Selling a used car laws affect the seller but protect the buyer in almost every transaction. Read on to find basic tips for selling a used car, but keep in mind that used car selling laws can vary from state to state.
Are you getting ready to put your old car up for sale? If so, this article will provide you with the necessary steps to do so while also following the laws required to complete the sale. Basic selling a used car laws will protect not only the seller but also the buyer in the transaction, especially the lemon laws. Car owners have plenty of options when it comes to selling and these include trading the vehicle into a dealership when purchasing a new one, listing the vehicle on the Internet, offering it for sale in automotive magazines, placing ads in local supermarkets or putting a 'For Sale' sign on the vehicle and parking it in a high traffic area.
Laws Vary by State
It all depends on the state where you live when it comes to selling your used car. Some states require the seller to provide the buyer with a valid registration during the transaction while other states will make this completely optional. To determine what the law is for your state, visit your local DMV office for vehicle registration laws when selling a used car.
Signing Car Title
Some states require that the car title be signed, on the back, by both the seller and the buyer in front of a notary public. Even further, some states may require that the whole process be restarted if mistakes are made when filling out the back of the title. With that being said, be extra careful when filling out the title.
Curbstoning Is Illegal in Some States
The majority of states in this country have laws making curbstoning illegal. Curbstoning is a practice performed by private owners of used cars who sell a large amount of used cars without a dealer's license. They park the used car with a 'For Sale' sign on the vehicle away from their home or from businesses. This practice is performed so that sellers are more difficult to track down after a sale should something be wrong with the vehicle.
Acquire a Dealer License
Should you find it fun and interesting to sell many used car per year, you should check with your state's Dealer Licensing Bureau. Each state has different laws on how many used vehicles you can sell per year before you are required to obtain a dealer license. If you are selling many cars per year without the required dealer license, you could be hit with stiff penalties. If you're unsure where to find your state's Dealer Licensing Bureau, call any DMV office and ask.
Bill of Sale
Almost all 50 states in the country require the seller of a used car provide the buyer with a receipt, or a bill of sale for the transaction. The seller and the buyer should keep this receipt in their records in the event that the DMV, the IRS, or any other government agency wishes to examine the sale at a further date. The IRS might need to see a receipt for the sale in the event of an audit.
When selling a used car, laws for you state may vary. If you follow these basic tips, however, the process should go smoothly.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Benefits and Tips On Purchasing A Used Car
Buying a car can be scary; there are so many points to think about. New or used? Car, truck or SUV? Price range and financing options?
Many people are adamant about only buying new cars. With a new car you know exactly where it came from and most new cars come with a warranty that will last you a few years. However, buying a used car has its perks too. A used car does not mean the car was made in the 70′s and is covered in rust. A lot of used cars are only a year old and therefore up to 30 percent of the new sticker price. Some used vehicles are still so new that they are still covered by the original factory warranty. Most new and used car dealers today offer an extended warranty on certain used autos. They sell certified used cars, not the 1970′s rusted junk. A certified used car has passed the car dealerships inspection on everything imaginable and that’s why they are able to offer a warranty service to you. You may pay a little higher of a premium on this, but for a sound peace of mind it’s something to think about. Every car has a VIN number, a vehicle identification number, and a simple Carfax or Autotrace can trace the history. Most car dealership will offer this service to you for free, you just have to ask.
As for financing options on automobiles, nowadays new and used car dealers have this option available for you. They will seek out the best solution based upon your credit criteria. What usually works best is a decent down payment and a 5 year financing agreement. How much you put down is up to you and what you are comfortable with paying. Talk with the financing department and figure out your available options. Remember, they want to sell you a vehicle as bad as you want to buy one. It’s a win-win situation to sit down and discuss options.
Some cars tend to hold up better than others. For this reason certain cars sell better used than others. Honda Civics and Accords, Toyota Camrys and Corollas, Nissan Altimas and the Ford F-Series and some of the most sought after used cars. They are built with a strong company background and have held up in the test of time. This does not mean you should only purchase one of these used vehicles. Do your own research and see what works best for you.
