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I don’t expect a used car to be perfect, but how do I tell that I’m actually getting my moneys worth ?

What are some steps I can take to increase my chances of getting a decent car ?

5 Comments »

1. 

   calipink said enough… I’d add not to worry too much about the age. I have seen 1991 toyotas on ebay for $1000 and they had less than 40.000 miles. Such a car if genuine will last just as long as any $40k SUV but will cost a fraction of the money to run.

   Comment by hooperbobber — December 24, 2010 @ 11:28 pm

2. 

   mileage is a big issue. Although car dealers can sell a car with a million miles for the same price as a car with a thousand miles. Mileage is always something to look for. The higher the mileage, the closer the vehicle is to it’s end. Look for a low mileage vehicle. It usually means the previous owner took good care of the car. Also, when looking at used cars have a mechanic of your choice take a look at it. If there’s anything wrong with the car, they’ll find it. Don’t use the mechanic at the dealership because they’ll tell you the car is in tip top shape and a week later the wheels will fall off. Used cars are always buyer beware! See if you can find a late model used car with extended warranty, that’s always your best bet

   Comment by calipink22 — December 24, 2010 @ 11:28 pm

3. 

   You have to consider the age and the mileage If you can find a car from the original owner that has the maintenance records with it that is your best bet. Remember a higher mileage car that was maintained properly is better than a low mileage car that was not maintained.

   Comment by 67 Bronco — December 24, 2010 @ 11:28 pm

4. 

   Never commit to something the first day. Take some notes when you go to look around and go home and see if the cars you might be interested in are worth the money they are asking for. Do not go in there with any definitive things you are looking for. If you want an SUV, say I would like to look at some. Don’t tell them how much you want to spend, because they will go for a car that is at the top end of your budget or more. Make sure that the mileage isn’t over what it should be. An average car has anywhere from 12,000 to 15,000 miles on it in a year. If you see a car that is 10 years old and has more than 150,000- walk away. Ask about recent mechanical problems and what has been fixed recently. Always ask about gas mileage. Most of the time they will be somewhat honest about this, so if they say 30mpg, it’s usually around 25mpg. Check the entire interior and look under the hood and under the car. If you are not mechanically inclined then ask to have a real mechanic look at it. I did this once pretty subtly. I took a mechanic friend with me and had him look at the car I was thinking about buying. He did it very discreetly but advised me not to buy it. Do not have anything set in stone. You may have a color in mind or features that you would like to have but do not inform a car salesman of what you want. Just browse like you would in a shopping mall. Car salesman get commissions, they want to sell you something that will give them a nice commission. Don’t let them talk you into something you do not want, even if it is a nice car. Stick to your budget and do not stray. If they really want your business they will work for you. And inform them that you are looking elsewhere, it could cause them to make you some deals.

   Comment by dein_85 — December 24, 2010 @ 11:28 pm

5. 

   Any used car you consider buying should have a carfax report done on it and have a mechanic take a look at it. Most of them will charge you but it’s worth the less than $100 or so dollars it will take to ensure that you are buying your money’s worth. Also, you need to consider financing. The best way to buy a car is with cash, but if not then you should consider your financing options. Try to put a large chunk of cash down. And, only buy a car older than 2 years old (cars depreciate the most in the first two years.) If you absolutely must get a car and have no credit then you may have to go to a buy here pay here. but, be aware that they have higher interest rates because they finance people with bad credit. J.D.Byrider actually writes a blog about their auto financint at http://blog.jdbyrider.com/

   Comment by Jim E — December 24, 2010 @ 11:28 pm

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