All posts tagged used auto

What to Look For When Buying a Used Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/05/13 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off on What to Look For When Buying a Used Car

Used cars are a great option for the drivers who love saving money. However, you must take extra caution when purchasing a previously-owned vehicle. Here are five tips to keep in mind when shopping for a used ride.

Do the Proper Research

Although a particular vehicle may initially capture your heart, you still need to do the proper research. After reading through the various online reviews, you may find out that the car has a common flaw. For example, some vehicles are prone to experiencing premature paint fading. Remember, the cost of a new paint job can exceed $1,000. Not only do you need to research the vehicle’s projected reliability, but you also need to find out the car’s current market value.

Beauty is Only Skin Deep

When shopping for a used vehicle, do not be fooled by its beautiful appearance. There could be plenty of problems going on beneath the surface. After starting the engine, keep an eye out for the presence of exhaust smoke. Unsurprisingly, a smoky engine is never a good sign. If you need help, do not hesitate to ask an experienced car person to tag along. Before finalizing any paperwork, be sure to obtain a vehicle history report.

Check the Mileage

Ideally, you should try to select a ride that has less than 100,000 miles on the odometer. However, some high-mileage vehicles can still last for many years to come. Make sure to take the car to a mechanic like Tischer Auto before making any final decisions as they can tell you what condition the car is in better than anyone else. The key is to choose a vehicle that has been well-maintained and will last you a substantial amount of time. If you are purchasing the vehicle from a private seller, ask to see their maintenance records and see if it has ever been in an accident before. Accidents can seriously inhibit the integrity and safety of the car if done incorrectly.

Consider Purchasing a Certified Pre-owned Vehicle

Unlike the average used car, certified pre-owned vehicles usually come with a lengthy warranty. Before being showcased on the dealership’s lot, a certified pre-owned vehicle must be thoroughly inspected for quality. If a vehicle fails to meet the strict standards of the certified program, it will not make the cut. Although certified pre-owned vehicles are just a tad bit more expensive, the prospective buyers will not have to worry about purchasing a lemon.

Know Your Needs

Do not make the mistake of buying a car that does not match your lifestyle. While a sports car can be fun to drive, it is not the best choice for a person who needs to haul around their children.

There is no overlooking the fact that used cars are far less expensive. However, be sure to take the necessary precautions.

Image credit: by cool3c, on Flickr

New or Used: What’s Your Best Option for a First Car?

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/04/22 in Uncategorized with Comments Off on New or Used: What’s Your Best Option for a First Car?

When it comes time to buy a first car, many people are unsure about which type to choose, new or used. Both have their own specific benefits and drawbacks. Below you will find some helpful ideas to make the decision easier.

Used Cars Get a Bad Rep

When someone says they are going to get a used car, what image comes to mind? Years ago the image of a used car was one of a junker. A used car was something that would need constant repair. Fortunately that is no longer necessarily the case. Nowadays people lease cars for two or three years and then get a new car. That three-year-old car is technically a used car, but there is nothing wrong with it. In the old days people kept their car for 20 years and then sold it. Those were used cars that needed lots of work. Many people buy used cars or lease them. These cars are much cheaper than brand new cars, and if you choose to get a used car that has just come off of lease then it is only going to be a few years old.

Benefits of New Cars

A new car is always exciting. They have that amazing new car smell, and they will have almost none of the mechanical problems that you find in older cars. They also look really nice. There is nothing better than a nice shiny paint job. The downside of a new car is that it will cost you a lot more. You can expect to pay a lot more for a car that is just out of the factory.

Which One is the Best Choice For a First Car?

The best option for a first car would be a used car that is only three or four years old. You can visit a brand name dealership and see their inventory. You could lease a three-year-old pre-owned name brand car at a dealership for less than two hundred a month. These cars have low mileage and are much cheaper than buying a brand new car. One of the best ways to get a good used car is to visit a dealership. This is a better method than contacting a private seller. The dealership will have an inventory of quality used cars. You will not have to wade through old junk cars that are not safe.

For your first car, it’s always a good idea to go a bit newer if possible to save on those inevitable repairs. Used cars will get you a good investment for a lot less and will help to set you up with a reasonable monthly payment.

“Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works in her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. After graduating form the University of New Mexico she has enjoyed writing and researching articles when she isn’t outside running or biking. Premier Mazda was a great resource for writing this article. Contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.”

Fixer Upper – 5 Reasons Buying a Used Vehicle is a Smart Move

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/04/18 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off on Fixer Upper – 5 Reasons Buying a Used Vehicle is a Smart Move

Buying a brand new car can break the bank for most people and the only option that they have is to buy a used vehicle. If this is done right you can purchase a vehicle that will last you many years and be a great investment. A used vehicle eliminates the hassles associated with the expenses of new vehicles. So if you are considering purchasing a new car you should consider going with a used vehicle for these convincing reasons.

Eliminating Expensive Loans

One of the best advantages for purchasing a used vehicle is that they can be purchased directly from an auto dealership or an individual without the hassle of an high-rate loan. There is no need to apply for any extended loan that comes with high interest rates as you can purchase a cheap vehicle quite easily. In fact, used cars can be bought with cash, personal check and credit card if necessary. If a loan is needed to make a purchase for a used automobile, then most financial institutions and banks may offer low interest rates for sums below $10,000.

