THE SMART WAY TO BUY A USED CAR
                                                                 SAVE MONEY AND DON’T GET SCAMMED
     
      
  Choosing a used car

  Here are a few things to consider before you start searching:
• Automatic or standard
• What kind of driving I will do
• 2 wheel, 4 wheel, or all wheel drive
• 2 door or 4 door, SUV, jeep, sports car, station wagon
• ABS, side air bags, stability control, traction control
• Amount of cargo and passenger space
• Gas mileage
• Can I afford this car
• Color

The color of the car will of course be simply what you prefer, but you may want to bear in mind that darker colors such as silver and grey blend into the road, and also aren’t the best on dull or foggy days. Yellow has been proven to be the safest of all colors, with red being the next safest.

Financing
It’s a good idea to arrange for financing before you start shopping, this way you can make a more clear-headed, unemotional decision.

You will need to figure:
• Your down payment
• Monthly payments
• Purchase price

By figuring out your down payment and monthly payments ahead of time, you will have a better idea of what your purchase price should be.

Options for financing:
Here are three ways to buy a used car:
• Cash
• Bank or credit union (recommended)
• Dealer financing

Here’s the advantages to arranging financing ahead of time:
• Makes negotiating simpler
• Allows you to shop for the best interest rates
• Helps you to stick to your budget
• You won’t have to depend on dealer financing
     
  Where to buy a good used car
• Used car dealerships
• New car dealerships
• Car rental agencies
• Privately

Buying a car privately is the most relaxed and comfortable way to make a purchase, and you can be quite sure the price will be better also.
However, there are a couple of good reasons for buying from a new car dealership. Many of these cars are trade-ins which the dealership got for a very good price, so if you offer them a low price, and they still make a profit, you may get a good deal. If you don’t mind driving a stick shift, you’ll probably get a very good deal because they are harder for the dealership to sell. Remember also that dealerships normally sell certified cars that are backed by warranties, and are carefully inspected.


Car rental agencies are good places to make a purchase:
• All service work is done at the proper time
• Cars have between 15 and 25,000 miles on them
• Cars are usually one year old
• Factory warranty is still in effect
• Prices are very competitive

Locating a used car
By using the internet you can save yourself some running around. Go to websites such as Classifieds2000.com or AutoTrader.com. You will be able to search for cars anywhere, even across the country. You can find the make and model of a vehicle, options, and price range.

On the internet you can search for new and used dealerships in your area, and usually they will have their own websites where you will also find their phone number and how to get to their place of business. Some car lots have their inventory online.

You should still try the old methods of looking for a used car such as asking friends and relatives, for sale signs on car windows, and the newspaper. Also, don’t forget supermarket bulletin boards.

Phone first
You can save time by calling the seller before you go to see the vehicle. 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). Create and use a form when calling that will prompt you to ask key questions. Verify the asking price in the ad.

After talking to the seller, 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 that it’s easier to see the conditon of the car.

Sign up with Carfax for a 2 month car report service. When you find a vehicle you’re interested in, run the VIN (vehicle identification number) through Carfax. This will warn you if there are any recalls in effect, salvage title on the car, or if the mileage looks suspicious. There is a small charge, but it could save you from wasting a lot of money.
               
  Testing and inspecting
  The first things to consider are:
• Is the car mechanically sound?
• Do you like the car?
• Will it serve your needs?

Now, you most likely aren’t an auto mechanic or you wouldn’t be reading this, so how do you know if the car is in good mechanical condition?

There are three ways:
• Buy a certified used car
• Buy a car still under warranty
• Have an independent mechanic check it out

A certified car is one that has had a thourough inspection and is backed by a manufacturers warranty. It will cost you more, but is most likely worth the money.
Purchasing a car still under warranty allows you to get repairs done for free, but you will need to read the warranty first.

Having an independent mechanic check out the vehicle is a very good way to go, but of course it’s not cheap. However, it is necessary if the car is old, and/or has high mileage. Do some testing on your own first (as below) and if you’re satisfied with everything, then take it to a mechanic. If the car is certified there is no need for a mechanic to inspect it.

Your own inspection
• Walk around the whole car for a close look
• Look along the length of the car for ripples (accident?)
• Look for uneven gaps between doors (accident?)
• Look underneath for fluid leaks
• Open all doors and trunk
• Check all controls and lights
• Open the hood, check for leaks or sprays
• Start the engine, listen for noises
• Are all tires matched?  (an indication of level of care)
• How much tread on tires?


 Your own test-drive
Try to arrange your test drive when the engine is cold. Ask the salesman if the vehicle has been sitting overnight. The car may be harder to start when cold, and blue or white smoke from the exhaust indicates a serious problem.                                                                                    

On the test-drive, check the following:
•Engine noise
•Rattles and squeaks
•Acceleration
•Cornering
•Braking
•Power for climbing hills
•Suspension (smooth ride?)
•Passing acceleration(downshifts smoothly and quickly?)
•Seating comfort
•Interior controls

Ask to see the receipts for service . Has the vehicle had oil and filter changes every 5 to 7 thousand miles?

Negotiating the price
Have it fixed firmly in your mind that you will only buy this car if the price is right. After all, there are lots of used cars out there. Be ready to walk away.
Try to keep your emotions in check. Let the seller know by your tone of voice etc. that you’re undecided, and not all that interested in the vehicle. This will help a great deal in your bargaining.
Let the seller know that you have the cash all ready to hand over, or that the financing is all arranged. You’re ready to make a deal; the only problem is, the price appears to be too high.



You need to back up your statement of why the price is too high.

Choose from the list below:
• The price isn’t justified because of ….. (scratches,dents, faded paint etc.)
• You had the car inspected, it needs some work
• You found a lower price somewhere else (this one can be tricky)
• You can’t quite afford what they’re asking
• It isn’t exactly what you were looking for (not the right color or whatever, but you will buy it if the price is right.

Closing the deal
If you have arranged for financing at a bank or credit union, the salesperson may offer you a better interest rate if you do the financing with them. If not, why not ask them? Just make sure they quote the monthly payments and the length of the loan.

Read the contract thoroughly, and make sure you understand it. Ask about anything that’s not clear.

Inspect the vehicle before you take posession. If any work has been promised, get it in writing.
 
Remember you will need insurance before driving away. Talk to your insurance agent before heading to the car dealership. If you didn’t do that, you can be quite sure arrangements can be made from the dealers. The insurance company can fax a temporary policy to the salesman.



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