| Used cars are bought significantly more often than | | | | listings regularly as deals don't last long. |
| new cars. However new car sales in total average | | | | 4. Even before you go to test drive a car that |
| more than the amount spent on used cars. This shows | | | | interests you, find out its vital information. Ask for |
| how much potential savings can be found by those | | | | information like model, features, odometer reading and |
| who choose to invest in a used car rather than a new | | | | if there have been any accidents or major work done |
| one. Even though it seems like a relatively easy thing | | | | on it. Be sure to get the VIN or vehicle identification |
| to do, there are some things to keep in mind when you | | | | number, so you can run a Carfax history on the |
| buy a used car. | | | | vehicle. The very useful information that a Carfax |
| 1. Have a budget in mind. Either have a loan | | | | report gives you includes dates the car was bought |
| pre-authorized with a bank or credit union or have the | | | | and sold; where it was registered; if any recalls were |
| amount of money set aside that you are willing to | | | | done on it; if it was involved in any car accidents; any |
| spend. For car loans, you will often get much better | | | | major repair work and possibly even regular |
| rates through a bank or credit union than you will | | | | maintenance. Having such information will help you to |
| through dealer financing. Also by having a pre-set | | | | know if you've found a deal or a lemon. |
| amount in mind, you will not be tempted by cars that | | | | 5. Be prepared. Know what you need to bring to a |
| are too expensive. | | | | sale and what you need to get from it in order to |
| 2. Look beyond the car lot. While many used car | | | | properly register the car in your state. In most places |
| dealers exist, they are not necessarily the best place | | | | you should bring along your driver's license, insurance |
| to find a deal on used cars. New car dealers always | | | | information and a license plate if you have one. |
| have used cars available as many people trade them | | | | 6. Used car and new car dealers will typically take |
| in on newer models. Certain times of the year they do | | | | care of the paperwork for you, which is one of the |
| inventory reduction sales and this is a great time to | | | | perks of doing business with such companies. If it is a |
| buy. You may also want to check out rental car | | | | private sale, be sure to bring all the necessary |
| companies, who regularly sell cars in their fleet. Many | | | | paperwork to the DMV immediately following the sale |
| good deals can be had on their late model cars that | | | | and take care of the details that are required. Get |
| have been maintained, cleaned and driven relatively | | | | started now looking for the used car deal you have |
| little. | | | | always dreamt of finding. By putting the above tips to |
| 3. Check out online listings. Many websites, such as | | | | work, you will be best equipped for finding a great |
| Craiglist.org, have free ad space for those wanting to | | | | used car at a great price. |
| sell privately. When looking for a car, check such | | | | |