Many people are adamant about only buying new cars. With a new car you know exactly where it came from and most new cars come with a warranty that will last you a few years. However, buying a used car has its perks too. A used car does not mean the car was made in the 70′s and is covered in rust. A lot of used cars are only a year old and therefore up to 30 percent of the new sticker price. Some used vehicles are still so new that they are still covered by the original factory warranty. Most new and used car dealers today offer an extended warranty on certain used autos. They sell certified used cars, not the 1970′s rusted junk. A certified used car has passed the car dealerships inspection on everything imaginable and that’s why they are able to offer a warranty service to you. You may pay a little higher of a premium on this, but for a sound peace of mind it’s something to think about. Every car has a VIN number, a vehicle identification number, and a simple Carfax or Autotrace can trace the history. Most car dealership will offer this service to you for free, you just have to ask.
As for financing options on automobiles, nowadays new and used car dealers have this option available for you. They will seek out the best solution based upon your credit criteria. What usually works best is a decent down payment and a 5 year financing agreement. How much you put down is up to you and what you are comfortable with paying. Talk with the financing department and figure out your available options. Remember, they want to sell you a vehicle as bad as you want to buy one. It’s a win-win situation to sit down and discuss options.
Some cars tend to hold up better than others. For this reason certain cars sell better used than others. Honda Civics and Accords, Toyota Camrys and Corollas, Nissan Altimas and the Ford F-Series and some of the most sought after used cars. They are built with a strong company background and have held up in the test of time. This does not mean you should only purchase one of these used vehicles. Do your own research and see what works best for you.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Buying a Used Vehicle
Buying a used vehicle can be quite the daunting task – how do I know I’m getting a good deal? What if I buy a ‘lemon’? Do dealerships offer warranties on used vehicles? How old is too old? How much should I spend? And the list of questions continues.
It’s hard to have all the right answers, but we’d like to help you sort out a few of them. The main thing to remember above all else though, is that you should only buy a vehicle that you’re comfortable purchasing and driving.
How Much Should I Spend?
This really depends on your personal budget/income. We’ve done some digging and the general rule of thumb is that your car payments shouldn’t consume more than a third of your monthly income.
Taking your financial situation into consideration before buying a vehicle is definitely a must. Knowing how much deposable income you have to put towards car payments each month is an important “pre-vehicle-search” step. If you’re planning on buying your used vehicle outright, then ensure your budget still has some cushion against unforeseen expenses that may pop up after you’ve bought your new ride.
The British Columbia Automotive Association (BCAA) offers up some helpful hints for budgeting for that new car purchase in their article Buying a Used Car.
How Old is Too Old?
This really depends on the vehicle and the previous owner(s). While you may come across a used car from 2008 that looks great on the outside, if the owner neglected regular maintenance checks and drove the car like it was going out of style, then mechanically it may be an utter mess. And on the flipside, you could come across a 1995 vehicle that may not look ideal – a few paint chips, small dents – but runs like a dream because the owner took really good care of it.
Of course, as vehicles get older, parts may be more difficult to find. So if you’re looking to purchase a vintage car as anything other than a hobby restoration piece, it’s probably a good idea to keep looking.
The most important thing to consider when buying used is the overall condition of the vehicle. In his article, Tips on buying a used car for under $3,000, Michael Clark of Autos.ca provides some tips on what you should pay the most attention to when it comes to buying that used car.
How Do I Know I’m Getting a Good Deal?
We know part of the excitement of buying a new car is walking away knowing you haggled the dealer down to the best possible price – who doesn’t find that fun! But as Vlad Samarin states in his article How to Buy a Used Vehicle in Canada, getting the best deal isn’t everything.
“Don't look for the cheapest car or a ‘best deal’. Your goal is to find a car in good condition for a reasonable price. The actual vehicle value depends on its condition more than anything. If you are choosing between a cheaper mediocre-looking car with an unknown past and the more expensive one that was well-maintained, has clean history records, and is in excellent mechanical condition, it's worth it to pay a thousand or two for a more expensive one. You will simply save on repairs and will enjoy driving it.”
