Buying A Used Car The Easy Way (Or As Easy As Possible)

Buying A Used Car The Easy Way (Or As Easy As Possible)

One of the reasons people drive cars until the wheels fall off is because they say they want to get the most out of it before going in debt for a new one. Which sounds good, but I'm betting a close second on the list would be the fact that nobody but nobody particularly enjoys the process of shopping for a car. Car dealership horror stories are something we all have in common, whether it is high pressure salesmen, cars that fall apart when you drive them off the lot, or lousy financing situations that place an undue burden on your family budget.

First of all, you have to determine what kind of car you are going to buy, and unless you just have money to burn, it is always preferable to base your choice on needs as opposed to wants. Ask yourself exactly what you will be using the car for, how many people or what types of cargo you'll be transporting, and how many miles you'll be putting on it every day or week.

Set your budget. It is crucial to establish a monthly payment that you can handle without putting undue burden on your family finances. Your car payment should never exceed 20% of your monthly take home pay.

Personally, I haven't bought a new car since 1994, I have found in infinitely preferable to let someone else take the depreciation hit (which occurs the moment you drive the thing off the lot)..even cars that are only a year old may be a full. You'll also typically pay less in insurance costs, and many used cars may still be under factory warranty. For those that are not, Certified Used cars will offer some measure of warranty protection.

I have never bought a car from an individual, but many folks recommend this approach, saying that it is usually less stressful than dealing with a dealership, and the prices may be slightly better.

When you do find a car that you are interested in, a test drive is mandatory. Drive it as you would in everyday scenarios, and above all, ignore the salesperson's pitch. I like driving with my radio up loud, so that's how I test drive my cars as well. The car will always sell itself.any vehicle that requires a salesman to sell you on it isn't worth buying.

Of course the negotiation process can be a harrowing one, and one that takes all the joy out of buying a car (which is a shame, since it is one of the bigger decisions you will make). My negotiation tactic is simple, I tell them upfront what I am willing to put down and what I am willing to pay per month. They have one shot at earning my business. I have no intention of spending a perfectly pleasant day going back and forth with some unseen used car manager. I heartily wish more people would adopt this approach.

Most of all, learn the power of the word "No". Don't be afraid to get up and leave if they can't meet your requirements but insist on putting pressure on you to cough up some more cash, or pay more each month than you know your budget will allow.

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