As painful as getting a new car from a dealer can be, buying a used car is potentially fraught with even more pain, perils and pitfalls. Potentially. Aside from the dreaded (though largely stereotypical) used car salesman trying to rob you five ways 'till Sunday, you are buying someone else's problem, often with no warranty. But used cars offer a huge upside, namely price. For new cars start to depreciate the second they drive off the dealer's lot. And if you buy your used car from a private party there's no dealer whatsoever. Which might just be the very best part.
The first and most important thing you can do to ensure the used car buying process works for you is research. Become an expert on the used car you want to purchase. Not only will this help you determine if the asking price is fair or not (and hopefully a steal), but will allow you to stay away from lemons. Newer or "late model" used cars will often times still have part of the original manufacturer's warranty in effect, especially "certified pre-owned" cars. Which is great. However, if the used car in question likes to break down, all the warranty in the world won't keep it out of the shop.
Forums are a particularly great source of information for a specific make and model year. Just be prepared to filter out a lot of noise. Even with a lot of loud, oftentimes angry opinions, some of the people that hang out on car forums are truly experts. Best of all, they'll talk your ear off for free. Always remember, just because a car has a certain reputation doesn't necessarily make it true. Also look for recalls (via Google) and reviews by independent watchdog groups like Consumer Reports.
Now that you're armed with some general knowledge, get into your potential used car's nitty gritty. Ask to see all the service and repair records. If the car in question doesn't have any service or repair records be prepared to just walk away – even if you really like the car and/or price. The maxim, "if it seems too good to be true, it is" holds extra water in the world of used cars. Besides, odds are a better deal is just around the corner.
Once you've determined that the used car in question isn't a factory lemon and has been maintained and serviced properly, bring in an expert. If you have a mechanic you trust, show him/her the car. If you don't have a mechanic you trust, find one. Ask friends, family, "car guy" acquaintances – you need to find an uninterested third party that can spot probable trouble spots, such as slipshod repairs, cheap replacement parts, excessive wear as well as signs of impending failure.
If your mechanic discovers any signs of trouble, be sure to get a CARFAX Vehicle History Report (all you need is the car's VIN number). It's well worth the $30. In fact, a CARFAX report is worth the money even if your mechanic sees no red flags. As long as you go into the used car process full of knowledge and with your eyes wide open, the secondhand car of your dreams is right around the corner.
Read More About Used Cars:
- Insider Tips On Buying A Used Car
- Search Used Cars for Sale
