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I’m look for a used truck right now. I have a found a couple that match what I’m looking for but with a used car, you never know what could be wrong with it. What should I look out for? This is my first time and I just want to make sure I don’t get scammed into something, especially because I’m a girl too. I know people might try to take advantage of that. Any tips would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

7 Comments »

1. 

   Ask to see the "Carfax" report on the car. If it has ever been in an accident or had mechanical trouble, it will be listed on that report. Whenever a car goes into the shop for any reason, or is on an insurance claim, the VIN number is recorded and placed into a computer. The "Carfax" is actually a report card on an exact car. Every used car has one on file, but only dealerships have access to these reports. You should demand one before you buy any used car or truck.
   Also, check out http://www.edmunds.com, and it will tell you what the fair retail price is of any used car. Don’t accept the sticker price, it is heavily inflated and you will be ripped off. Hold out for a lower price. Drive the car for at least 30 minutes for the test drive.

   If you have time, check out the book "Don’t Get Taken Every Time" by Remar Sutton. It is THE best book on new and used car buying ever written. Learning about the many tricks dealers pull on people will save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars.

   Comment by Peaches — January 28, 2010 @ 4:18 pm

2. 

   I’m in rv sales I would say dont deal with Sales people on the floor ask for internet sales or Fleet sales, if you really want a good deal, the thing is that the money isnt made on the sale anymore it on the add on’s service contracts or coating they add to your car that you really dont need. You can get after market service contract cheaper than what a dealer can offer you. You want to get as close to invoice as possible.This means cost, not sales cost which means what sale people have to be above to make commission. That wont be a problem with Fleet or Internet sales, remember if you don’t want to have the service contracts like drugs just say no

   Comment by david m — January 28, 2010 @ 4:18 pm

3. 

   You should ask about the mileage and about any past accidents and mechanical issues. Try carfax.com. Also, before sealing the deal make sure you compare the asking price with the price at Kelley Blue Book to make sure you are not being taken advantage of. If you have a friend or family member who understand a lot about cars, you should consider asking him/her to acompany you.

   Comment by CuriousGal! — January 28, 2010 @ 4:18 pm

4. 

   I agree with what some of the other are saying. I went to buy a 2005 Aveo, the dealership was asking for 6900, I offered them 5000 and they were will to accept it, but once I asked for the carfax I discovered it had been in two accidents so they were willing to let me take the car for 4600 out the door.
   That proves that you should ask for the carfax. But you can get one if you are not looking at a dealership. Its not free you do have to pay for it.
   You could ask the dealership sometimes if you could test drive the car for awhile. I was able to test drive the Aveo for 2 days.
   If its a private seller ask them if you could take it to a mechanic to have it inspected. Again its not free but its usually about $20-30 and its worth it to make sure that you are buying a car that is worth the money you are spending on the car or in your case a truck.
   one thing i learned was that truck last!!!

   Good luck with the search!! I know it is not easy
   If not through a dealership

   Comment by girlnorm — January 28, 2010 @ 4:18 pm

5. 

   Once you choose a car or truck. Spend a little money and have the car inspected by a mechanic of your choice. If buying from a dealer, still take it to your own mechanic.

   Comment by Kenny J — January 28, 2010 @ 4:18 pm

6. 

   First you need to get the VIN number of the car from the seller and run a history report no matter who you re buying it from.

   If you see any of these signs walk away

   The history report shows proof that the car has been stolen, odometer role back, salvaged or flooded

   The VIN# on the dashboard, door, trunk, hood, engine and title do not all match.

   The seller didn’t allow you to have the car inspected by a mechanic

   The seller does not let you test drive the used car claiming he doesn’t have time and asks for a deposit.

   The seller still owes the bank and the title shows a lien holder with no “Lien Satisfied” on it.

   The seller has no written bill of sale identifying the car’s VIN#, and stating the title has not been rebuilt

   The seller wants you to sign an as is paper…..There is a lot more

   As for the question to ask the seller there is a list here:
   http://used-car-tips.com/used-car-buying-questions

   Try this website http://used-car-tips.com it explains every step of the used car buying process.

   Good Luck

   Comment by Dave — January 28, 2010 @ 4:18 pm

7. 

   There are lots of things to think about when buying a car. Check out this checklist to make sure you are buying the right car for you!

   http://www.ehow.com/how_5483123_shop-used-car-good-financing.html

   Comment by Lovehelper — January 28, 2010 @ 4:18 pm

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