used car buying

When it comes to used car buying, one thing is for certain the used-car market changes from year to year.

Even though this market is constantly changing you still have a very good chance of getting a very good deal on a used car.

So, if you’ve really got your heart set on buying a used car here are a few guidelines when it comes to buying used cars that will help you understand used cars or vehicles you may want to avoid buying.

• Police cars – Fleet cars – Taxis
  Many times through advertisements you may see these types of vehicles going for what appears to be some very good prices. For the most part, these used cars have been fairly well maintained. But, where the good news ends. You see, these vehicles have probably been driven for brutally long hours and over thousands of miles. And not only that, they’ve been driven by people who don’t own them or who really have cared about them. As a result, although these used cars have been properly maintained, it still doesn’t detract from the fact that they are really ready for the pasture.

• Station Wagons
  Although you may not see too many station wagons in the used-car market these days there still is one consideration that you should think of before buying this type of used car. This type of vehicle and sometimes represent the type of vehicle used by people such as sales people that travel a tremendous amount of miles. So, if you’re looking at a used car station wagon type, be sure to have it completely checked out by a trusted mechanic.

• Used Trucks or Commercial Vans
  With these types of used cars or vehicles you want to make sure that you thoroughly check out the suspension and transmission. Just by the nature of these types of used cars they may have been used to haul heavy loads over many miles.

• Models that are no longer in production
  With models that are no longer in production the concern can be are there still parts available. So, if the used car you’re looking to buy is no longer manufactured or in production, you’ll want to make sure that at least when it was in production it was a widely sold unit. For the most part these days obtaining parts or used cars isn’t a problem, but you should make a note of this.

• Used cars that may have had modifications
  If there has been some type of major mechanical surgery on a used car you’re looking to buy, be sure to find out from the owner just went wrong with the original equipment; and beyond that make sure that you have this type of used car thoroughly checked out by a trusted mechanic. Also keep in mind you’ll want to ask the mechanic if by replacing the old part were there any other parts that are now affected by this new car or modification to this used car.

• Sports Cars
  This type of used vehicle can also fall under the previous category as far as modifications are concerned. Many sports car owners do in fact make modifications to their car in order to enhance the performance. Sometimes the addition of such modifications can put undue stress and strain on the transmission and drive train. So buyer beware if you’re thinking about buying a used car that is a sports car.

• Vary new used cars
  A used car that is actually still very new in terms of shelf life, should raise a bit of a caution flag for you. By that I mean that unless this was a previously leased vehicle that has been simply returned after a one or two-year lease has come up; that this car may have been wrecked or is some type of lemon. Hence the reason it is back on the used-car lot so rapidly. So question the used-car salesman or the owner very precisely when it comes to a new used car.

• Old vehicles with very low mileage
  Well… I had to put this one in here simply because unless you happen to personally know the “little old lady” that only drove this used car to church on Sundays, I would take a pass on buying this used car… the odometer may have been turned back.

• A car that has been in a wreck
  I personally would just stay away from this one. Even though the car may have been repaired, it is still possible that there is damage to this used car that is not currently visible, or you are able to feel when driving. You won’t really know how much of this used car was actually repaired and what parts were either filled with body putty or welded. And you won’t know the quality of such workmanship… only finding out when the spot welds and the body putty begins to fail.

These are just a few of the types of used cars that you may want to avoid buying if you are indeed considering buying a used car.

The key of course to experiencing good success when it comes to buying a used car is to simply take your time and check out all of your available resources that may have information for you regarding this used car.

With all of the online resources for used car buying you should be able to eliminate the types of cars that may potentially cause you headaches down the road.

The following are some of the readily as well as easily available resources to consider when buying a used car.

The Used Car Superstore

Imagine it as the Wal-Mart of used cars. There have been numerous used car superstores that have mushroomed over the last five years. These superstores usually have a large inventory of used cars, and can number anywhere from 400 to 500 vehicles. The cars found in these stores more often than not are late models.

The vehicles found in these stores come from auctions that cater specially to car dealers. The good thing about buying from these used car superstores is that the warranty they provide are often equivalent to the warranty coverage provided by dealers who sell new cars. However, it is still best to compare.

New Car Dealer

The logic here is that since new car buyers usually trade in their old cars when they buy a new one, the collection that new car dealerships have are almost always extensive. So used car buyers have a wider range of vehicles to choose from. Also, new car dealerships provide better reconditioning to the used cars traded to them. They are also a more reliable source of used cars because their business is more established compared to other used car dealers. Be aware though that sometimes it would take a lot of negotiation on the price of the vehicle to be purchased. They may also attempt to make you buy more car than what you would actually need.

Used Car Dealers

There are usually hundreds of used car dealerships in every state. Sometimes, they are small operations that contain not more than fifteen cars in a lot.

Established used car dealers, can have as many as 100 cars or more on their lot. The great thing about buying from used car dealers is that the prices they offer are a lot less than new car dealerships. Also, it is fairly easier to negotiate with them. Not so good news though, the quality of these cars are usually less than the new ones of course. There also may be a smaller selection of makes and models.

Private Owners

The good thing about buying from private owners is that the prices that they offer are usually reasonable compared to dealers because this is in accordance with book values. You also get the opportunity to actually speak with the owner of the vehicle and witness for yourself how the car was or was not, cared for. A potential disadvantage of this scenario, however, is that it could be a bit inconvenient driving to the private owner’s place especially if you are considering looking at eight different cars. Basically that would be eight different places, time and appointments.

Beware though private owners who have a stable of used cars to sell may actually be a dealer. Do not be afraid to ask if you could possibly see the title and registration. Start to get suspicious if you see it is only a few days old.

Car Auctions

The last decade has seen the development of public auctions for vehicles. Originally, auctions like these were reserved primarily for licensed car dealers. Now, even individuals have the opportunity to bid aggressively for used cars.

The quality of these cars put up for auction, as well as the selections of vehicles, actually vary from one auction to another. There are those auctions that specialize in late model vehicles while there are others which dedicate themselves to cheaper and less expensive vehicles.

The good thing about buying used cars from auctions is that you can conveniently compare prices and cars because they are shown side by side with each other.

Also, the prices that they offer are most likely lower than dealerships. However, there is not much chance for you to thoroughly inspect the vehicle being auctioned off. And since you are buying from an auction, it is therefore understood that all sales are final. Any car purchased is automatically yours.

Plus, the bidding frenzy could take a hold of anyone and there is a great possibility that you could pay way more than what a vehicle actually costs.