According to Bank Rate’s article, “Americans embrace buying used cars” by Claes Bell, “[65 percent] of responders said that they are more likely to consider a late-model used car relative to several years ago.” Clearly, with this shift in car buying demographics, more people are turning toward purchasing older cars. How can you make a smart decision when it’s time to add one of these cars to your driveway?
Shop the Lots
Purchasing a car from a private seller has a host of problems attached to it. First of all, you have no idea if this person is honest. It’s all dangerous to meet a stranger from the Internet alone. If you’re going to purchase from a private seller, please be sure to meet in public and bring someone along with you. Furthermore, no guarantee exists that the car will hold up. You could drive away from the house, and the car could completely break down. In that scenario, you are likely going to be held responsible. One exception to this rule is if you are buying from a family member or friend. Just be sure that everyone agrees to the terms though; you don’t want to lose a relationship over a car.
Scour the Prices
Dealers of these older style cars tend to get a bad reputation for being overly pushy and trying to swindle you out of your money. This isn’t really fair though as certainly not all salesmen are like this. Therefore, it’s important to look at the prices with an open mind. Do not automatically assume that the dealership is trying to rip you off. Before you go to the store, find out what the car is selling for in other lots and what the estimated value of such a car is. As a result, you’ll have a couple of bargaining tools when you go to the lot, but you will also realize that the prices might be closer to fair than you thought they would be.
Test the Car
Testing the vehicle involves a couple of different components. If it’s possible to do so and the dealership allows it, bring your own mechanic with it. This is even better if the mechanic is a trusted family member or friend. When that’s the case, you’ll really know that the vehicle is being thoroughly examined. In some instances, this won’t be possible. Ask as many questions as you can to try to gauge the true conditions of both the exterior and interior of the car. You’ll also want to test drive the vehicle. It’s important to get a feel for it. By test driving, you will be able to tell if you are comfortable in it, and you may also be able to tell if something feels off or if the car is not driving the way you think it should be.
It’s truly possible to be smart when buying a car that has been used before, no matter what television shows or ads tell you about it.
Featured images:
- License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://depositphotos.com
This post is brought to you by Mark Ellis. Mark is an avid car collector with a wide selection of classic cars in his driveaway. When it comes to purchasing used cars Windsor Ontario and the surrounding areas, he recommends Overseas Motors Mini.