| Shopping for used cars? Requesting used car quotes? | | | | the depreciation is lessened. In other words, instead |
| Ready to make a purchase? Before you sign the | | | | of losing immense value in the first few years, a |
| bottom line, read through this guide to buying used | | | | used car's value is maintained. If you're smart about |
| cars, which can help you research, locate, and price | | | | your purchase, you'll get more "drive" for less money. |
| any number of models. | | | | The following is a complete breakdown for the |
| Buying used cars is a tricky process. As a consumer, | | | | process of buying used cars, taking you from |
| you are not only searching for the best quotes, but | | | | beginning to end. In just 10 steps, you can save time, |
| you are also trying to weed out models with | | | | money, and headaches. |
| mechanical and structural problems. Malfunctioning | | | | Used Car Buying Advice, Step One - Research prices |
| models tend to have "bargain" prices and can be, if | | | | Search for used cars to determine what average |
| you're not careful, difficult to avoid. But, by utilizing | | | | prices are. Be sure to do thorough research, so that |
| the following guide to buying used cars, you can | | | | you're paying a fair price for the make and model |
| make yourself a little wiser and maybe save a little | | | | you choose. |
| money in the process. | | | | Used Car Buying Advice, Step Two - Get multiple |
| If you're not careful, the model you are interested in | | | | used car quotes After figuring out a fair price, |
| could have a laundry list of problems. Some of which | | | | request as many quotes as possible, on as many |
| are not easily repaired. Buying used cars means | | | | models that come close to fitting your description. |
| taking the time to carefully inspect your purchase. | | | | Request prices with all applicable taxes and charges |
| Remember, it is not new. It's been used, and possibly | | | | included in those used car quotes. |
| abused. | | | | Used Car Buying Advice, Step Three - Get your |
| The following are some common problems: • | | | | credit report Your credit score is what is used to |
| Prior accidents, possibly salvaged • Flood | | | | determine the APR you'll pay on your loan. You |
| damage • Unsuited Vehicle Identification | | | | should get a copy so you know the kind of rate you |
| Numbers • Odometer rollback • | | | | deserve and to ensure there are no errors. |
| Missing airbags • Auctioned • Smog | | | | Used Car Buying Advice, Step Four - Get loan rate |
| test failure • Previously Stolen | | | | quotes With your FICO credit score prepared, you |
| However, with the proper precaution, the buying | | | | should apply to online lenders for the best loan rates. |
| process can be less risky: | | | | Your bank, other banks, other lenders, the dealership, |
| • Try to purchase a "Certified" model - one | | | | and even your family. Shopping around for financing |
| that shows proof of a thorough 100-point inspection | | | | can save you thousands over the life of your loan. |
| and already includes an extended warranty. | | | | Used Car Buying Advice, Step Five - Research |
| • Research the Vehicle Identification Number | | | | insurance companies You should research insurance |
| (VIN) and Vehicle History Report. • Schedule | | | | companies thoroughly as well. Some specialize in |
| a qualified mechanical inspection to thoroughly inspect | | | | offering plans for used cars and/or less expensive |
| it inside and out. • Consider purchasing an | | | | plans for drivers with good driving records. |
| extended auto warranty, especially if it's five years | | | | Used Car Buying Advice, Step Six - Get insurance |
| older or more. • Be sure to take a test | | | | rate quotes Request quotes from the preferred |
| drive. Check for problems with the handling, engine, | | | | companies you found, and much like the search for |
| transmission, passenger controls, etc. | | | | auto loan rate quotes, pick the plan that offers the |
| Taking these precautions when buying used cars will | | | | best protection for the most reasonable price. |
| not only weed out the lemons, it will allow you to | | | | Used Car Buying Advice, Step Seven - Determine |
| find the best of the bunch. If you find a credible | | | | trade-in value Use Kelly Blue Book to estimate your |
| model, the upside is tremendous. First, you're not | | | | current car's value if you're thinking about trading it in |
| paying a large MSRP, like you would for a new car. | | | | to help pay for the used car. The trade-in value will |
| So, if you purchase a used car in good condition for a | | | | be affected by the used car's price. |
| reasonable price, you'll get a better value. Second, | | | | |