Used Car Warranties
The days of buying a used car at your own risk are pretty well over. Most reputable dealerships will offer some sort of guarantee or short-term warranty on their used car inventory. While it won’t cover the car for the long-haul, it’s better to have some coverage than none at all. Short-term warranties or 30-day exchange privileges are becoming more popular, so ensure you check into what your local dealership offers before heading there to check out their inventory.
It’s hard to have all the right answers, but we’d like to help you sort out a few of them. The main thing to remember above all else though, is that you should only buy a vehicle that you’re comfortable purchasing and driving.
How Much Should I Spend?
This really depends on your personal budget/income. We’ve done some digging and the general rule of thumb is that your car payments shouldn’t consume more than a third of your monthly income.
Taking your financial situation into consideration before buying a vehicle is definitely a must. Knowing how much deposable income you have to put towards car payments each month is an important “pre-vehicle-search” step. If you’re planning on buying your used vehicle outright, then ensure your budget still has some cushion against unforeseen expenses that may pop up after you’ve bought your new ride.
The British Columbia Automotive Association (BCAA) offers up some helpful hints for budgeting for that new car purchase in their article Buying a Used Car.
How Old is Too Old?
This really depends on the vehicle and the previous owner(s). While you may come across a used car from 2008 that looks great on the outside, if the owner neglected regular maintenance checks and drove the car like it was going out of style, then mechanically it may be an utter mess. And on the flipside, you could come across a 1995 vehicle that may not look ideal – a few paint chips, small dents – but runs like a dream because the owner took really good care of it.
Of course, as vehicles get older, parts may be more difficult to find. So if you’re looking to purchase a vintage car as anything other than a hobby restoration piece, it’s probably a good idea to keep looking.
The most important thing to consider when buying used is the overall condition of the vehicle. In his article, Tips on buying a used car for under $3,000, Michael Clark of Autos.ca provides some tips on what you should pay the most attention to when it comes to buying that used car.
How Do I Know I’m Getting a Good Deal?
We know part of the excitement of buying a new car is walking away knowing you haggled the dealer down to the best possible price – who doesn’t find that fun! But as Vlad Samarin states in his article How to Buy a Used Vehicle in Canada, getting the best deal isn’t everything.
“Don't look for the cheapest car or a ‘best deal’. Your goal is to find a car in good condition for a reasonable price. The actual vehicle value depends on its condition more than anything. If you are choosing between a cheaper mediocre-looking car with an unknown past and the more expensive one that was well-maintained, has clean history records, and is in excellent mechanical condition, it's worth it to pay a thousand or two for a more expensive one. You will simply save on repairs and will enjoy driving it.”
Used Car Warranties
The days of buying a used car at your own risk are pretty well over. Most reputable dealerships will offer some sort of guarantee or short-term warranty on their used car inventory. While it won’t cover the car for the long-haul, it’s better to have some coverage than none at all. Short-term warranties or 30-day exchange privileges are becoming more popular, so ensure you check into what your local dealership offers before heading there to check out their inventory.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Tips To Help You Avoid Lemons When Buying a Used Car
When it comes to buying cars, you should not be hasty or compulsive with your decision. Cars, especially brand new ones, aren’t cheap. Just go to any Alberta Chevy Dealerships and you’ll know what I mean. Buying a car is one of the major investments one can make that can either give you fulfilment or frustration in the coming years.
My father has been driving his old van for more than 10 years now. Although it has been giving him more than a few problems, he can’t be decisive enough to junk it and buy a new one.
Well, not exactly for him to buy a brand new car but I am convincing him to get a slightly used car instead. There is a used car dealership a few miles from our house. He could go there and choose a used car that is within his budget.
Buying a good used car is not cheap either, but then, it is a lot cheaper than a brand new car. Still you need to pay a substantial amount of money to acquire one.
Buying a car is not as easy as buying new pair of shoes. It can be scary for first time buyers. Knowing a few car basics however, can be a real life saver when going to any used car dealerships to shop for a car.
