Pre Owned Cars Charlotte Used Auto For Sale Certified Suv Trucks
THINKING OF BUYING A PRE-OWNED CAR?
THINKING OF BUYING A PRE-OWNED CAR?If your thinking of buying a used or pre-owned car, we highly recommend that you read this article in it's entirety.
In the business of car dealerships, when consumers go to trade-in their vehicle to get a new one, that used car becomes part of the dealerships on-site "fleet" of used merchandise. The dealer than has the choice of deciding which vehicles he wishes to keep in his inventory, and which ones he would like to pass along. Obviously, he picks the cream of the crop. Years ago, selling used cars was difficult, the stigmata of buying someone else's hand-me-downs produced pressure on both the dealer and the buyer, as caution became a huge factor in the buying decision.
Sometime in the 80's, the term "pre-owned" started to appear, which seemed to alleviate some of the stress on the buyer. In the late 80's, the Mercedes Corporation termed the coin "certified pre-owned" as consumers started to demand a better product on the Used Car lots. Pressure had begun to develop onto the dealers to inspect and repair all the vehicles before they were re-sold. The dealerships were not very eager to comply to this pressure as it would add costly time and expense. However, as the manufacturers of the vehicles started to bend to this pressure they began to offer the dealerships extended warranties on the vehicles if they would inspect and repair them. This, in turn, would make the vehicles easier to sell. The term "certified" was born.
There are three classifications in the Used car business. Used, which basically means "as is" or no warranty. We would caution about spending your hard earned dollars on these vehicles unless you've had them thoroughly inspected by an outside, third party mechanic. The next is "Dealer Certified". This warranty typically extends 30-90 days after the date of purchase and typically means that for a few dollars extra, the dealership will extend a limited warranty. The drawback to this however, is that all repairs must be made at that particular dealership. A "factory warranty" is altogether different. What this entails is that first, it is usually included in the cost of the vehicle and second, that the vehicle is warrantied at any dealership that sells that particular model.
Recent studies have shown that 1.6 million of the 17 million pre-owned cars that were sold in 2009 were factory certified. The theory behind this warranty is that if you buy a particular pre-owned vehicle, are happy with the performance and the quality of service, when you are in the market for a new car, you will purchase the same model. A full 20% of consumers actually go this route.
The advantages to buying a used car are obvious, basically you get more car for the money. It is much cheaper to get all the bells and whistles on a fully loaded used car than if you were to buy it off the lot new. However, we encourage a certain amount of due diligence before you make the buying decision. A course of action that we practice is simple, especially with all the free information avaible on the internet.
First and Foremost....DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!!
Be prepared, decide what is important to you in a vehicle. Is it gas mileage? Emissions? Passenger Capacity? What will you be using it for primarily? Work? Family? Do you know anyone that already owns the model you're looking at?
Second, test drive at least three or four different vehicles of the same model, and at least two different models in the same class. This will give you a good general understanding of things such as handling, engine noise, transmission performance, brakes, suspension and if you live in a hot region, TEST THE A/C!!!
Third, ask the salesperson if you can take it to a third party mechanic that you trust. If he say no, don't haggle, and don't give in, just politely walk away. There are plenty of used cars out there for sale. Remember, you are in charge, it's your money!!
Decide your price range but be aware of the age of the vehicle and the mileage. Look for a reputable dealer. Someone that was referred to you perhaps. It is all too easy to change the reading on an odometer these days, even a digital one. And though the practice is illegal, it is certainly not unheard of (another reason for a third party inspection).
Stay away from vehicles more than 10 years old, parts may have to be special ordered, adding expense to repairs. And do not buy anything with more than 150,000 miles. This is considered "very high mileage" and though a well maintained can last for 300,000 miles or more, you don't know who had it first. And always, always, always insist on a Carfax report. This is a national database that registers all accidents and repairs to vehicles. The dealer should provide this for free.
There you have it! Going into a buying situation with this basic knowledge should empower you to make a good decision. If you have other questions there are literally tons of sources such as Kelley Blue Book, Cars.com etc that have excellent free information when it comes to making the right choice.
Happy Motoring!
by: Trixiepix22