Used Cars

Used cars can save you a lot of money. The money you can save depends on the resale value. Some models and makes retain their value better than others. Compared to a new car your savings will add up in insurance costs, licensing and tabs depending on the state or city you live in.

If your buying a used car for sale you probably have searched classified ads or want ads or heard about the used vehicle from a friend. You may have found your set of wheels on a used car dealers lot when shopping their inventory. It is always a good idea to look up the value of the vehicle your interested in in an automotive publication that specializes in older vehicle prices you can often find book values online. If your hard pressed and you need a quote now a call to your bank may help with a price quote. Always have an idea what a fair market value is when searching for used cars.

As with any major purchase it is a good idea to make sure you have financing available. Even if it is a personal loan this can often save you hundreds or more over the life of the loan. It also takes off the stress of getting a last minute loan through a high pressure car dealer that can sometime have much higher interest rates. Don't be surprised if a dealer can offer you a lower percentage on a loan it sometimes happens. This is why it is nice to know what your financing options are before buying if you can not pay cash.

Used cars can offer up some excellent savings. When talking to the seller always offer below the asking price. A good starting point is 75% or asking price and have a list of defects such as needs tires, pitted windshield, door dings or even a stained or worn carpet carpet that indicates excessive wear. If the vehicle has high mileage or an engine that looks dirty those can be good points to bargain to get a reduced price. You can even point out a funny odor in a used car as a reason for asking bellow book price. As long as you have a few good flaws to point out a reasonable seller will usually lower their price though if it is bellow book value they also make you aware of that fact too.

When searching for a used car you have more than the local classifieds and local car lots. If your not hard pressed to make a purchase other options are available. Consider searching online dealers inventories or car auctions. Even government auctions can be found on the Internet and offer some good deals not only on cars but trucks, motorcycles, vans and much more.. Police auctions where seized cars are a great source. Most of those vehicles are due to recovery, confiscation or have just been abandoned at the side of the road. Reposes ions or bank repos can be another source. Often auctions have a preview session so you have a chance to kick check out the used cars before purchase.

You may still want to buy a car locally or through a private party. When you search for used cars online you may have a larger selection of the model and brand you want. You will also find what the typical pricing for a model in your zip code is fetching. Many dealers when selling in classified ads or online sometime pose as a private party so consider that when making your purchase. Used cars on a reputable dealers lot often get a thorough inspection and the ones that don't pass their criteria often get sent to auction or off to the bargain lot. Sometime when purchasing through a dealer a savvy buyer may be able to negotiate a deeply discounted extended warranty.

It is often a wise idea if time permits and you have time to run your vehicle through a diagnostics check with your favorite mechanic if they can fit you in.

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By Pete Marks