Urban tales of lemon cars breaking down or worst bursting up in flames just after a few miles of driving are quite common and amusing at the same time. This is for sure a car buyer’s worst nightmare, more so when you are buying a second-hand car.
So how can you avoid buying a lemon car, especially when opting to buy a used car? Needless to say, buying a lemon car can cause a great deal of frustration which led to the passing of laws that protect buyers from car manufacturers that produced lemons and gives provision for redress.
Firstly, what is a lemon car? A lemon car is a defective car that is found to have numerous or severe defects not readily apparent before its purchase. Any vehicle with these issues can be termed a ‘lemon,’ and, by extension, any product which has major flaws that render it unfit for its purpose can be described as a ‘lemon’.
In order to avoid a lemon when buying from used car dealerships, heed the following tips:
First, inquire online whether the particular car model you want has any recalls.
Second, if you know the previous owner inquire how often he took the car for maintenance, if there is any major repairs, accidents, and what is the car’s usual route or longest distance trip and how often.
Third, ask owners of similar model if they are happy with it.
Fourth, ask for the car’s history report to ensure that it is clean, did not suffer major damages from accidents or have a salvage title. There are some agencies like Carfax.com that offer this service.
Fifth, ask the owner or car dealer if you could have the car inspected by a trusted mechanic. Your mechanic can see what you cannot and can give you objective assessment of the used car you’re about to buy.
Lastly, think twice of sellers who are too eager to sell you the car at a very low cost. Ask why he or she is selling the car or why he is selling the car at a very low cost.
My father has been driving his old van for more than 10 years now. Although it has been giving him more than a few problems, he can’t be decisive enough to junk it and buy a new one.
Well, not exactly for him to buy a brand new car but I am convincing him to get a slightly used car instead. There is a used car dealership a few miles from our house. He could go there and choose a used car that is within his budget.
Buying a good used car is not cheap either, but then, it is a lot cheaper than a brand new car. Still you need to pay a substantial amount of money to acquire one.
Buying a car is not as easy as buying new pair of shoes. It can be scary for first time buyers. Knowing a few car basics however, can be a real life saver when going to any used car dealerships to shop for a car.
Urban tales of lemon cars breaking down or worst bursting up in flames just after a few miles of driving are quite common and amusing at the same time. This is for sure a car buyer’s worst nightmare, more so when you are buying a second-hand car.
So how can you avoid buying a lemon car, especially when opting to buy a used car? Needless to say, buying a lemon car can cause a great deal of frustration which led to the passing of laws that protect buyers from car manufacturers that produced lemons and gives provision for redress.
Firstly, what is a lemon car? A lemon car is a defective car that is found to have numerous or severe defects not readily apparent before its purchase. Any vehicle with these issues can be termed a ‘lemon,’ and, by extension, any product which has major flaws that render it unfit for its purpose can be described as a ‘lemon’.
In order to avoid a lemon when buying from used car dealerships, heed the following tips:
First, inquire online whether the particular car model you want has any recalls.
Second, if you know the previous owner inquire how often he took the car for maintenance, if there is any major repairs, accidents, and what is the car’s usual route or longest distance trip and how often.
Third, ask owners of similar model if they are happy with it.
Fourth, ask for the car’s history report to ensure that it is clean, did not suffer major damages from accidents or have a salvage title. There are some agencies like Carfax.com that offer this service.
Fifth, ask the owner or car dealer if you could have the car inspected by a trusted mechanic. Your mechanic can see what you cannot and can give you objective assessment of the used car you’re about to buy.
Lastly, think twice of sellers who are too eager to sell you the car at a very low cost. Ask why he or she is selling the car or why he is selling the car at a very low cost.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Helpful Tips On Buying A Used Car
EVERY car has a story to tell and no one knows this better than a mechanic or those who wheel and deal in cars.
But can you, someone who knows nothing about what strange mysteries lies beneath the bonnet, read the hidden secrets of a vehicle?
Well, the answer is simple. Of course you can. All you have to do is remember that the key is to look, listen, feel and smell.
Do this and you will soon find out the story behind the car - information which will come in very handy when buying a used car.
