All posts tagged used car

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

Five Things to Ask a Private Seller When Buying a Used Car

The purchase of a vehicle is one the the largest investments you will ever make on a single item, so it is crucial to have a good understanding of the car or truck you may have in mind. While there are advantages of buying from a private seller, there are no warranties, so it is important to ask five crucial questions when buying a used car from a private seller.

Reason for the Sale

Behind every car sale from a private owner, there is a logical reason why the transaction is taking place. The first question you should ask a private seller is what their motivation is for the sale. If they are selling because they purchased a new vehicle, this means they want to sell quickly, and this can be advantageous for you. Some owners will be completely honest and admit that the vehicle is not economical, reliable, or fuel-efficient, which is important to know.

Past Owners

Once you meet with the seller, it is time to inquire more about the car’s history. Make sure to ask them where they bought the car. If they are the original owner, this is a good sign. They should be able to provide all of the maintenance records. If they cannot provide an adequate record of the vehicle’s history, a specialist from a used car dealership in Utah recommends that you walk away. An incomplete car history could be hiding parts replacements, repairs, and illegal ownership—none of which any new owner would want to deal with.

Condition of the Vehicle

This is a question that can be asked over the phone prior to the first meeting. Ask the seller how they would describe their car’s condition. Terms such as "excellent", "good", and "fair" are all positive responses, and it could be worth the time to check out. At the same time, be wary of hesitation or unwillingness to provide pictures of any part of the vehicle.

Independent Inspection

After you have taken the vehicle on a test drive, ask the seller if they mind if you get an independent inspection done. If they are at all hesitant to agree, this should be a huge red flag that something is not right. An inspection performed by an unbiased third party is your best chance at receiving a complete and accurate evaluation of the vehicle’s condition and should be performed on any used car you consider purchasing, especially from a private seller.

Oil Type

A clever way, recommended by experts from used car dealerships in Utah, to discover how well maintained the vehicle has been is to ask what kind of oil it uses. A seller able to quickly answer this question likely did oil changes themselves and took care of the vehicle. If hesitant, it is a good idea to have a mechanic look over the vehicle.

Getting the Best for Your Money

Buying a used car from a private seller can be a bargain, but there are bad apples in every barrel. By asking these five questions, you can rest assured in your decision. A car is a major purchase, and a used car can be quite a gamble, but by standing your ground and employing the tips discussed above, you can ensure the vehicle you buy is in good shape and priced fairly.

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.

How To Find The Best Used Car For Your Money

With the economy still being in such bad shape, more and more consumers are starting to reap the benefits of purchasing a used vehicle. Although most used vehicles are substantially less expensive than brand new vehicles, the majority of motorists still have a desire to get the best possible deal. Here are some important tips on how to find the best used car for your money.

Do not show your hand too soon

Whether you are trying to negotiate with a used car salesman or a private seller, it is essential that you maintain a poker face at all times. If the seller perceives you to be overly eager to purchase a particular vehicle, they will be less likely to lower the asking price.

Fear the unknown

Even if the seller of the vehicle seems to be very honest, it is always best to err of the side of caution. Unknowingly making the purchase of a vehicle that has been involved in a flood or car accident could mean major trouble in the long run. The best approach is to always spend the extra money for a vehicle history report.

Consider all sources

Although a private seller may offer a lower price, some dealerships also have great bargains. Reputable dealerships such as Premier Mazda thoroughly inspect each vehicle before deeming it to be worthy of a spot on their lot. Some used cars Kansas City dealers also warranty their vehicles for a certain period of time.

Check the reviews for each prospective vehicle

When it comes to purchasing a used vehicle, car reviews become very valuable sources of information. Car reviews are important because they can alert shoppers of any red flags before making a final decision. For example, a specific model could have trouble-prone transmissions. By reading the reviews, the potential owner can be prevented from making an expensive mistake.

Monthly payments or cash

If the customer is seeking to purchase a used vehicle from a dealership, they usually have the option to pay for the vehicle in full or to make monthly payments. Although monthly payments allow more financial flexibility, prospective buyers need to pay close attention to the fine print. High interest rates could cause to final cost to rise substantially.

When searching for a used car, remember to avoid getting too anxious. If the proper steps are taken, you could end up saving lots of hard-earned cash in the process.

Five Critical Things to Remember When Shopping for a Used Car

Used cars can provide great value and a solid vehicle for drivers. Buying a used car is different from buying a new vehicle. The used car has a long history that could affect future performance or maintenance costs. There are five critical things to remember when shopping for a used car.

Visually Inspect Every Area

Every area of the car should be visually inspected regardless of how attractive the chassis appears. The edges, inside of doors and underbody should be inspected for signs of rust. The area under the car should be examined for leaks. The upholstery and interior should be examined for signs of past water or body damage. Small issues like rust or a leak could make the used car difficult to maintain and expensive to repair.

Look At the Service History

The service history log provides a very detailed view of the current condition of the car. A complete service history can show consistent problems over the years that might make the car less desirable. The service history can also show whether the car sustained frame damage or water damage in the past due to an accident. Cars without a complete service history need to be scrutinized thoroughly to ensure there are no potential structural, mechanical or safety issues.

An Expert Inspection Is Always Necessary

Drivers should always have a used car inspected by an expert before making a decision. Most dealerships will allow the car to be taken to an expert before finalizing a sale. An expert mechanic can identify problems that are not visually obvious. The mechanic can also provide a detailed description about the state of the engine, transmission and electrical system. Expert inspections can prevent drivers from buying used cars with too much damage or wear.

Read Extended Warranties Carefully

Extended warranties can help to make maintenance more affordable with a used car. It is important to read the warranty carefully. Some warranties have strict rules about what is covered. Others have high out-of-pocket costs. Drivers must read and understand the warranty before deciding if it is worth the extra cost. Certified pre-owned vehicles have lower warranty costs and sometimes include a free manufacturer warranty.

Take A Test Drive

All expert dealers such as Kansas City car dealerships will allow potential buyers to take a test drive before making a decision. Test drives are very important because they can reveal comfort or handling issues with the vehicle. The test drive should include highway and city conditions whenever possible. A test drive should never be forgotten when looking at used cars.