Used Car Buying Guide

Looking for a used car and a fair price? Here are some tips for getting a good deal. First If I'm buying from a dealer and I usually do, I go to a big car dealer such as a Ford or Chevy dealer that sells new cars as well. The reason I do this is that they usually have better used cars. Most new car dealers sell the junk trades they take in, to wholesale lots. Which is why I don't shop at wholesale lots.

I also try to go to a dealer that has been around a few years; they tend to be more honest and are trying to maintain a good reputation in the community. But before I go to a dealer I go to the Better Business Bureau http://www.bbb.org/ and check out the business. I look for complaints and number of them, and what they were about. This is free and will give you an idea of their business practices. Also check out http:www.associatedcontent.com for more buying guides.

Now whether I'm buying from a dealer or I check out Kelly Blue Book for the value of the car at http://www.kbb.com/ and also I pay the fee (it's worth it to me) at carfax Http://www.carfax.com to run their check of the car, you need the VIN number to do this.
Then I arrange for a mechanic to be waiting while I do a test drive. Tell the dealer or person that your going to have it looked at. If they have a problem with this, don't buy the car. Have a local mechanic check it out to see if he finds any problems. Yeah this costs a little money but it's worth the price. You will spend much more in repair bills if you buy a clunker. You really need to use Carfax to make sure it hasn't been in a flood during one of the hurricanes. If you don't live in the North, I wouldn't buy a used vehicle that had been up North and moved south. The salt they use on the roads during winter will make the car rust out quickly.

If you're buying from a dealer ask to see the maintenance record. Also ask for this from an individual selling a car. If they don't have it, ask for contact information on the previous owner and where any service had been done. When buying from a dealer ask for the Buying Guide, federal law says they have to show it to you.

Also during the test drive, go up hills and in curves see if it has enough power in the motor to get you around. Don't turn on the radio; you need it to be quiet to see if there are any strange noises from the motor. Make sure the car handles well and does not need to be lined up. Make sure any dealer oral promises are written down and signed for so they have to back up their promises.

If you buy a used car from a dealer, buy an extended service contract or warranty. It's well worth the money to have them fix any problems that come up. Also don't be afraid to haggle the price with a dealer or a person. Most places and people will gladly take less than the asking price to make a sale.

Don't listen to any sob stories the salesman may tell you about how much he needs the money, they will haggle. One told me he couldn't lower the price because his 3 kids needed the money. I told him to get a better job and walked off the lot.
To sum this up, do some homework in advance on any dealer, then check out the car you want. A little investigating on the vehicle will save you money and time in the long run.