Of course, it is always better to get a mechanic to give the car a full check but when this isn't possible, use your eyes, ears, nose and hands.
This means looking at those parts of the body where the sun don't shine, feeling for bumps, smelling the exhaust emission (do it with care!) and listening to the engine.
One of the first things to look for when playing detective is to find out if the car has been involved in an accident. No amount of repairs, knocking and painting can hide this, provided you look in the right places.
Signs of repair like knocking will be evident.
Look underneath the rubber casing at the doors, around the edges at the bottom of the car, and in the boot behind the bumper.
The edges in all these areas should be smooth and the paint job should support this. However, in a car that has had an accident and a subsequent repair job, the edges will be jagged and parts of it will be crumbly and sometimes slightly rusty.
The most important part is the A pillar - if there has been any damage to this pillar, then stay away from the car because it is actually considered a total wreck.
Once the pillar is damaged, it can never support the windshield the way it was designed to. A damaged pillar will not be able to grip the windshield well and there will definitely be instances of water seeping into the car during rain or during a wash.
It's also a good idea to run your hand around the car to feel for bumps. These bumps could show overlapping of new paintwork onto old paintwork after an accident, or that a new coat of paint has been used to cover rust spots.
Enough about the body. What about the exhaust or the engine?
The first thing to do is check if there is any engine oil in the car. You should do this before you switch on the engine. A good engine, when running, will produce cool, clean and almost odourless emission from the exhaust.
It should be safe enough for you to place your hand near the exhaust and feel the emission.
There should be no odour, no burnt smell and no strong smell of fumes.
If the emission is dark and smoky, the engine is faulty. Knowing this, some car sellers drain out the engine oil so that there will be no emission at all when the engine is started. This fools the prospective buyer into thinking that the engine is good.
What if the engine sounds loud? This could mean either a faulty drive shaft or a dodgy gearbox.
You will know for sure that the gearbox is the problem if you have difficulty engaging the gear.
The radiator can also show up any sorry tales an engine has to tell.
If there are bubbles in the radiator or a film of oil, this could mean that either the cylinder head or the cylinder wall is cracked and oil has leaked into the cooling system.
Make sure the engine is not extremely dirty, there is no burnt smell under the hood and the battery terminals are not badly corroded - all these are signs of a poorly maintained car.
But can you, someone who knows nothing about what strange mysteries lies beneath the bonnet, read the hidden secrets of a vehicle?
Well, the answer is simple. Of course you can. All you have to do is remember that the key is to look, listen, feel and smell.
Do this and you will soon find out the story behind the car - information which will come in very handy when buying a used car.
Of course, it is always better to get a mechanic to give the car a full check but when this isn't possible, use your eyes, ears, nose and hands.
This means looking at those parts of the body where the sun don't shine, feeling for bumps, smelling the exhaust emission (do it with care!) and listening to the engine.
One of the first things to look for when playing detective is to find out if the car has been involved in an accident. No amount of repairs, knocking and painting can hide this, provided you look in the right places.
Signs of repair like knocking will be evident.
Look underneath the rubber casing at the doors, around the edges at the bottom of the car, and in the boot behind the bumper.
The edges in all these areas should be smooth and the paint job should support this. However, in a car that has had an accident and a subsequent repair job, the edges will be jagged and parts of it will be crumbly and sometimes slightly rusty.
The most important part is the A pillar - if there has been any damage to this pillar, then stay away from the car because it is actually considered a total wreck.
Once the pillar is damaged, it can never support the windshield the way it was designed to. A damaged pillar will not be able to grip the windshield well and there will definitely be instances of water seeping into the car during rain or during a wash.
It's also a good idea to run your hand around the car to feel for bumps. These bumps could show overlapping of new paintwork onto old paintwork after an accident, or that a new coat of paint has been used to cover rust spots.
Enough about the body. What about the exhaust or the engine?
The first thing to do is check if there is any engine oil in the car. You should do this before you switch on the engine. A good engine, when running, will produce cool, clean and almost odourless emission from the exhaust.
