Used Cars Summary

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Your Brand New Used Car

Buying a used car is difficult, buying you first car is hard, combine the two and you have a truly daunting task. Luckily for you we have some tips that can help.

Buying a car can be tricky; buying a used car is even trickier. It’s hard to know where to turn, who to trust, what you have to do, and it’s even harder when it’s your first car. Naturally every teen dreams of driving off the lot in a brand new red convertible, or a sleek black sports car, or perhaps if you’re lucky they have that James Bond car in stock, but reality isn’t that nice. The simple truth is you will be leaving in a 5 year old Geo Prism, as I did, or perhaps a pickup truck so large it could eat a tank for dinner. The trick is getting a used car that will actually drive away and more importantly continue driving. This can be a daunting task.

Perhaps the most important question is where do you go? Do you go directly to an owner? How about a dealer that sells new and used? The lot that has nothing but used cars? Your best bet is probably the last. Going directly to the owner is risky unless they are someone you know and trust. Obviously they want to sell the car for a reason, and it’s difficult to know if it’s the same reason that they are telling you. The dealer that sells new as well as used cars is more trustworthy, but if they see a chance to get you to pay more money they will take it. Sure, the 4-year-old beater in the lot works just fine, but for just a little more you can have a 3-year-old pickup truck. If you like that then you would love this off the line SUV. Why buy a used car when you can buy a new car? No, the best bet is the dealer who sells only used cars. He won’t worry about getting you into something newer, and all his cars have to go through the proper channels.

Once you’re on the lot there is no set formula for getting what you want, or what is best; there is only advice and a few pointers. The most important thing is look at the entire car. Take someone with you who knows their way around an engine and can spot any obvious problems. You also want to look at any used car reports you can get your hands on. If the dealer doesn’t provide one ask for it. If they can’t get you a report you might consider going elsewhere. You also want to test drive any used car before you buy it. There is no better way to get a feel for a vehicle than from the driver’s seat. You are going to be behind the wheel of this car for years, so you want to make sure you’ll be comfortable there. Once you’ve decided which vehicle is for you don’t be afraid to talk prices. The beauty of used cars is that the price is always open to negotiation. The dealer would rather have you spend less than nothing at all. Hopefully at the end of the day you’ll drive away in your brand new used car.