Finding Used Car Buying Tips
- You can determine a car's retail value before going to the dealership by visiting the Kelley Blue Book website.Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
Spending a large sum of money, negotiating the best deal and choosing from hundreds of features, colors, makes and models--these are some of the factors that can make buying a vehicle an intimidating idea. Shopping for a used car can be even more stressful, since many come without a warranty, and buyers may not be able to spot a vehicle's flaws at a glance or on a test drive. - Before visiting a dealership or private lot that sells used cars, ask friends, coworkers and family members about their experiences at these businesses. You can also visit the Better Business Bureau website to find out its rating of these dealerships and how they have resolved past complaints.
Dealerships aren't your only options for used cars. Check local newspapers and local online classified ads to see vehicles for sale. You can also visit auto-selling websites that allow private parties to post advertisements. When driving around town, keep your eyes peeled for "For Sale" signs on vehicles. - The Edmunds website offers a "Used Car Question Sheet" that suggests the types of information you should request when calling about a car you've seen advertised. Edmunds suggests calling about cars before seeing them in person because you may be able to quickly eliminate some vehicles from consideration. Suggested questions include whether any major parts have been replaced and whether the vehicle needs any repairs.
Edmunds suggests paying attention to the car's acceleration, braking and cornering abilities, as well as listening for rattles, squeaks and engine noise. Test out features like turn signals, headlights, windshield wipers and the trunk release. Note the condition of the fabrics in the car, and look inside the trunk to see how much space it offers. Wait until the end of your drive to test out the radio so you won't miss any noises. - Subscribers to the Consumer Reports website can access its used-car reliability data. The publications bases this information on annual surveys that ask vehicle owners about any serious problems their car has experienced in the 12 months prior to the survey date. Consumer Reports tracks this information over 10 model years. The publication also provides a list of the best and worst used cars.
Next, find out what the car is worth. Search the "Used Cars" section on the Kelley Blue Book website to find out what you should expect to pay when buying a car from a private party or from a dealership. Input the vehicle's mileage and features, as well as your zip code, to get the most accurate price.
Obtain a vehicle history report. Before you make a deal, use the car's vehicle identification number to learn about its past. You can purchase a report that shows you whether the vehicle has been flooded or in an accident, whether it used to be a rental car and how many owners it has had. - When you've narrowed your search to one car that you're ready to buy, take it to a mechanic you trust to have a thorough inspection before negotiating the final price. Edmunds says you can skip this step if you are buying a certified, pre-owned vehicle.
