Top Five Places to Find a Cheap Used Car in Metro Atlanta

My extensive quest for the perfect used car landed me in dozens of places. While scouring metro Atlanta, I realized just how difficult it is to try to find a decent used car. While there are literally hundreds of used car lots in Atlanta, many of them leave a lot to be desired in terms of reliability and good business practices. However, over the years Lemon Laws have tightened up. And consumers are even more vigilant about obtaining better customer service. With this in mind, I sat down at my trusty computer and began my search.

1. CRAIGSLIST - The craze of Craigslist, an open community website originating in San Francisco, has lent itself to all sorts of interesting transactions. I started combing this website in the hopes of finding someone local who was willing to sell their "baby" for a good price. With the ads on Craigslist being quite free-form, I was able to determine which sellers were really serious about releasing their cars into willing hands. I was also met with a lot of flukes.

This is a great website for locating private sellers who might ordinarily never be found via a newspaper ad. In searching for a decent used Volvo, I met two separate individuals who were attempting to unload their 1989 Volvos. Both gentlemen posted pictures of their cars on the site, along with an in-depth description of all the cars' inner workings. The bad news was that upon seeing the vehicles in person, I realize that neither of their cars was up to my particular standards. The good news is that I recognized that Craigslist is in fact, a valid source for locating all sorts of sales. My suggestion is that if you're going to use Craigslist as your main method of finding a used car, make sure that you comb the ads very thoroughly, and make notes about the vehicles you intend to check out. It also doesn't hurt to have a mechanic on hand to look at the cars with you.

2. CAR AUCTIONS - For approximately $30, I purchased online access to a network which divulges the locations and inventory of used cars which are being sold at auctions. When I found out that I could literally purchase a car for just $500, I was hooked on the notion of auctions. But the deeper I delved into the intricate world of auctioneering, the more I understood how "un-cut and un-dry" the process really is. First of all, there are several auctions all throughout the state of Georgia. Many of them are police auctions; some are general ones. The trick to purchasing a good car at an auction is essentially the timing.

Many of the auctions take place in the mornings in the middle of the work week (many on Tuesdays and Thursdays.) Unless you have an extremely flexible schedule (and a way to get the car home), shopping at auctions can be a little tricky. Furthermore, even if you happen to make it to the auction, there is still the question of quality. Some auctions actually present their inventory on websites for potential customers to peruse. But upon arriving at the sale location, one may find that the actual condition of the vehicle is much less than favorable-in which case, you've got to start all over.

Another caveat to purchasing a car at an auction is the competition. Used car dealers have nothing but time and flexibility on their hands. Many also have a mechanic staff capable of whipping a car back into shape. These people, in addition to other hungry car seekers, are your competition. Therefore, aligning all these obstacles may prove to be time-consuming, and more of a headache than planned.

3. Consumer's Choice - MARIETTA, GA - This used car dealership, located off Lower Roswell Road in Marietta, is a decent place to purchase a used car. The car lot is very small, but offers a rather acceptable inventory of standard-looking vehicles. A used Honda civic could be priced anywhere from $2000 to $7000 depending upon the condition, year, and mileage. This dealership is run by a woman (whom I have noticed make great sales personnel), who is extremely honest about the inventory. On one occasion, I asked about a very smart looking-fully loaded black Ford Taurus with all the trimmings. She admitted that the car had been reconditioned after the Hurricane Katrina floods. While she would have let me examine the car had I pressed her on the issue, I was grateful that she made the effort to take the "high road" (no pun intended.)

There are quite a few high-end vehicles on Consumer Choice's lot. However, after going over the total price, along with the financing options, I realized that the higher-end vehicles were not necessarily worth the money. Considering that all cars are sold AS-IS or with just a 30-day warranty, I was not willing to take the chance on purchasing an SUV pain-in-the-neck. My advice for anyone thinking of purchasing here would be to stick to simple reliable name brand foreign cars. Check the mileage, and have a mechanic do an inspection. Most of the cars appear to be in very good working condition. But it's always to be safe than sorry.

4. Bill Heard Chevrolet - UNION CITY, GA - Take a cruise on down Interstate 85-South, past the airport, and you'll find yourself approaching Union City, GA. This is where you'll discover Bill Heard Chevrolet. This is a major dealership which specializes of course, in Chevy sales. However, the used car lot is very reasonable. They often have cash specials on their fairly late model used vehicles. Prices on these used cars can range from $2000 to $9000, depending on the make and model. For a major dealership in the metro Atlanta area, these are fairly reasonable prices.

Those who are seeking financing in lieu of a cash sale are also in luck. Credit applications which typically are a huge factor with other major dealers are not so much of a caveat at Bill Heard. There is special financing available for those with no, slow, or bad credit. In some cases, the dealer is willing to work with potential customers on the amount of their down payment. With "Mom & Pop" used car lots charging poor credit customers up to 20% in interest, the major dealers are reclaiming this demographic of people by offering better deals. Be mindful, that if you're looking for more high-end used vehicles, you're in the wrong place. Bill Heard's used car lot contains cars such as Cavaliers, Ford Escorts, and Kias. There are other models. But experience has revealed that the best deals are to be had on these types of cars.

5. Southeast Financial Services -BUFORD, GA - For those who are seeking a used car with a little more pizzazz, a voyage on Interstate 85 in the opposite direction (northbound) is a better option. Southeast Financial Services is located several miles outside of Atlanta in Buford, GA. This company specializes in financing for people who have less than perfect credit.

The dealership has been so successful, that the inventory has been divided into two lots. Most of the cars available are foreign or earlier model luxury cars. My visit to this dealership was quite interesting. I fell completely in love with an early model Infiniti Q-45, which was ultimately sold to a previous admirer. The good thing about Southeast Financial is that the prices are very good considering the kind of stock they have. They even have specials wherein only $700 down is required to score a really decent foreign model car. Warranties are available, and the selection is very large.

The good old fashioned "hunt and peck" method for finding a used car can be quite fruitful. But it does help to have an idea of which dealers provide the best deals. Many used car lots have tightened up the quality of the service they provide to consumers. The best thing to do is comparison shop, and then comparison shop some more. Look at the overall quality and appearance of the inventory. If many of the cars are not taken care of on the inside, you can only imagine what the inner workings must be like. Furthermore, there are car checker services which will provide bumper-to-bumper inspections on cars for a flat rate. Ultimately I was offered a deal elsewhere that I just could not pass up. However, had I passed on that opportunity, I would certainly be driving down the road in a car from one of these (5) places.