I have been on the look out for a used car for over 3 months. I have done a lot of research and thought that I can share my knowledge with my blog readers on this subject!
1. It is better to buy a Pre-Owned "Certified" car than buying a Used car. The reason is, with a certified car you get about 7 years warranty. This way you will not be risking your savings.
2. Decide the make which you want to buy. Most of the Indians buy a Toyota, Honda or BMW. Once you decide on the make, decide on the model, the year range and the maximum mileage of the car.
3. Always, I repeat ALWAYS check out the cars on the dealership website and contact the "Internet Sales Manager". This way you will get the Internet pricing (mostly you save about $500 - $1300)
4. Go to edmunds and 'appraise your used car'. Here you can select the make, model, year of manufacture, zip code, color and mileage run. Edmunds gives you the Private Part price(if you buy from an individual), Dealer price, Trade-In price and Certified price.
5. During this appraisal you can add additional equipment like CD, ABS, air bags etc. which come with the car. You should be able to find all the specifications on the dealer's advertisement.
6. Note down the edmunds value and go to the dealership. Tell them you saw this car "ONLINE" and that you would like to test drive the car.
7. Drive the car on the freeway or at 60 mph and see if there is any noise from the engine by switching off the AC/Heater. Then make a thorough inspection of the car (outside, inside, seats, storage, trunk, lights, wipers, engine, oil, brake fluid etc.)
8. Ask for a carfax report of the car. This is very important. You will be able to see how many owners the car has had, was it bought in an auction or was it a trade-in, any major part change or any accident etc.
9. Then ask the car Out-of-the-Door for the price quoted in edmunds. Remember that edmunds does not include the dealer fee, tax, tag etc. Try to get it for about a maximum of $1500 more than the price quoted in edmunds depending on the condition of the car. If you are able to do that, you have got yourself a good deal.
10. You can ask them to run a credit check after you finalize the "Numbers". This way you will not have too many credit checks which will hurt your credit score. Remember to ask the dealer to do a detailing of the car before you take it. This is your last chance to get something from them.
Buying a car whether used/new is a tiring task because you never get satisfied. Sometimes paying $100 more than what you wanted to pay will be worth it.
1. It is better to buy a Pre-Owned "Certified" car than buying a Used car. The reason is, with a certified car you get about 7 years warranty. This way you will not be risking your savings.
2. Decide the make which you want to buy. Most of the Indians buy a Toyota, Honda or BMW. Once you decide on the make, decide on the model, the year range and the maximum mileage of the car.
3. Always, I repeat ALWAYS check out the cars on the dealership website and contact the "Internet Sales Manager". This way you will get the Internet pricing (mostly you save about $500 - $1300)
4. Go to edmunds and 'appraise your used car'. Here you can select the make, model, year of manufacture, zip code, color and mileage run. Edmunds gives you the Private Part price(if you buy from an individual), Dealer price, Trade-In price and Certified price.
5. During this appraisal you can add additional equipment like CD, ABS, air bags etc. which come with the car. You should be able to find all the specifications on the dealer's advertisement.
6. Note down the edmunds value and go to the dealership. Tell them you saw this car "ONLINE" and that you would like to test drive the car.
7. Drive the car on the freeway or at 60 mph and see if there is any noise from the engine by switching off the AC/Heater. Then make a thorough inspection of the car (outside, inside, seats, storage, trunk, lights, wipers, engine, oil, brake fluid etc.)
8. Ask for a carfax report of the car. This is very important. You will be able to see how many owners the car has had, was it bought in an auction or was it a trade-in, any major part change or any accident etc.
9. Then ask the car Out-of-the-Door for the price quoted in edmunds. Remember that edmunds does not include the dealer fee, tax, tag etc. Try to get it for about a maximum of $1500 more than the price quoted in edmunds depending on the condition of the car. If you are able to do that, you have got yourself a good deal.
10. You can ask them to run a credit check after you finalize the "Numbers". This way you will not have too many credit checks which will hurt your credit score. Remember to ask the dealer to do a detailing of the car before you take it. This is your last chance to get something from them.
Buying a car whether used/new is a tiring task because you never get satisfied. Sometimes paying $100 more than what you wanted to pay will be worth it.
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