show up really valuable things such as whether the car has been stolen, or the mileage tampered with etc.
Finally, it is essential that you know your spending limit. Dont ever be tempted to go over that limit no matter how good a deal something may seem.
Tags: Auction Bidding, Auction Car, Auction House, Auction Houses, Bargain, Bid, Buy A Car, Buying A Used Car, Car Auction, Car Buying, Cars, Checks, Good Chance, Ideal, Mileage, Preview Days, Purchasing A Car, Second Hand Car, Several Times, TamperedRelated 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
While you can get a great bargain by purchasing a second hand car you can also get nothing more than an old banger if you dont take care. When it comes to purchasing a second hand car from a private dealer there are different rules than if you bought from an established dealer. One of the biggest differences are your consumer rights – or lack of them.
While there are many honest and trustworthy people out there selling used cars there are also some dodgy characters and of course sometimes it is hard to tell the difference. One of the best tips when buying a car from a private dealer is to pay a small fee to have a car data check carried out. This will check such things as the previous owner of the car, mileage data associated with the vehicle and if there are any problems relating to finance or insurance.
When going to look at a second hand car sold by a private buyer you should consider taking someone with you who knows about cars. If you dont have someone who knows enough about cars and what to look for when buying second hand then it could save you money and heartache in the long run if you were to pay a mechanic to go and look over the car with you before committing yourself to purchasing it.
When buying privately make sure that you learn as much as you can about the make and model of the particular car that you are going to look over. Do an online search through used cars for the model and make sure that you have a very good idea of what that particular make and model is selling for.
When buying privately always make sure that you go and look over the car in daylight. If the seller is wary of letting you do this then it is very likely that they have something to hide. The seller should be able to answer all your questions willingly about the history of the car. If they tell you they dont know or are unsure because they are selling the car for a friend or relative then you should stay clear and look elsewhere. They should also be able to provide you with all the necessary documentation relating to the cars history.
If you are buying from a dealer then be aware of all the added extras which they could try to entice you with and ask yourself if you really need them. Also be careful when it comes to taking any payment protection insurance associated with any car finance through them as this can boost the price up drastically of the car.
Tags: Banger, Bargain, Buying A Used Car, Car Data, Car Mileage, Heartache, History Of The Car, Insurance, Mechanic, Mileage, Mileage Data, Online Cars, Private Buyer, Private Dealer, Purchasing Car, Second Hand Car, Selling Cars, Selling Used Cars, Tips For Buying A Used Car, Trustworthy PeopleRelated posts
Its just one of those mornings. As the rain pours down and Im trying to start my mini (yes those old small ones) I decide its time to buy a new car.
Now, before I embark on this wonderful journey- there are a few stumble blocks I need to sort out. Firstly, I cant afford a new car, but Im sure I can find a nice, affordable second hand car somewhere. Secondly, I have no idea what to look for in a car.
For me its all about how cute I will look in it and that it will take me from point A to point B. I know nothing more than the absolute necessary. The engine is in the front under the hood, the spare wheel is somewhere in the back and I know where the exhaust is. Furthermore, my knowledge is very limited.
With my boyfriend out of town and my time relatively limited, I need to find some or other guide to help me. A guide for people who knows nothing about cars, something written for dummies, a buyers guide for second hand cars.
Obviously, the best and first place I look for this Used car buyers guide for dummies is on the Internet. I, of course, find quite a few irrelevant results that just show me lists of car dealers.
Eventually I stumble across a very in-depth used car buyers guide that gives you twelve different things to look out for when buying a car. I had to read it twice to understand everything, but eventually I got the hang of it.
Firstly, they give some helpful advice regarding the purchase of the used car. Then they chat about registration and documentation and give some useful information- mentioning things like the Vehicle Identification Number and where you need to look for it!
Furthermore the buyers guide supply the reader with tips on what to look out for when they are viewing a second hand or used car. They even mention the appearance of the car- and no this is not just the outside of the car!
They give little tidbits to look out for when you start-up the engine. Apparently, when you test-drive the car, you should drive it at various speeds- this will give you an indication of the condition of the engine.
The bodywork of the used car must be inspected and you should look out for any accident damage to the car. Make sure to check out the interior and the upholstery- lift seat covers to see if the seller isnt just hiding damaged seats!
Half of these things I would have never even thought to look at! Other tips include information about the gearbox and clutch, brakes and suspension, radiator and cooling system, as well as more general things like steering and tyres.
Must say, after reading this guide, I will definitely be able to pick out my new second hand used car with more confidence! For those women and other dummies out there that know nothing about what to look out for when buying a second hand or used car- get yourself a buyers guide! It really does help.
Tags: Appearance, Buy Car, Buying A Car, Car Buyers Guide, Car Buying Tips, Car Chat, Car Dealers, Different Things, Dummies, Irrelevant Results, One Of Those Mornings, People, Rain, Second Hand Car, Second Hand Cars, Spare Wheel, Time To Buy A New Car, Vehicle Identification Number, Wheel, Wonderful JourneyRelated 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