Reducing Extra fees and Surcharges

New vehicles come with specific surcharges and fees such as for delivery. By contrast, a purchase of a used car involves payments for the title, registration and applicable taxes. Surely, there aren’t any down payments involved with a used automobile. The bottom line is that an older vehicle is sold in "as is" condition and with a negotiable price tag for the most part.

Optional Maintenance Costs

Older vehicles do not need to be maintained and serviced as frequently as new vehicles that come with specific manufacturer’s guidelines. For example, multiple expensive services are usually done the first 15,000 or 30,000 miles of a car. When a used car has more than 50,000 miles on it, the maintenance is done on a as needed basis and not really according to a perfectly scheduled guideline. Additionally, owners of used vehicles may be able to bear some slight mechanical problems.

Fixing Older Cars

These days, an old car can be upgraded with auto parts that can be found online or at used car stores everywhere for cheap. The entire powertrain, drivetrain, electrical system and chassis can be updated or completely replaced with OEM parts. Owners of used cars can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on online auto parts that can be brought to a local repair shop and used to get an older vehicle back on the road.

Lower Insurance Rates

Used vehicles may come with lower auto insurance premiums compared to new vehicles. For example, the deductible for an old car cannot be high because insurance companies don’t pay more than the actual value of an insured vehicle. Additionally, older cars do not need to be covered under certain policies that are mandatory for most leased or financed new vehicles.

Used cars can be restored for a relatively minimum investment and also do no come with any extra fees and interests rates. Because of this, buying a used vehicle can be the right decision for any person looking for a inexpensive way to get around.

Meghan Belnap –
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She also enjoys being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise as well as researching new topics to expand her horizons. Meghan recommends using cheap parts that can be bought online from Taronis Used Ford Parts for an inexpensive alternative to repairing your vehicle.You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure.

7 Used Car Buying Tips

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/03/26 in Used Autos & Trucks with Comments Off on 7 Used Car Buying Tips

You are in the market for a car, a used car at that. With new car prices averaging more than $30,000, buying used can be a terrific option for many consumers. Used cars have already lost a significant amount of depreciation with some newer models still under warranty. Keep in mind the following seven tips when shopping for a quality, used car.

1. Know your price.

How much car can you afford? Determine your spending limit and look for vehicles that come in below that amount. Your price should include your down payment as well as your monthly loan payments. Add in taxes, tags and your registration fees. Keep your total amount within line of your budget limit.

2. Choose your vehicle type.

What kind of vehicle do you need? Your heart may say sport coupe or luxury sedan, but your needs may be SUV. Stick with only the vehicle type that you will be happy with driving. Also consider your trim level or the amenities you need such as a navigation system, a moonroof or fancy wheels. The type of vehicle you buy will affect your insurance costs. Contact your auto insurer before you begin shopping to learn how these costs might affect you.

3. Consider your seller types.

You can buy a car from a variety of people and sources. There are new car dealers selling used cars, used car folk that sell late-model used cars, private parties and government auctions. If you want a certified used car, then a new car dealer is the way to go. If you’re looking for a bargain, then a private party will offer the best deal possible. Used car dealers may have the highest markups while government auctions tend to focus on fleet models with high mileage.

4. Reach out to the buyer.

You can locate buyers online, in newspaper ads or on the street. If you find a vehicle that you like, contact the buyer. Arrange to see the car during daylight hours and give yourself ample time to look over the car.

5. Test drive and inspect.

Look at the car closely, inspecting it inside, outside and under the hood carefully. Lift the carpeting to look for signs of water intrusion. Pop the hood and inspect the engine for leaks. Examine the body for scratches, dents and repairs. Find out if equipment is missing or has been replaced — ask the seller why. Take the car for a test drive, listen carefully for telltale signs of trouble and have your car inspected by your mechanic. Do a VIN check through the National Insurance Crime Bureau to verify that the vehicle has not been stolen.

6. Negotiate a deal.

Find out what a car is worth by obtaining its retail value. You can discover that information by visiting Kelley Blue Book’s website and plugging in the information. The dealer’s price may be much higher than the retail price — your goal is to work on getting the best price possible for your ride. Start off low and be prepared to meet the seller at a mutually satisfying middle ground.

7. Arrange for financing.

You will save money by shopping around for a used car loan. Banks and credit unions offer them — talk to your banker or union representative to find out what deals are available to you. Keep financing out of the price negotiation process. Interest rates on used car loans are low for those consumers with very good credit and for those who offer up a large down payment.

Purchase Considerations

Buying a used car can save you money over a new car purchase. It can cause you to lose money if you hurry the purchase and are sloppy with your research. Take time shopping for a car and avoid the typical pressure tactics. You’re making an important investment, one that you may have to live with for many years.

Author Information

Darren likes to spend most of his time restoring classic cars back to their former glory and when he is not working on motors, he finds writing about them both relaxing and fulfilling. He knows firsthand that buying a used vehicle can be tricky and would advise anyone looking for one to always have the necessary car history checks carried out in advance.