| When it comes time to buy a used car there are | | | | car and trunk. Rust on the inside on bolts and other |
| many things you need to keep in mind. The biggest | | | | metal fasteners can be a sign that the car has had |
| concerns for most people are saving money and | | | | some flood damage. |
| ensuring they don't end up with a lemon. The following | | | | -Do the ole' tire kick, well not really, but you should look |
| five tips in this article will help you to avoid a possible | | | | at the tread wear pattern on the tires. Uneven wear |
| money trap. | | | | could be a sign of a suspension problem. |
| #1 - Do you researchthere are many options to help | | | | -Check that all the power options work, including |
| you with your research to find a used car that is right | | | | windows, locks, trunk, lights, etc. |
| for you. The internet makes searching for cars easy. If | | | | -Turn on the air conditioning to make it is working in |
| saving money is your biggest concern you should try | | | | proper order. Also check the heater and defroster. |
| to remain flexible in your search, this includes being | | | | -Check the oil and while you are looking in the engine |
| flexible on the make, model, and even location of the | | | | compartment look for any signs of leaks. |
| vehicle. | | | | #4 - Taking the car for a test driveif the vehicle has |
| #2 - Speak with the selleronce you've narrowed down | | | | passed your rigorous visual inspection it is now time to |
| your search to potential vehicles that you would like to | | | | take that puppy out for a test drive and see what it |
| purchase, your next task is to inquire about the | | | | can do. It's not a bad idea to take the seller along with |
| condition of the car. Whether you are using email or | | | | you so you can ask about any unexpected noises that |
| speaking to the seller directly the following questions | | | | pop up while you are on your test drive. Here are a |
| will help you get a better idea on the condition of the | | | | couple of tips to keep in mind when you are on your |
| car: | | | | test drive: |
| -Ask them why they are selling the vehicle. | | | | -In a vehicle with an automatic transmission look for |
| -Get them to describe the condition of the car. | | | | signs of slippage. When you accelerate, there should |
| -Find out if it has ever been in an accident. | | | | not be any hesitation between the engine's |
| -Inquire about mechanical and maintenance records | | | | acceleration and the car's. If there is, it is a sure sign of |
| and ask them to have them available for you when | | | | transmission wear. |
| you come to see the car. | | | | -Test the brakes, both regular and abs. The car should |
| -Finally find out if they have any objections to you | | | | stop straight and quickly, without pulling to one side and |
| taking the car to a private mechanic for your own | | | | without any vibration. |
| inspection. | | | | #5 - Negotiating the price of the car |
| #3 - Inspecting the caronce you have gotten all the | | | | As mentioned at the beginning of this article, when it |
| information and narrowed down your list to vehicles | | | | comes to buying a used car from a car dealer and a |
| that seem to be a good deal your next step is to set | | | | private seller they are two very different experiences. |
| up a time to actually go see the vehicle. Don't feel bad | | | | This is most apparent when it comes to negotiating, as |
| about asking someone to come with you, if they have | | | | car dealers have a lot of experience when it comes |
| a better understanding of cars than you do they may | | | | to negotiating and most individuals do not. Here are a |
| help you to avoid a potential money pit. Some viewing | | | | few tips to help you with negotiating: |
| tips are as follows: | | | | -Since the price of a used car is based entirely on its |
| -Always set up a time to see the vehicle during the | | | | condition, mileage, reliability, performance and popularity |
| day, it will help you to spot any obvious flaws. | | | | having done your research before hand will give you |
| -As mentioned bring along a friend as a second set of | | | | some inside knowledge that you can use to your |
| eyes to ensure there is nothing wrong with the used | | | | advantage. |
| car. | | | | -Try to remain positive and confident and if you need |
| -Take your time with your examination, as this is a | | | | some handholding bring along a friend for moral |
| crucial step you don't want to rush and overlook | | | | support. |
| anything. | | | | -If you think you will need some financial help, speak to |
| -Look at all the bodylines, do the hood, trunk, and doors | | | | your bank first and see what kind of rates you can |
| line up with the rest of the car? If they don't this could | | | | get. This will give you a little extra negotiating room |
| be a sign that the car was in an accident. Also look for | | | | with the dealer. |
| signs of repainting by checking for over spray in the | | | | -Finally make your opening offer low, but one that is still |
| trunk and the engine compartment. Again this can be a | | | | in the ballpark. |
| clear sign that the car has had some bodywork after | | | | By following these five tips and keeping your options |
| an accident. | | | | open you are bound to find a used car that will not |
| -look for rust both on the undercarriage and inside the | | | | only meet your needs but also your budget. |