In a struggling economy, it is understandable that a family trying to save money will wait until a better time to buy a car. Sometimes, however, getting a new car becomes a necessity even with a lean income. There may be a new addition to the household that requires a larger vehicle, or perhaps the trusted family car just doesn’t have the power to make it another year. Whatever the reason, be assured that there are options for car buyer in tough times. Considering a pre-owned vehicle is a good idea.
Where to Buy Used CarsCar shoppers have more options available to them than ever before. Dealerships working mainly with new models may have pre-owned trades-in on the lot, and there are businesses that deal solely with used cars – chains like CarMax and privately-owned lots may be found in your town. Other options, like browsing the Internet and checking the newspaper for “For Sale by Owner” ads, are popular as well, but no matter where you plan to buy the car, it’s important to know everything about it. Test the car, and talk with the owner thoroughly before making a decision.
What to Ask a Used Car Dealer or OwnerBefore you make that contracted commitment to buy a used car, consider the following questions first:
Do you have the car’s history available? Each car comes with its own Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN. Using the VIN, you can generate a report that tells you everything about the car – accidents and mileage, number of owners, number of times it was serviced, etc. If a dealer or owner is reluctant to give you this information, or even the VIN number so you can find out yourself, that is likely a good sign you should shop elsewhere.
Does the car need to be serviced right now? Take a look at the car’s condition, and you may be able to tell if any work needs to be done. A side-view mirror may need fixing, tires rotated, oil changed, etc. Find out what the owner is willing to do to get the car in good shape before you agree to anything.
Did anyone smoke in the car? People smoke, and sometimes in their cars. Long after the cigarettes are stubbed out, the odor can remain in the fabric. If you are a non-smoker and are irritated by the smell, find out about the car. It may take more than a pine tree freshener to erase the smoke.
The more informed you are about the pre-owned car you wish to buy, the more satisfied you will feel about your final decision. Buying a car, new or used, is a big step, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.