Used cars are a great way to save money. After all, not everyone wants a long-term auto loan or has the money to put down on a brand new vehicle. By doing some research and having cars inspected, it is possible to buy used cars without getting ripped off.
Research the Dealer
Researching a dealer is very important so you should start by asking friends, relatives, coworkers and neighbours about where they and the people they trust bought their vehicles. Such advice will be honest and uninhibited. Additionally, people should look online to read reviews and ratings of area dealers. Local business associations, like the Better Business Bureau in the USA or Trading Standards in the UK will also have information about any past complaints filed against a business. The best dealers have a history of helping consumers find affordable and reliable vehicles.
Budget and Model in Mind
The first thing you should do is figure out how much he or she can spend on the vehicle. This helps narrow down the choices. Next, investigate different used cars and figure out a basic make and model. Most dealers have websites with current and past listings up. This helps people better understand what the market looks like and what is within their budget. For a more impartial opinion on the worth of a car, check out a website like this where you can find detailed valuations by make and model for each year.
Have the Car Inspected
The next step is to have the car inspected by a mechanic. You could ask a friend who knows their way around cars or could head to a local mechanic and pay a little for an inspection. This ensures that consumers know what is wrong with the vehicle so that it doesn’t break down a few months after purchase. Used cars often need minor work, but they shouldn’t kick the bucket right away. With the inspection in hand, you can ask for lower rates on the vehicle or move on to a different dealership.
Avoid Add-Ons to a Deal
Dealers make a lot of their money with warranties, selling roadside assistance plans and credit life insurance. If you want to walk away with a great deal then you need to say no to such add-ons. Researching book values on vehicles helps with this. There are so many price comparison websites online that make it very easy to find a cheap roadside assistance package or even a warranty at cheaper prices than most dealers can offer.
With some careful research, you can find a respected dealership and work with professionals to invest in a used car. This will save you money and ensures the vehicle you do end up buying is a good investment. Anyone who does not have the vehicle inspected or does not research a car’s worth could end up getting a less-than-ideal rate on a vehicle. The moral of the story: do your homework if you don’t want to get ripped off.
