Tips on Buying a Used Car from a Second-hand Car Dealer

2009-03-01T18:35:00.001-08:00

Used cars — even only one year old — are, now, 20 to 30 percent cheaper than new cars.Given the current global financial melt-down, you can get a car that’s as good as a brand-new car, without suffering the depreciation that wallops new car buyers.

But there are other good reasons to buy a used car:

Buying a used car means you can move up in class.

You’ll save money on insurance

Used cars are more reliable today than ever before. Many used cars are still under the factory warranty. Most new car manufacturers now sell certified used cars, which include warranties

The history of a used car can easily be traced using the engine & chassis number. Financing used cars has never been easier — car loans are available through banks and finance companies. The money saved by buying a used car can be invested or saved to use on items which appreciate — like real estate — instead of cars, which depreciate. If you buy from a private party, the negotiation process is less stressful

True, you can’t be the first one on the block with the trendiest vehicle. And there is the lack of new car smell. But your consolation will be the knowledge that you got a great deal and made a solid decision. So read on, as we guide you along the road to used-car happiness.

There are some basic steps that make used car buying seem simple. Buying a second-hand car can be stressful and time-consuming, yet definitely worthwhile. Just follow these 12 steps.

1. Do Your Homework
Identify what you want before going to a used car dealer ship. Since your choices may be limited by what you can afford, determine your monthly costs before you do anything. Make a list of expenses to own the car including insurance, maintenance, fuel, and other associated costs. Does it fit into your monthly budget?

2. Go With A Brand Name You Can Trust
Choose a reputable dealer that offers quality certified used cars and backs their products with a warranty. Many people fear having a bad experience at a second-hand car dealer. While many indignities still prevail in some second-hand car dealers most reputable second-hand car dealers usually recognize the importance of treating customers with respect. It’s your responsibility to find a second-hand car dealer that will treat you with the respect you deserve.

3. Trust Your Instincts
Trust your instincts and apply the years of shopping experience and research skills you’ve honed from other purchases to the sale of a car. You don’t need to know how an engine ticks to buy a car. Trust your instincts about the salesperson and second-hand car dealer

4. Be Prepared To Walk Away
Have the car checked out by a reputable mechanic. A reputable second-hand car dealer will have no problem with you bringing in your own mechanic to check out the car. They may not let you take it off the lot to do so but most will let you bring someone to the lot. If they don’t, assume something is wrong and walk away no matter how much you love the car.

5. Shop Around — Be Picky!
Once you identify what you want and can afford, locate the second-hand car dealers who carry the product. Make a list of questions like the year of the car? Keep in mind that the higher the mileage the more worn the car and its parts. Has it undergone any structural repairs? Has it ever been in an accident? Are they willing to show you its historical maintenance records? Don’t’ rush into anything — even if you think you’ve found the car of your dreams.

6. Take It For A Test Drive
Never buy a car without taking it for a test drive. If they say no then walk away. Reputable second-hand car dealers will allow you to go for a test drive and will accompany you to answer questions. Take the vehicle for a test drive on a route you normally take to work, for example, to get a good feel of how it will handle over the roads you drive every day. One of the tricks of used-car test drives is that sales people often choose a route that is quite smooth making the car feel perfectly fine. So don’t settle for a test drive around the block.

7. All Sales Final — Take Your Time
In most used car cases, if you buy from a “under the cherry tree” second-hand car dealer, you own it and all its problems, once you leave. So take your time before making a commitment.

Hint: Returned financed vehicles make excellent buys as they have low mileage and second-hand

dealers usually inspect them bumper-to-bumper in preparation for sale. They often

come with warranties too.

8. Finding the Right Retailer — Build A Relationship
Establish a friendly relationship with your second-hand car dealer that you trust so when you return for maintenance you’ll feel confident about it. Building a positive long-term relationship is to the dealer’s advantage too. Happy customers recommend their second-hand car dealership to friends and family. They don’t want unhappy customers who will bad mouth the second-hand car dealership.

9. Seek Out Salespeople Who Don’t Use High Pressure Sales Tactics
If a salesperson is using high pressure sales tactics, your red flag should go up. Today’s quality brand name cars practically sell themselves. Sales people that use high pressure usually have another agenda. Walk away. If you’re not in control, getting your questions answered, and feeling comfortable, then this is not the place to make your sale.

10. Search the Net for Information
The Internet is a beautiful thing. You can do all your research at home. Just search the web for things like “how to inspect a car”, auto reviews, leased vehicle sales, etc. Most importantly, do a vehicle chassis and engine number check.

11. Never Settle & Exercise Your Right To Change Your Mind
It’s your money! Do what you want, not what someone else wants you to do. You are the one who has to live with this car. Never accept any deal that’s a final sale. Don’t settle for anything less than what you really want unless it’s a compromise you can live with. Explore their warranties, and research extended warranties.

12. Read the Fine Print!
And always, and we do stress always, read the fine print before signing anything and what you don’t understand, ask someone who is knowledgeable about contracts.

I am creating my blog with my internet marketing coach, Fione of http://www.eOneNet.com

My Auto Experience

Tips on Buying a Used Car from a Second-hand Car Dealer