Used car buying tips to finding a reliable, well priced

Used car buying tips to finding a reliable, well priced vehicle

There comes a time in every car's life where things start falling apart. You may have owned your car for ten years, with oil changes, tune-ups, wiper blades and new tires your only expenses. Now, it's developing some major problems. It's time to get a new car.

Unless you're flush with cash, a used car is usually the best solution. A used car that's just two or three years old compares favorably, in terms of price, with a new car, in that it's already taken the major hit on depreciation. If you're in the market for an older car, prices are naturally more budget friendly, but you've got to be a bit more careful in assessing the condition. Here we give you some used car buying tips to help guide you to a vehicle that will prove reliable for a number of years.

The first of our general used car buying tips involves deciding where to begin your search. Basically, you have four options: you can buy from a friend, or a friend's referral to a third party, go through the classifieds, a used car lot or buy from a rental car agency.

Buying from a trusted friend can be your best bet, because you probably have a good idea of how well they've cared for the vehicle. There is a caveat here. If you and the seller arrange a deal, it's always possible that something unforeseen, like a blown transmission, can rear its ugly head a few months down the road, in which bad feelings might ensue.

Searching the classifieds is actually an excellent option, particularly if you are paying cash. Private sellers know they'll get more for their vehicle than they will at a used car lot, or even on a trade-in. An owner who has maintained their vehicle in good condition won't have much trouble selling the car at a fair price.

Rental car agencies regularly sell off last year's models to replenish their fleet with new cars. The rental car agencies tend to have honest pricing, but the car may have high mileage, creating the possibility of major repairs in the near future.

The used car lot option deserves a special mention in our used car buying tips. While they have a number of makes and models available, a goodly portion of the selection may be lemons which the dealer has bought for a song and will attempt to sell at an inflated price.

We include this overview of your options in our used car buying tips so that you can decide which is your best route to finding the reliable used car, reducing your risks and in the least amount of time.

Phase two in our used car buying tips involves making the deal. Whichever options you pursue, always consult the Kelly Blue Book(R) for the fair market value. Insist that your mechanic take a look at the vehicle before you agree to buy. If you need to finance the car in whole or in part, call your bank to see what they're willing to lend. If you're paying cash, cash talks. Cash in hand gives you an advantage in negotiating the best price.

The last of our used car buying tips: what to look for and what to avoid. A potentially good deal is the car with relatively low mileage, maintenance records and no obvious major body damage (a possible indication of a bent frame). Let your mechanic assess the rest. Potential red flags include high mileage, new paint, a new engine or major overhaul and a trashed interior or body. Again, your mechanic can discover hidden problems.
Using these used car buying tips as a guideline, you'll soon find a reliable, well priced used car you can drive for years to come.

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