Used Cars
According to recent statistics, the used cars sales have increased in the United States during the first three months of 2011, which is interpreted by some as a clear sign that we’re getting out of recession. The preference goes for family cars, rather than for SUVs, which stands in contrast with last year’s report when SUVs where in the top of sales. So, if you’ve decided that it’s time to change the car, but you don’t want to invest in a new vehicle, used cars make an excellent, money-wise option.
Nevertheless, there is lots of work along the way for people who consider buying used cars. The AutoCheck vehicle history report on the VIN (vehicle identification number) represents the number one issue to check before buying used cars. The next on your list of priorities is the technical inspection of the vehicle; only a mechanic can do that for you and only by taking the car on a lift. You should be informed that the AutoCheck report, costs and it has a limited duration. Besides the AutoCheck, you could try CarFax.
A serious issue that you need to pay attention to is the huge number of cars that have been damaged during the great floods caused by hurricanes Rita and Katrina, the worst natural disasters to hit the United States. Much of the cars totaled or flooded have had their titles laundered after being shipped to other states. It is therefore decisive that you run an AutoCheck Vehicle History Report in order to avoid buying used cars that have been previously flooded or totaled.
The price is the next big issue that you need to pay attention to. Dealers acquire used cars from people at a ‘trade in’ price, then they charge based on their own calculations. You can check how the car model you consider buying has sold on eBay over the last weeks. Print the pages and take them with you when you go negotiate with the dealer. Don’t make calculations based on the invoice price because that applies to new cars only, and it is of no relevance for used cars.
It is highly important to run a technical inspection so as to spot hidden frame damage, crash damage, fluid leaks and corrosion. A mechanic can notice such issues, but he won’t be able to tell whether the car has been stolen, rebuilt, salvaged, flooded etc. Moreover if the police has not made an accident report, it won’t show up in the AutoCheck Vehicle History Report.
Cheap Used Cars
Buying cheap used cars seems like a great deal from the financial point of view, yet, the vehicle could be lots of technical problems that you uncover only after making the purchase. That’s the why shopping around for cheap used car is difficult. Normally, you should give yourself some time not only to figure out the cost but also to analyze various options and vehicles to make comparisons. Car insurance, tax and registration should be taken care of as well because they add up to the cost.
Determine the kind of vehicle that suits your needs, then start checking classifieds, local dealers, government auctions and other such neighborhood events where you can buy a car. You can even call banks or financial institutions to see when they organize auctions for impounded vehicles. The costs for such cars are lower because of the limited storage facilities and the need of the institution to recover the debt fully or partly. Some cheap used cars are those impounded by the police as a consequence of criminal activity. The sale or auction has to be organized quickly so that the goods are disposed of in the most convenient way possible.
You should always test drive the vehicle before buying it. If you can bring a mechanic along, the chances to make a great deal increase. Normally, cheap used cars are also given a form of warranty, and this has to be specified in the contract. As for the price, you can determine the real cost of the vehicle by checking the Kelly Blue Book or go online to verify the current value of the specific model in question. You have much better chances to negotiate the price if you know what that kind of car is being sold for in general.
Don’t forget to ask for the repair and service record; all vehicles need to have such documents because they reveal all you need to know about the value of the car. There is no way to be mistaken if you know where to look. Cheap used cars are sometimes old models, they have some slight technical problem or they consume too much fuel. The problems that you spot in the car may be used during the negotiations if you are willing to still make the purchase. The way you negotiate the price matters a lot because you should know how and when to compromise. Keep making offers until you can agree on a price.
