There are certainly some things to consider when buying a used car, very important things I think. When we bought our 93 Chevrolet Blazer here are some things that we did before buying.
First of all after driving it for a while, we were able to take it home for the weekend. Now not every one can have this pleasure. But that’s okay; you can still do these things. Anyway, we had a mechanic look at the Blazer for us. There was a leak within and around the seals going to the transmission, so that was first on the list. The air conditioner had shortage in the switch, so that was 2nd on the list. Of course the tires were going to need replacing, but we took care of that. These things were fixed before buying.
I called our bank to find out the value of the Blazer. There I was able to get the resale, wholesale and loan value. The loan value is always what a bank goes by. However, some banks, with good credit will loan above that amount if the vehicle is in great shape. Also if you have access or can get access to a blue book, this is always helpful in finding a used vehicle’s worth. In doing this first before talking a deal you know how much leverage you really have.
You can also check the Vin number of the car at several online sites. This will allow you to find any work done on the vehicle. For by law that work must be reported. Some loan institutes offer this service, where you can follow the links to places like Carfax, Carbuyingtips.com and many others. There is a fee of at least 19.95 for this service, in which you can elect to use one time or unlimited for slightly higher fees. If you are in the market for more than one used car, the unlimited is the way to go. And at some places this fee is less.
You also will find out by using one of these sites how many owners, if the car has been in a wreck before, the actual mileage and other things. It is very important now days to find these things out. And most of us have had a nightmare experience with used car sales people. I found many of them over the years to be liars. So it is best to check before you leap.
I always call my insurance company before I buy any car to see what the rate will be. This will also determine my buying or not. If I can’t afford the insurance then there is no need in buying.
You can also call the previous owner of the car. You have that right so do so and if you are able to make that call. The dealership should have that information on file. In some cases, the dealership will call the owner and give your number to them. You should also find out if there have been any recalls on the car and if the problem was taken car of.
Look at the mileage on the car. Most people do look for low mileage. I know I do. But I also look at the age of the previous owner. Most times an older person or a middle-aged person even have taken great care of their car. Find out how often the oil has been changed, how often it has been serviced, etc. A good car owner will have documentation of all of these things. I know we do. We write down each oil change, service on the engine, new tires, filters, plugs, etc in a small notebook that stays in the glove compartment.
You can buy a high mileaged car in good condition. Our Blazer had over 120.000 miles on it when we bought it, but it was a previous one owner and in great shape. One-time owners are always the best way to go I think. You can have the opportunity to find out what has really happened with the car in question.(Also, you should always have a copy of insurance and registration in the glove compartment.)
You really need to be careful with people who sell cars. Watch for Spam’s. Check with your local offices on the title information to make sure that the person selling you the car actually owns the car. You can do this very easily by calling the local Department of Transportation. They can guide you on who you may need to speak with in doing a title search. There may also be a small fee for doing this, but it is worth it in the long run.
You can also use the Internet in searching for a used car. Look around at local dealerships and then find out who has the best choice for the best price. Go in with educated information about cars before you go. Don’t go in feeling insecure, go in feeling very secure. Have your(T’s) crossed and your(I’s) dotted! Know what your saying and how to say it.
Open the hood of the car with confidence, look around at the motor, the transmission. Look for clean! Look at the filters to see how they look. Take a look at the liquids, check to see how clean they are. Look for dirt. If there is a lot of dirt you may want to reconsider. And certainly if the filters are dirty, have the dealership put in new ones. The same with the fluids, if they are dirty, have the oil changed, the engine and transmission serviced as part of the deal. Now this will not always work, but if the car needs to move and the dealership wants your business they will do it.
The most important things though are to be sure you buy what you can afford, new or used! Don’t get scammed in any way and don’t try to scam. Check out all of your options before buying. Check the bank, the insurance, other dealerships, check online. And try to find out what you can about the car before buying. See a mechanic that you trust. A good dealership will actually tell you this if they have nothing to hide.
And if you don’t like the salesperson, find one that you do! If you can’t find one that you trust, then leave. Get in your currant car and drive away. If on foot, get those feet to walking and walk away!
There are many things that you should do and certainly need to do in buying a car. Take your time and don’t buy the first car you find. Shop around and get the best deal.
Women, please be careful when shopping around alone. Don’t let the salesperson tell you a bunch of lies. Pay attention to what they are telling you. They want to make the sale the easiest way they can and taking advantage of women is one of the worst scams out there! Go in smart and stay smart along the way. Don’t be afraid to look under the hood. My experience by doing this shows the salesperson that I do know what I am doing.
Buying a used car or a new one for that matter should not be a stressful time. Although it will be. But only as stressful as you allow it to be. Walk away if it doesn’t feel right!
I hope this has helped in some kind of way.
God Bless!
©2002 LKD