It should be safe enough for you to place your hand near the exhaust and feel the emission.
There should be no odour, no burnt smell and no strong smell of fumes.
If the emission is dark and smoky, the engine is faulty. Knowing this, some car sellers drain out the engine oil so that there will be no emission at all when the engine is started. This fools the prospective buyer into thinking that the engine is good.
What if the engine sounds loud? This could mean either a faulty drive shaft or a dodgy gearbox.
You will know for sure that the gearbox is the problem if you have difficulty engaging the gear.
The radiator can also show up any sorry tales an engine has to tell.
If there are bubbles in the radiator or a film of oil, this could mean that either the cylinder head or the cylinder wall is cracked and oil has leaked into the cooling system.
Make sure the engine is not extremely dirty, there is no burnt smell under the hood and the battery terminals are not badly corroded - all these are signs of a poorly maintained car.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Tips on Buying a Used Car From a New Car Dealer
When buying a used vehicle, there is a multitude of options to consider. Besides choosing a vehicle to suit the individual needs of the car owner, a decision has to be made on where to buy the vehicle. Some options may include new car dealers, private parties, used car lots, online brokers like Autotrader or auto auctions.
The best decision on where to buy a used car largely depends on the individual needs of the car buyer. To help the car buyer make an informed decision, this article looks at the advantages and disadvantages of buying a used vehicle from a new car dealer.
Used Car Prices and the New Car Dealer
As a general rule, new vehicle dealers used car prices are higher than other purchasing options. When a dealer sets a selling price on a vehicle, they generally use an appraisal based on retail value from sources like Kelley Blue Book or other appraisal sources. To help ensure a fair value price, look up the appraisal value. The price of the vehicle should be at or below the retail value.
However there can be exceptions to the general rule. Dealers have a lot of money tied up in their inventory and have to move it quickly. Dealers understand that a vehicle that sits on the lot to many days can actually end up costing them money. To get a better deal, ask the dealer if they have any aging inventory they want to move at a reduced price.
Advantages of Buying a Used Car From a New Car Dealer
The biggest disadvantage of buying from a new car dealer is the higher price tag. In part new car dealers have to cover their overhead and a lot of their profits come from used vehicle sales. There are some advantages to buying a used vehicle from a new auto dealer that may warrant paying a higher price. Some of the advantages may include
* warranties
* financing options
* reconditioning quality
* trade-ins
* paperwork
New car dealers may supply a written warranty with the vehicle sale. They usually have different financing options too meet the buyer’s needs. Most used cars go though a quality and safety reconditioning process. The buyer can trade-in a vehicle to offset the purchase price and new car dealers will take care of all the needed paperwork.
Pre-owned Certified Used Cars
Most factory dealerships also offer pre-owned manufacturer certified vehicles. Even though certified vehicles command a higher price, there are some advantages for pre-owned certified vehicles. Factory warranties, roadside assistance and special rate financing are some examples.
The bottom line to get a good deal on a used car from a new car dealer is to negotiate the price and financing rate. Once a used vehicle is found for purchase, don’t commit to the sale on the first visit. Make a note of the vehicle model, year, odometer reading and optional equipment.
Once the information is obtained, look up the information on Kelley Blue Book and get the retail value to ensure you’re paying a fair price. Search used vehicle sales website for similar models to use as a negotiation tool. Before finalizing the sale, ask the dealership to run a vehicle history report to ensure there are no underlying problems with the vehicle.
The best decision on where to buy a used car largely depends on the individual needs of the car buyer. To help the car buyer make an informed decision, this article looks at the advantages and disadvantages of buying a used vehicle from a new car dealer.
Used Car Prices and the New Car Dealer
As a general rule, new vehicle dealers used car prices are higher than other purchasing options. When a dealer sets a selling price on a vehicle, they generally use an appraisal based on retail value from sources like Kelley Blue Book or other appraisal sources. To help ensure a fair value price, look up the appraisal value. The price of the vehicle should be at or below the retail value.
