| With the fast depreciation of new vehicles, the wise | | | | consider how much the insurance will be. Car |
| car buyer will shop for a used car rather than a brand | | | | insurance providers charge different rates for various |
| new one. If you are in the market for a new used car, | | | | vehicles based on their safety ratings and overall |
| you need to know what to do to avoid buying a lemon | | | | crash histories. Talk to your insurance provider about |
| or paying way too much for a vehicle. After all, just | | | | the rates on the different vehicles you are considering. |
| because a car is used doesn't mean that it can't be a | | | | You will find that two vehicles with very similar |
| great vehicle for a great price! | | | | features will have very different insurance rates. |
| Where to Find Cars for Sale | | | | Mileage and Age Considerations |
| You can find cars for sale a variety of places. Almost | | | | As you search through the classifieds for your next |
| all dealerships have some used cars available that | | | | used car, make sure you pay attention to the mileage |
| they received as trade-ins, even if they specialize in | | | | on the vehicle. A car with more than 155,000 miles is |
| selling new vehicles. You can also buy directly from a | | | | not going to last long. However, a car with low mileage |
| car's owner. Check newspaper and online classifieds | | | | may not be a good idea either if the car was driven |
| to find cars that are currently for sale. Keep your eyes | | | | poorly. Find out from the buyer what percentage of |
| open as you drive around town to see cars that have | | | | the miles were highway miles if you can. Highway |
| for sale signs in their windows. | | | | driving is not hard no a car's engine. If a car with high |
| You will probably see some cars parked along the | | | | mileage was driven on a long commute over the |
| side of the road for sale. These are often for sale by | | | | highway, the engine will be in better shape than a car |
| individuals who fix up cars and then resell them for | | | | with low mileage that was driven by a "soccer mom" |
| profit. You can sometimes get a good deal on one of | | | | around town to the kids' activities. |
| these cars, but make sure you do your research | | | | You also want to consider the age of a car. Cars, no |
| before buying one. It could have a problem that the | | | | matter what type they are, do not age well. A car that |
| seller is hiding or does not know about. | | | | is more than ten years old is going to take your hard |
| Figuring the Car's Value | | | | earned money over and over for costly repairs. Even |
| You do not want to buy the cheapest car on the | | | | if the car was rarely driven, it can still have worn out |
| market. Extremely low prices usually are there for a | | | | parts simply because the parts are old. If you need a |
| reason. What you want is to find a good deal, which | | | | bargain, shop for a car that is five or six years old. |
| means a good car that is priced at the low end of | | | | The Purchase Process |
| what it is worth. Remember, a cheap car is likely to | | | | Once you find a car that you like, run a vehicle history |
| need costly repairs in the near future. | | | | report on it. You can also ask the seller if you can take |
| How can you know how much a car is worth? One | | | | it to a trusted mechanic to get checked out. These |
| resource to use to check a car's value is Kelley Blue | | | | two steps will help you avoid purchasing a car with |
| Book. This online resource allows you to search using | | | | hidden problems. |
| the car's make, model, year, and condition. It will show | | | | If you are satisfied that the car is right for you, be sure |
| you the average selling price for cars similar to the one | | | | that you negotiate the price. Most buyers are willing to |
| you are considering. Look for a car in the middle to low | | | | take a few thousand less than they have priced the |
| end of the price range shown. Keep in mind that cars | | | | car. Dealers always price the car higher than what |
| priced well below the value may have an underlying | | | | they must sell it for, so do not be afraid to make a |
| problem that you cannot see when you take them for | | | | lower offer. Keep the attitude that you have many |
| a test drive. | | | | other cars to choose from, and you will be able to get |
| Decide the Type of Car You Want | | | | a lower price. |
| The type of car you want will depend on many | | | | Once a price has been agreed to, you will need to pay |
| different factors. If you have children or anticipate | | | | for the car. If you are using a loan, get a check from |
| having children in the near future, make sure that you | | | | your bank that you can use to buy the vehicle. The title |
| choose a vehicle that has enough room in the back | | | | will then be transferred to you. If you are buying from |
| seat for a car seat. Many compact vehicles do not | | | | a dealership, the dealer will probably handle the legal |
| accommodate rear-facing car seats, even though they | | | | aspect of the title transfer. If you are buying from a |
| have a back seat. | | | | private seller, you will have to follow the rules of your |
| You will need to decide how important fuel economy | | | | local DMV to transfer the title from the seller's name to |
| is. A large SUV will have enough room for your | | | | your name. You will be required to show proof of |
| children's seats, but it is going to drink gas. If you intend | | | | insurance before you can transfer the title, so be sure |
| to drive the vehicle long distances on a regular basis, | | | | that you add the car to your insurance policy as soon |
| you need something a little more fuel-efficient. | | | | as you have purchased it. |
| As you consider the type of car you want, be sure to | | | | |