subject: Buying used cars – Tips to choose them [print this page] Buying used cars Tips to choose them Buying used cars Tips to choose them
In today's economy, everybody wants to spend wisely and get the most for what they buy. Maybe this is why so many are turning toward purchasing used vehicles rather than new. If you have never purchased a used vehicle before, there are some easy tips to follow so that you can make a wise decision and can take home something of the best quality.
A car dealer will usually have a wide selection of vehicles for you to choose from, and the salesperson will hopefully have the expertise to advise you. Buying from a car dealership can also help you get financing more easily. You may also get a guarantee or warranty on the vehicle from the dealership.
Buying a reliable used Pittsburgh Toyota car, like the Toyota Camry or Toyota Avalon, is one of the many ways that recent college graduates or twenty-somethings can save money and spend less. Pittsburgh Toyota cars are considerably less expensive than new cars, do not depreciate as quickly in value as new vehicles and can still provide a young buyer with several years of dependable driving.
You must Ask sellers who owned the car before they did, if anyone. You want to know how many people contributed different driving and maintenance styles to the aging of this auto. If you can figure out how to get in touch with a previous owner, all the better for your task of getting disclosure.
You must also Do Some Price Comparisons "" Before you even step foot on the car lot, do your homework on which car you might be leaning toward and what it will cost. This will give you a base idea of how to compare apples to apples. Good online sources for vehicle value are Kelley Blue Book Used Car Values or even local classifieds. Remember that these tools will give you only averages and will have to take into consideration the vehicle's condition, mileage, optional equipment and other factors.
Plan to negotiate on price. Dealers may be willing to bargain on their profit margin. Usually, this is the difference between the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) and the invoice price. Because the price is a factor in the dealer's calculations regardless of whether you pay cash or finance your car and also affects your monthly payments negotiating the price can save you money.
It is important to assess your financial situation first before venturing out to look for a used car to buy. After all, how can you buy car if you don't have the money for it? You should make sure your budget fits with your lifestyle and other financial concerns. You should also look into your long-term goals in life, and whether buying a used car now will be worth it or not. If you can see that you'll still be using your car in the future, then there's no problem.
Before you buy any used car, always check its Blue Book value. You can do this right on the Kelley Blue Book site at http://kbb.com. By knowing the car's base and resale value, you will be more aware of price points and better prepared to negotiate once you've determined your interest level in the vehicle.