However there can be exceptions to the general rule. Dealers have a lot of money tied up in their inventory and have to move it quickly. Dealers understand that a vehicle that sits on the lot to many days can actually end up costing them money. To get a better deal, ask the dealer if they have any aging inventory they want to move at a reduced price.
Advantages of Buying a Used Car From a New Car Dealer
The biggest disadvantage of buying from a new car dealer is the higher price tag. In part new car dealers have to cover their overhead and a lot of their profits come from used vehicle sales. There are some advantages to buying a used vehicle from a new auto dealer that may warrant paying a higher price. Some of the advantages may include
* warranties
* financing options
* reconditioning quality
* trade-ins
* paperwork
New car dealers may supply a written warranty with the vehicle sale. They usually have different financing options too meet the buyer’s needs. Most used cars go though a quality and safety reconditioning process. The buyer can trade-in a vehicle to offset the purchase price and new car dealers will take care of all the needed paperwork.
Pre-owned Certified Used Cars
Most factory dealerships also offer pre-owned manufacturer certified vehicles. Even though certified vehicles command a higher price, there are some advantages for pre-owned certified vehicles. Factory warranties, roadside assistance and special rate financing are some examples.
The bottom line to get a good deal on a used car from a new car dealer is to negotiate the price and financing rate. Once a used vehicle is found for purchase, don’t commit to the sale on the first visit. Make a note of the vehicle model, year, odometer reading and optional equipment.
Once the information is obtained, look up the information on Kelley Blue Book and get the retail value to ensure you’re paying a fair price. Search used vehicle sales website for similar models to use as a negotiation tool. Before finalizing the sale, ask the dealership to run a vehicle history report to ensure there are no underlying problems with the vehicle.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Tips on Buying a Used Car From a Local Used Car Dealer
Chances are that if you're in the market in this economy you're more like to be looking to save some money. With that in mind you've scoured all the Craigslist ads, done some web searches and you have possibly even hit up an auto row or two.
Most people aren't going to go very far out of their way to buy their next used car. Ideally, they're going to try and save as much as they can by scouting out deals at their local used car dealer. Most used car dealerships have a tough reputation stereotype to overcome. Since most are individually and not corporate owned, a lot of people see the non franchised dealers as suspect places that sell the proverbial "lemon" (which is where the term lemon lot comes from).
In turn buying a used car from one of these lots has become an exercise in frustration for the buyer and dealer both. It doesn't have to be though. If you follow the tips outlined below this should make buying a used car from your local used car dealer or used luxury car dealerships a less frustrating experience.
1. Find out about the history of the place. If you're going to buy from a non franchised dealer then you probably are going to want to know a bit more about who you're buying from, right?
a. Things you might want to know include: How long has the place been in business?
b. Can you find the place online if you did a search? Most of the information you want and need is right at your fingertips thanks to the internet and search engines.
2. Do they have an established community history? What do others have to say about the place? This is called crowd sourcing. Most people are more apt to trust a third party recommendation (testimonial) than they are an advertisement any day of the week.
a. The more good stuff there is out about the business there the more comfortable an individual should be in doing business with them.
3. Appearance - a place that cares about being in business for the long haul really should show signs that they care about their over all appearance.
a. Are the cars clean, lined up in a "display" fashion or are they all just kind of randomly strewn about with dirt, mud, cake, rust etc?
b. Is the showroom clean? Do the proprietors show signs that they care what their "business home" looks like? This is another good sign. Are all of the illuminated lights well....illuminated? Are there letters falling off, tattered awnings, etc?
4. Where do they get their inventory from?
a. Unless you're looking for a true "lemon" you probably don't want to get a car that has 100, 000 miles and is only 3 years old. A used car dealer especially in the luxury segment should take care to have items that are appealing to the general public. Cars in accord with local driving conditions. A 3 year old car shouldn't have more than 30,000 to 50,000 miles on them. Off lease used vehicles are usually the best choice, but that's not a hard fast rule, just something to consider.
b. Carfax or Auto Check available (most people have heard of CarFax...Auto Check is a similar service offered by Experian.
c. Look for indications of transparency. This means, is the dealer trying to give you all of the details in good faith? A dealer that is trying to convey all of the cars historical information usually indicates a business that is ethical. They want to stay in business and they genuinely care about the customer. As a consumer you should be very aware of this aspect.
