Used Car Checklist

Excellent.
Scores 4.67 with 129 votes
  • Will you be able to handle a vehicle that has a lot of miles on the engine already, or is a low-miles vehicle a need for you?
  • Gas consumption is a big deal now, so decide if that really matters to you.
  • Make up your mind as to why body style of vehicle you want; is it a sedan, van or a sport coupe?
  • What type of support will you get from the place that you are purchasing the vehicle from? Some owners require a lot, others require very little, but it is a consideration.
  • In other words, once you think you've decided on a car, check out everything there is to know about it, such as recalls and mileage.
  • Flexibility in what you want will be important, because not all used cars have everything.
  • Take the time to look around at more than one place; you'll be surprised at the differences in prices.
  • Decide what is most important to you in a vehicle, if you absolutely can't have it all.
  • Not only is word of mouth a good way to find out about dealerships' integrity, but so is the Better Business Bureau, their own websites, and the local Chamber of Commerce.
  • Quite often, you will find that searching Internet sites for salvage or auction sites will lead to great deals for a car that you might want.
  • Most of time, being wary of private sellers is a wise thing, unless you know them well and trust them implicitly.
  • Great deals can be found at auctions, but auction houses do not always have mechanics on hand to do an adequate inspection, so getting car here is risky.
  • Know what the lemon laws are in your state, and keep track of them, just in case something happens if you buy the used car.
  • Don't ever buy a used vehicle without this, or a similar report so that you know about the vehicle's past history regarding wrecks, water damage, etc.
  • Yes, take someone that is experienced in used cars along with you, and can give you a clue if what you're looking at is a heap of junk or not.
  • Take the vehicle to your own trusted mechanic for an inspection, it will be worth the extra money you're spending, even if you don't buy the vehicle.
  • Treat the buying of the used car as a fine dining experience, and seriously look over everything you can about the vehicle that you can.
  • Find out ahead of time what the warranty from the dealer, or seller is. Your lender may require one if you are using a private lender.
  • No matter what you do, don't let a salesperson make you feel so pressured into buying a used car, that you feel you must buy it or else. You will regret it.
  • Developing an emotional attachment to a vehicle before you buy it is an absolute no-no.
  • Whatever you do, don't go into a used-car shopping expedition as if you're going to a fast food restaurant.
  • Pay attention to the deals that the dealership is offering, write them down if necessary.
  • Shop around between banks, and other private lenders in comparison to the dealership, and see who can give you the best deal.
  • Remember, private sellers generally can't do financing, and prefer their money up front, so be prepared to just hand over the money.
  • If you have the right amount of cash on hand, then go ahead and use it; by using cash, the title transfer is done immediately.
  • Don't buy the first car you see.
Excellent.
Scores 4.67 with 129 votes

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