Where To Purchase A Used Car
A used vehicle is a major purchase and requires comparison-shopping for price and value to find the best deal. There are many sources available to today's purchaser:
New car dealers. There are reasons in favor of buying a used car from a new car dealership. Many used cars, on new car lots, are trade-ins. Dealerships usually get these cars at rock-bottom prices. If you come in with a low offer—but an offer that gives them some profit—you just might get a great deal.
Certified pre-owned cars (CPO) are often available at new car dealerships. The programs, which vary from company to company, typically offer two to three-year-old cars that dealers have inspected and repaired and manufacturers have agreed to back with a warranty and other appealing add-ons, such as cheap financing and roadside assistance.
Used car dealers. Another source for used cars is used car lots. These vehicles could come from anywhere—some are program cars, some purchased at car auctions. Some may have been taken in as trade-ins or even purchased outright from private parties. You’ll usually find their prices are very competitive but you should do a vehicle identification search to know more about the car’s history.
Rental car and leasing companies. Rental returns (also referred to as program cars) are often an excellent value. These vehicles are typically less than two years old, well equipped and maintained, with good warranties. Keep in mind; a rental car is a used car, just like any other car. Rental cars are probably maintained better than many privately owned cars, as they are kept in constant care and maintenance during use. The companies tend to take them out of service by one to two years of age, so you are getting a decent car which the rental company has already absorbed the largest portion of the depreciation. Prices may be firm so make sure you know the value of the models you’re interested in before you visit them.
Private individuals are another source to be considered when purchasing a used vehicle.
Calling the party selling the car before you go to see the vehicle can save a lot of time. In this way, you can eliminate cars that have problems such as excessive mileage or a salvage title (this means the car has been declared a "total loss" by an insurance company, because of a serious accident, a theft or a natural disaster). Verify the asking price.
After talking to the selling party, if you are still interested in buying the car, you will want to set up an appointment for a test drive. If possible, make this appointment during the day so you can more accurately determine the car's condition.
If you are buying from a private seller ask to see service records. Go online and order a www.carfax.com car history report. Find out if the car will be sold "as is" or already state inspected. When you are serious about a used car make sure that you have time to take the car to your mechanic for him to give the car the once over, especially if it's being sold "as is". You don't need to find out after the fact that it needs many more repairs than you thought. You can't tell just by a visual inspection.
Remember if you buy from a private individual, you will have to provide your own financing for the vehicle or pay cash.