How to buy a used car
Buying a used car is like playing the lottery, or walking through a minefield: you never know what can happen! There are so many things to control, it is difficult to decide where to start to worry. Here are some of the issues that must be considered.
Steps
1. Decide which car you need. It is a practical approach, not trying to figure out which car you want, but what would be most appropriate. Take the Consumer Reports Buying Guide or your package online to buy a used car, you should also check your free guide to buying a used car. Remember that cars with high scores have high prices. A car with a low score can be a goldmine if you’re willing to endure a couple of design flaws.
2. Use a calculator to know how much will your monthly payments. For now do not worry about prices, discussed how long they will use that car, what monthly payment you can afford and how much you can pay in cash.
3. Ask all the questions that come to mind. Try to get as much information about the past of the car. Ask the former owners name and call them. CarFax and Autocheck used to produce your own reports, we know of some sellers who “lost” the last page of the same. Make sure you get the identification number (VIN number of the vehicle) you are interested to verify through CarFax, AutoCheck or any holding company of the history of the cars, the VIN number is usually found at the bottom of the windshield just above the dashboard, driver’s side.
4. Make a test drive the car. Always. Test the car and drive it in different ways for at least 15 minutes. Remember that you will be driving this car for a while. See if the address pull to one side or stands straight. Pulling to one side has an alignment problem or bad tires, if only to strip when it is a brake problem. Check if it shakes when braking (this indicates that there are problems with the discs / bells and pads / brake pads). No need to navigate (tires or defective address). If you have time, sit in the car for an hour … usually seem comfortable seats if you’re sitting a short time.
5. Have it checked by a professional. If the seller does not let you control your own mechanic, run away from that business. Pay the mechanic to control it. He should review it from below with a crane or in the pit to make sure it is not damaged in the structure or the chassis.
6. While the price Investigates – Use an independent source to determine the wholesale price and retail vehicle you are interested. The information sources used for this are, DriverSide, Edmunds, Latest Cars and Kelley Blue Book. The price that the seller is asking you similar or is there some inexplicable difference in price?
7. You negotiate the price. You should always have a rough idea of what you pay for the vehicle before you begin negotiating. Start from the bottom and try to reach a compromise when you get to the point that is convenient for you. Remember that to produce a sale is necessary that both are winners. Never begin to negotiate if you are not able to say “if” there. You will lose your power / credibility with the seller at the critical moment you’re ready / a to buy.
8. It requires all the papers. V5, MOT and maintenance history. He insists that you give at least 2 sets of keys.
9. Get a report about the past of the car. Do not want to end up buying a car that went through a flood. After Katrina, there are many cars in these conditions on the lots for sale. Order a CARFAX History Report Carriage worth the time and money you invest in it, because you’ll know exactly what you’re buying. Autocheck is similar, much better than CARFAX reports on accidents due to the methods used to gather information. The wisest thing is to use both.
10. Find out about the financial history of the used car. To be sure / that is not a stolen car, find out the police. If you are not satisfied with the amount of detail you get, be sure to consult the police … can save you time and worry later.
11. Mechanical controls of the car. Not everyone has the ability and expertise of a mechanic. This does not mean that the average buyer can not perform an initial review of the state to realize the car. It is very advisable to hire a mechanic to check it before buying it, but it would be expensive and impractical to do in each car that interests you. Most used cars are in poor condition and the price is inflated, it is because people assign emotional values to the cars, so that it artificially increases the price. If you learn to review the basic mechanical components of a car will reduce significantly the time and money wasted on chasing after a “nail.”
12. Main components of a car. You must include the inspection of any car a thorough review of the engine, transmission, gearbox, brakes and tires, electrical system, exhaust, glass and mirrors, and possibly predict potential failures of the car.
Tips
If you’re making a change, inform yourself very well on price, but remember that you will not get what you find in the main hall. There should always be a price increase, and you are not responsible for mechanical problems, such as the seller. Use Kelly Blue Book, but remember this is a guide, not a bible.
If you are not comfortable negotiating the price or checking the mechanical condition of used cars, think of the possibility of hiring a car buying service.
Never buy a car that is offered with a new coat of paint. You may have had an accident.
If you buy a car from a private seller, make sure that any debt associated with the vehicle has been paid.
[1] offer suggestions on what to look for when buying a second hand car.
Warnings
Beware of sales professionals by pretending to be individuals. Controls the title to make sure it has not been issued recently. Look at the mileage registered on the title for sure how it was when it was purchased. Controls the title to other states. This does not mean it is false, but simply that came from elsewhere. Very often vendors buy cars from other states.
Do not buy a car that is already in place when you get to do a test drive.
Never buy a car when it is raining. Everyone looks good when wet.