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Buying A Used Car The Smart Way - Part 1

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How can you buy a used car and avoid getting ripped off as you do? This is a question that a lot of people ask themselves since more people buy used cars than new cars every single day. Car dealers make a lot of money from people making mistakes that cost them money in the buying process too. So being prepared is essential to buying smart.

Of course, it's only fair that a car dealer make some profit, as they have to in order to stay in business. But for many years the advantage has been mainly in the dealer's hands as car buyers simply didn't have most of the information necessary to stay in control of the buying process. And staying in control as you buy is absolutely vital to getting the best deal possible as you shop.

For instance, getting a clear picture of a car's worth has been fairly difficult in the past, but today it's as easy as making a few clicks online. By going to kbb.com and nadaguides.com you can easily get car pricing information in just a few minutes. This is extremely useful for both cars that you intend to buy and for knowing the value of the car you presently own if you plan on trading it in to the dealer.

Once you know what your car is worth, and what vehicle you want to buy and what it is worth as well, you can start shopping. Using the internet to find all available models that you want to buy within easy driving distance of where you live is a great way to shop. This expands the number of cars to choose from and therefore improves your chances of getting a great deal. Yahoo Auto and Edmunds.com are great places to search for your next car. Once located, narrow down your choices to a handful that seem to be the best buy for you and then arrange time in your schedule to visually inspect them. Be sure to call in advance of your visit to make sure that the car is still available before making the trip though.

Before your actual visit to the dealer or private party, make sure that you have your financing arrangements all taken care of in advance and know exactly how much you can afford to pay. Of course, if you plan on paying cash this is an unnecessary step, but the vast majority of folks will be using a car loan to pay for their next car, so do yourself a favor and save plenty of money over the life of the loan by arranging your own financing in advance with one of the online loan vendors that specialize in making auto loans directly to consumers.

This one simple step can often save you more money than anything else that you do in the buying process, as the success of your car buying deal often hinges on how simple you can keep the buying process. When dealers can introduce financing and monthly payments into the equation, true sales and trade-in figures get much harder to pin down, so having advance financing can keep the deal simple and save you money.

Be sure to read Part 2 of this article where it discusses how to negotiate the deal the smart way. Article written by Jim Johnson (used car buying tips)

Buying a Used Car ? 7 Tips

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Purchasing a previously owned vehicle can be a great way to save some cash while still getting a good car. If you shop smart, you can find a used car that is in good condition and will provide years of service. With a bit of research, shopping around, and patience, buying a used car can be well worth the time. Keep in mind that for the long term, you're looking for the best car for the best price--not simply the lowest price. A cheap car that costs you hundreds or thousands in repairs is not the best deal.

1. Do Your Research
Before you head off to a car lot or peruse the paper, do some research. Start by determining the type of vehicle you want, and then narrow the field to a few models. Whether you're looking for a sports car or minivan, if you are educated going into the process, you'll be in a much better position. You'll know the kinds of questions to ask and you'll be able to negotiate smarter. Investigate the car's average fuel mileage, various features, upkeep, and average costs for repairs. Check reviews such as in Consumer Reports, talk with people who own the vehicle you're looking for, and call dealerships.

2. Comparison shopping
Once you know what you're after, start looking. Look up the blue book value ranges and see what the going rates are for the vehicle you're after. Be wary of jumping on the first good deal you see, however. A great price may mean hidden costs elsewhere. If you are buying from an individual, try to get as much information from the person as possible. You may have the opportunity for some type of warranty or repair plan if you go through a dealer.

3. Lemon Laws and Lemon Checks
Whether you're buying from an individual or dealer, have the car checked by a third party. If the seller insists on a deposit before you have this done, say thank you and shop elsewhere. Lemon Laws refer to each state's laws that protect consumers if they've purchased a vehicle that is persistently defective. In many states, lemon laws apply if the vehicle requires multiple repairs within the first thirty to forty days of purchase, but the laws vary. Check your state's laws so you know your rights.

4. Look Up the VIN Number
Having the vehicle looked over isn't enough. That will give you an idea of what shape the vehicle is in now. Researching the history by the vehicle's VIN number will give you an idea of the car's past. The VIN is the Vehicle Identification Number, and it can be found on the title or under the windshield. A VIN report will run about $20 to $25, but it is worth the price. You may learn important things about the car that are not evident otherwise.

5. How much are you willing to pay?
When shopping for a used car, you need to know the price range you can afford. Obviously, if you have a bit more to spend, you can buy a better car. If you're looking for a relatively new car (three to four years old), you'll likely be looking at a range starting at $8,000 for a decent car. If you are in the lower price range, looking for a car five years or older, it may take more time to find a decent car that doesn't have too many miles on it. Again, shop around and avoid the temptation to buy the first low-price car you find.

6. Don't Discount Dealers
You may or may not get a better deal through a private seller, so carefully consider using a dealer. Dealers will often give used cars a thorough check and offer some type of warranty on the cars. They will also ensure there are no outstanding liens against the vehicle, something you'll need to do on your own if you buy from a private party. When it comes time to sign the papers, be sure to read everything carefully, however. Make sure you understand the terms of the agreement and any warranties or service checks offered.

7. Consider Different Financing Options
One benefit to buying from a dealer is that financing is often available for used cars as well as new. However, it pays to shop around when it comes to finance options. A personal loan through a bank may carry a much lower interest rate than the dealer's plan. Take the time to calculate total costs for different types of loans so you can make the best choice. Article written by Mike Singh (Lemon Laws for used cars )
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