At the beginning of the car-buying process, many people already know what car they want. But it's a good idea to stop right now and test your decision with this question: Will this car fit into my monthly budget? We'll explain how to determine what car you can afford in the next step. For now, make sure your choice isn't obviously exceeding your budget. Ask yourself, does it meet my current needs? For more on this subject, refer to .Starting out — Why buy used?
If you've decided to buy a used car, you've already made a smart decision. You can get a car that's almost as good as a brand-new one without paying for the depreciation that wallops new-car buyers as soon as they drive the vehicle off the lot. Even cars that are only a year old are 20-30 percent cheaper than brand-new cars.
But there are other good reasons to buy a used car:
You'll save money on insurance.
Bigger bargains are possible for the smart used-car shopper.
Used cars are more reliable today than ever before.
Some used cars are still covered by the factory warranty.
Most new carmakers now sell certified used cars, which include warranties.
The history of a used car can be traced easily with its vehicle identification number (VIN) and a vehicle history report.
If you buy from a private party, the negotiation process is less stressful.You will find all the information you need to make an educated decision about what to buy on the Edmunds.com used car pages. You can access the major topics by clicking the links that list such information as prices, standard features, reliability and safety, fuel economy, photos, video, resale values and local inventory.
Still, there are advantages to buying a used car from a new-car dealership. Many of the used cars on new-car lots are trade-ins. Dealerships usually get these cars at rock-bottom prices. If you make a low offer (but one that gives them some profit) you just might get a great deal. Furthermore, many dealerships offer CPO cars that have been thoroughly inspected and are backed by strong warranties.
Used-car shopping will involve inspecting the vehicle to determine its condition. This process is simplified if you buy a CPO car that has passed a thorough inspection and is backed by a manufacturer's warranty. But while buying a CPO car removes a lot of the guesswork about the vehicle's mechanical condition, you pay for this service with a higher sticker price.
Most new cars are sold with a three-year/36,000-mile warranty. Therefore, if you buy a car that is from 1-3 years old, with fewer than 36,000 miles on the odometer, it will still be under the factory warranty.
Search for your car by using sites used vehicle listings or online classifieds such as Autotrader.com. Some sites are very flexible and allow you to search specific criteria such as make, model, options and price range. In some cases, you can search the used car inventory of new car dealerships through their Web sites.
While the Internet is an amazing resource, you should still try the conventional sources. Ask friends and relatives if they are selling any used cars. Keep your eyes peeled for "For Sale" signs in car windows.
Once you find a prospective car, call the seller before you go to see the vehicle. In this way, you can eliminate cars that have problems such as excessive mileage or a salvage title. Use our Used Car Question Sheet when calling to help prompt you to ask key questions. Verify the asking price in the ad.
While talking to the seller, set up an appointment for a test-drive. If possible, make this appointment during the day so you can see the car in the daylight and more accurately determine its condition. Also, ask for the VIN so you can run a vehicle history report.
Here's one last vital step to getting a great used car deal: Make sure you run a vehicle history report on any used car you are considering buying. Several companies sell these reports, which are based on the VIN, but AutoCheck and Carfax seem to be the most comprehensive.
These reports can reveal vital information about the used car, including whether it has a salvage title, which means it has been declared a total loss by the insurance company, or if the odometer has been rolled back. This is also the time to decide if you want a certified pre-owned (CPO) car. If you do, see our article on certified pre-owned vehicle programs. It describes the ones offered by each manufacturer.
If you've decided to buy a used car, you've already made a smart decision. You can get a car that's almost as good as a brand-new one without paying for the depreciation that wallops new-car buyers as soon as they drive the vehicle off the lot. Even cars that are only a year old are 20-30 percent cheaper than brand-new cars.
But there are other good reasons to buy a used car:
You'll save money on insurance.
Bigger bargains are possible for the smart used-car shopper.
Used cars are more reliable today than ever before.
Some used cars are still covered by the factory warranty.
Most new carmakers now sell certified used cars, which include warranties.
The history of a used car can be traced easily with its vehicle identification number (VIN) and a vehicle history report.
If you buy from a private party, the negotiation process is less stressful.You will find all the information you need to make an educated decision about what to buy on the Edmunds.com used car pages. You can access the major topics by clicking the links that list such information as prices, standard features, reliability and safety, fuel economy, photos, video, resale values and local inventory.
Still, there are advantages to buying a used car from a new-car dealership. Many of the used cars on new-car lots are trade-ins. Dealerships usually get these cars at rock-bottom prices. If you make a low offer (but one that gives them some profit) you just might get a great deal. Furthermore, many dealerships offer CPO cars that have been thoroughly inspected and are backed by strong warranties.
Used-car shopping will involve inspecting the vehicle to determine its condition. This process is simplified if you buy a CPO car that has passed a thorough inspection and is backed by a manufacturer's warranty. But while buying a CPO car removes a lot of the guesswork about the vehicle's mechanical condition, you pay for this service with a higher sticker price.
Most new cars are sold with a three-year/36,000-mile warranty. Therefore, if you buy a car that is from 1-3 years old, with fewer than 36,000 miles on the odometer, it will still be under the factory warranty.
Search for your car by using sites used vehicle listings or online classifieds such as Autotrader.com. Some sites are very flexible and allow you to search specific criteria such as make, model, options and price range. In some cases, you can search the used car inventory of new car dealerships through their Web sites.
While the Internet is an amazing resource, you should still try the conventional sources. Ask friends and relatives if they are selling any used cars. Keep your eyes peeled for "For Sale" signs in car windows.
Once you find a prospective car, call the seller before you go to see the vehicle. In this way, you can eliminate cars that have problems such as excessive mileage or a salvage title. Use our Used Car Question Sheet when calling to help prompt you to ask key questions. Verify the asking price in the ad.
While talking to the seller, set up an appointment for a test-drive. If possible, make this appointment during the day so you can see the car in the daylight and more accurately determine its condition. Also, ask for the VIN so you can run a vehicle history report.
Here's one last vital step to getting a great used car deal: Make sure you run a vehicle history report on any used car you are considering buying. Several companies sell these reports, which are based on the VIN, but AutoCheck and Carfax seem to be the most comprehensive.
These reports can reveal vital information about the used car, including whether it has a salvage title, which means it has been declared a total loss by the insurance company, or if the odometer has been rolled back. This is also the time to decide if you want a certified pre-owned (CPO) car. If you do, see our article on certified pre-owned vehicle programs. It describes the ones offered by each manufacturer.
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