I have always purchased my cars used. And every single time, I got a great deal because of a few secrets that is easy to do.
These secrets will save you money. And the good news is there is no luck involved.
If you follow these steps you are guaranteed to save lots of money, so please pay attention.
BUYING A USED CAR Power Tip #1 - Check Consumer Reports on the safest cars out there. Looks are one thing, but never ignore safety.
Here’s what you do: Go to a reputable car repair shop and ask if you can bring the vehicle by for a look-over.
There is a 99% chance they will say “yes”.
While you’re there, ask what cars they have to repair most often. Also, ask what the inspection includes, how long it takes, and the price. Always get this information in writing - just to be safe.
Once the vehicle has been inspected, ask the mechanic for a written report with a cost estimate for all necessary repairs.
Be sure the report includes the vehicle’s make, model and VIN. If you decide to make an offer to the dealer after approving the inspection, you can use the estimated repair costs to negotiate the price of the vehicle.
Do you see how easy it is?
Are you going to purchase from an individual? If yes, then here is your next tip.
BUYING A USED CAR Power Tip #2
Remember, private sellers generally are not covered by the Used Car Rule and don’t have to use the Buyers Guide. However, you can use the Guide’s list of an auto’s major systems as a shopping tool.
It’s simple.
You can ask the seller if you can have the vehicle inspected by your mechanic. If he/she says no… beware. No matter how nice the car appears, something fishy is going on.
Now, a private sale likely will be on an “as is” basis, unless your purchase agreement with the seller specifically states otherwise. If you have a written contract, the seller has to live up to the contract.
The car also may be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty or a separately purchased service contract. But that doesn’t mean that the warranty and service contract are transferable.
Plus, other limits or costs may apply. Before you buy the car, ask if it’s still under warranty or service contract, and review that baby carefully.
Some states will require vehicle sellers to pass a vehicle inspection before a sale is made. That’s not always the case, though. To find out what your state requires, contact your state Attorney General’s office or a local consumer protection agency.
Hey, it’s just a phone call. And it will take less than 5 minutes.
Whether you end up buying a used car from a dealer, a co-worker, or a neighbor, follow these tips to learn as much as you can about the car:
BUYING A USED CAR Power Tip #3
Examine the car carefully yourself using an inspection checklist. You can find a checklist in many of the magazine articles, books and Internet sites that deal with buying a used car.
Once I bought a used car in August, and never thought to test the rear defroster. Guess what? Come November, I found out it didn’t work. If you’re shopping in the summer, don’t forget to check the heater. And if it’s cold as ice outside, still turn that air on full blast and make sure it works!
Test drive the car under varied road conditions–on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.
Ask for the car’s maintenance record. If the owner doesn’t have copies, contact the dealership or repair shop where most of the work was done. They may share their files with you.
Talk to the previous owner, especially if the present owner is unfamiliar with the car’s history.
Have the car inspected by a mechanic you hire.
There you go.
Follow those three “used car buying” tips and you are guaranteed to save a ton of money buying a used car.
About the author:
Charlie E. Hendersen is the author and creator of the FREE website: GetAnotherCar.com”>http://getanothercar.com”>GetAnotherCar.com A site dedicated to providing useful tips for buying and maintaining your car. -
Thinking Like a Cuban
Since this is an auto repair blog, not my personal podium for political commentary, I’ll skip talking about how stupid a Cuban embargo looks in the year 2010. But I do have an automotive angle. Since the trade embargo began in 1960, Cuba has become famous for its collection of classic American cars. It’s not that they have extremely rare cars, it’s that they managed to keep them running without any proper replacement parts for almost 50 years. That’s some feat, and it’s been accomplished by sheer determination on the part of die-hard Cuban auto enthusiasts. They are so proud of this achievement that the Cuban government has decided to recognize the so-called Yank Tanks that roam its streets by opening an automotive museum featuring many American cars kept alive in Cuba, including a 1905 Cadillac that was used until some time in the 1980s! My point is this: If Cuban mechanics can keep a 1905 Cadillac running without any parts to do it with, you can do anything you want to your car! All it takes is determination, confidence, and a quick trip to the auto parts store.
For more information on the Cuban automotive museum, The Dep sito, read this.
Thinking Like a Cuban originally appeared on About.com Auto Repair on Saturday, January 2nd, 2010 at 23:47:26.
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More Debate Over Tire Pressure
The debate over correct tire pressure never seems to cool. There are actually a few debates. Two favorites are the”tire pressure vs. gas mileage” debate and the “sidewall vs. door jamb” debate. A recent letter from Diana got me interested yet again in the latter argument:
Diana writes: I’m researching this and it seems there is a 50/50 agreement between the tire “experts”. 50 percent say look on side wall of tire and 50 percent say use car rating on inside door panel. I’ve used the inside of door panel rating and my tires wear on the outsides, which proves underinflation and this is evident on all 4 tires.
Aha! Now we have some evidence against the door jambers. If you think of the issue logically, it only makes sense that every tire is different, some vastly, and the tire manufacturer is going to know better what pressure is optimum. I think the info on the door jamb is only reliable if you use the exact tire your car came with every time you buy replacements. I know others of you see things differently — let the debate rage on!
More Debate Over Tire Pressure originally appeared on About.com Auto Repair on Tuesday, December 8th, 2009 at 01:06:19.
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Worst Body Work Ever?
Before today, if I’d been asked about the worst example of body work I’ve ever seen, I’d have been choosing between a few really, really bad Bondo jobs I’ve seen over the years. One poor Ford Fiesta I once knew had so much filler on the front end it looked like a clay pot coming at you. Records are made to be broken, and that Fiesta just got knocked off the block by a maroon conversion van. Wow. I’ll let the photo speak for itself, but I think you’ll agree that it’s some pretty low-quality work.
Don’t let your car or truck be the butt of jokes, learn how to do decent body work and you’ll save serious money at the body shop while keeping your car off blogs like this.
Worst Body Work Ever? originally appeared on About.com Auto Repair on Monday, November 30th, 2009 at 23:45:21.
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