5. Courtesy - Did the sales people make you feel welcomed or like you were interrupting their down time? Respect goes a long way in helping a business thrive. This is not something that should be abused, however.
6. Prices - There is such a concept as market price. If the price is too good to be true you probably want to ask why. If the prices are too high, again ask why. A dealer that sells below market might just want to unload inventory and you may potentially have a genuine "deal" on your hands otherwise you should be cautious.
On the contrary a dealer that is selling inflated priced cars is probably taking advantage of buyers in that particular area. This is common in less affluent neighborhoods (we all watch 60 minutes).
With these tips you should be able to get a great used car from your local while minimizing any buyers remorse and also have the good feeling to know that you did a great thing for your local community. Don't forget, dealers are human too. Now go support your community.
Most people aren't going to go very far out of their way to buy their next used car. Ideally, they're going to try and save as much as they can by scouting out deals at their local used car dealer. Most used car dealerships have a tough reputation stereotype to overcome. Since most are individually and not corporate owned, a lot of people see the non franchised dealers as suspect places that sell the proverbial "lemon" (which is where the term lemon lot comes from).
In turn buying a used car from one of these lots has become an exercise in frustration for the buyer and dealer both. It doesn't have to be though. If you follow the tips outlined below this should make buying a used car from your local used car dealer or used luxury car dealerships a less frustrating experience.
1. Find out about the history of the place. If you're going to buy from a non franchised dealer then you probably are going to want to know a bit more about who you're buying from, right?
a. Things you might want to know include: How long has the place been in business?
b. Can you find the place online if you did a search? Most of the information you want and need is right at your fingertips thanks to the internet and search engines.
2. Do they have an established community history? What do others have to say about the place? This is called crowd sourcing. Most people are more apt to trust a third party recommendation (testimonial) than they are an advertisement any day of the week.
a. The more good stuff there is out about the business there the more comfortable an individual should be in doing business with them.
3. Appearance - a place that cares about being in business for the long haul really should show signs that they care about their over all appearance.
a. Are the cars clean, lined up in a "display" fashion or are they all just kind of randomly strewn about with dirt, mud, cake, rust etc?
b. Is the showroom clean? Do the proprietors show signs that they care what their "business home" looks like? This is another good sign. Are all of the illuminated lights well....illuminated? Are there letters falling off, tattered awnings, etc?
4. Where do they get their inventory from?
a. Unless you're looking for a true "lemon" you probably don't want to get a car that has 100, 000 miles and is only 3 years old. A used car dealer especially in the luxury segment should take care to have items that are appealing to the general public. Cars in accord with local driving conditions. A 3 year old car shouldn't have more than 30,000 to 50,000 miles on them. Off lease used vehicles are usually the best choice, but that's not a hard fast rule, just something to consider.
b. Carfax or Auto Check available (most people have heard of CarFax...Auto Check is a similar service offered by Experian.
c. Look for indications of transparency. This means, is the dealer trying to give you all of the details in good faith? A dealer that is trying to convey all of the cars historical information usually indicates a business that is ethical. They want to stay in business and they genuinely care about the customer. As a consumer you should be very aware of this aspect.
5. Courtesy - Did the sales people make you feel welcomed or like you were interrupting their down time? Respect goes a long way in helping a business thrive. This is not something that should be abused, however.
6. Prices - There is such a concept as market price. If the price is too good to be true you probably want to ask why. If the prices are too high, again ask why. A dealer that sells below market might just want to unload inventory and you may potentially have a genuine "deal" on your hands otherwise you should be cautious.
On the contrary a dealer that is selling inflated priced cars is probably taking advantage of buyers in that particular area. This is common in less affluent neighborhoods (we all watch 60 minutes).
With these tips you should be able to get a great used car from your local while minimizing any buyers remorse and also have the good feeling to know that you did a great thing for your local community. Don't forget, dealers are human too. Now go support your community.
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