| If you are on a strict budget, you might be looking | | | | When it comes to buying vehicles under $1,000, it is |
| for used cars under $1,000. Due to the economy, | | | | important to know that something is likely wrong |
| many Americans are in the same position. What does | | | | with the car. It either is old and has a lot of miles or |
| this mean? It means that it will be even harder to | | | | needs costly repairs. Get all the information you need |
| get your hands on these already in demand cheap | | | | ahead of time. If your state requires vehicle |
| used cars. To improve your chances of success, here | | | | inspections, when was the last time the vehicle |
| are some helpful tips. | | | | passed and will it again? If the vehicle needs repairs, |
| Buying Tip #1 - Know Where to Look | | | | does the seller have an estimated cost of repair? |
| While you can check a used dealer lot for used cars | | | | Buying Tip #4 - Go for a Test Drive |
| under $1,000, you likely aren't going to find much. | | | | Whether you are buying a used car for $1,000 or |
| Such a low price tag doesn't leave much room for | | | | $10,000 a test drive is always recommended. Test |
| profit. That is why your best options are to check | | | | drives are particularly important with cheap cars. In |
| online classified websites, the local newspaper auto | | | | addition to getting a feel of handling, you might also |
| sections, and just be on the lookout for cars for sale | | | | be alerted to any needed upgrades or repairs the |
| while out and about. | | | | seller "forgot" to mention. |
| Buying Tip #2 - Know How to Search Online | | | | Buying Tip #5 - Include the Cost of Repairs |
| If you do decide to search for used cars under | | | | Finally, it is important to keep the cost of repairs in |
| $1,000 online, choose your websites wisely. Searching | | | | mind. When it comes to used cars under $1,000, |
| each classified website individually is likely to produce | | | | there is a good chance that repairs are needed. In |
| some results. However, there are also shopping | | | | this case, it might be worth it to take the vehicle |
| websites that let you search thousands of car sites | | | | (while in the mist of a test drive) to a local auto |
| and classified sites at once. Regardless, you are on a | | | | repair shop. Often times for less than $50, they will |
| strict budget so set a price range (maximum price at | | | | quickly inspect the car, give you a list of repairs, as |
| $1,000). Good search phrases are key. Since there | | | | well as cost estimates. These estimates should be |
| are fewer cars with a price tag of $1,000 or less, | | | | added to the total cost of the car. So say the |
| avoid searching with a make or model. Instead, | | | | vehicle needs a $2,000 transmission. That $1,000 car |
| search with "used car" or simply "used." | | | | suddenly becomes a $3,000 car that you might not |
| Buying Tip #3 - Ask Lots of Questions | | | | be able to afford. |