If you feel purchasing a new car is tricky, then buying a second hand car can be quite trickier. But don’t fret just yet–with these guidelines to keep you on track, that used car could be one of the sweetest deals you’ve ever had.
Where to Look
Snoop around. It pays to be on the lookout for owners wanting to shift to a newer model, and thus wanting to sell the car of your dreams. This is where your friends and family come in. Aside from referrals, they could more or less ensure that the price is reasonable and the car’s ownership history is satisfactory.
Asking the Right Questions
Why are the owners letting the car go? Make sure that they are not selling due to any major problems.
How long have they owned the car? Given proper maintenance, a five to seven year-old car would generally be in good condition. What repairs have been done, or are currently needed? How’s the mileage? The lower the mileage, the better. However, a used car with more miles could be satisfactory, too. In this case, ask about the vehicle’s use. Was it a family car limited to city driving? Does the car come with a warranty?
Take Note of the following:
Body rust or holes are difficult to repair. A body panel rusting through is to be replaced. Different paint shades from one panel to another, peeling and cracked paint, or smudges on other car part indicates a poor re-paint job, which needs to be re-done. Threadbare tires, chipped or cracked glass, the electrical work and what’s beneath the hood should be given proper attention, too.
Going Out for a Test Drive
If it’s a manual car, the clutch shouldn’t slip. If the clutch slips, instead of being steady as it accelerates, the motor will be revved up as when using neutral. If this happens get yourself a new clutch! Is the exhaust not chugging out excess smoke and noise? The car may need some good motor repair, or some of the exhaust system parts replaced. Do the pothole test. Overly shaky rides could indicate a suspension problem, an alignment problem and or a tire problem. Always have a trusted mechanic or a car aficionado friend to thoroughly go over the car with you.
The Turn Over, at Last
The number of previous owners, registration details, applicable taxes, and insurance papers - should all be properly documented. With the paperwork done and the payment terms agreed upon, you’re ready to hit the road, and enjoy the ride!
Buying a new car is a long term investment. It is usually the second only to a home as the most expensive thing ever bought. The person has to shell out a vast sum of money later on not only for gas but its proper maintenance as well.
To some who can’t afford to buy a new car, these people have to do the next best thing and settle for a second hand car.
According to consumer reports, a new car depreciates in value once it leaves the lot. This goes as high as 20% annually which makes it easy for someone to buy a fairly new car at almost half the price of a new one.
In addition, it can enable you to even buy a higher end model that has better performance, safety and other features than a new model. This saves you money which can be used for other things.
Before buying a car, it is best to think about the kind of car you is willing to spend for and the options that come with it. By doing some research and checking out various dealers, you will be able to pick the right car and get the best deal.
You can buy a used car either from a dealer or from a private person. Before spending money on a used car, these are a few tips you must be aware of.
• You should check if the dealer or the individual who wants to sell the car has a good reputation.
• Just looking at the car will not give information if the car is in good condition. It should be test driven in various road conditions such as the highway or in traffic.
• Most cars have a maintenance record. The buyer must ask if it from the dealer or the individual and if it not available, then you should contact the dealership or repair shop where most of the work was done.
• Since most people are not that knowledgeable about cars, it is advisable to bring the car to a reliable mechanic for proper inspection.
• There are many dealers available. You should also visit other dealers and check if the dealer or the individual who sells the used car has a good reputation. If the car of choice is not available, then you should inform the dealer about it and inform how much you are willing to pay. The dealer may either find that car or offer another model that is very similar to the vehicle you desire.
Nowadays, life can be pretty hard. Everything is increasing with prices escalating out of site! This makes us all targets of potential scams and frauds.
With all these swindlers and scammers lurking just about anywhere, it is best to always be on guard and to know the things to be avoided in order to prevent the probability of being a victim of frauds and swindles.
Consequently, people who are buying used cars should also be aware of the different fraudulent activities being employed by unscrupulous people in order to have the best buy of used cars.
Moreover, people who are aware that the cars they have bought are stolen, chances are, they will be held liable.
Here are some things to avoid when buying used cars:
1. Used car buyers should avoid any transactions that are “too good to be true.” This will only make the matter worst if the buyer will believe that the deal is the best-used car deal ever.
2. Buyers should avoid buying used cars from sellers that do not provide a permanent address or the actual place of work of the phone number given.
3. It is important for a buyer to check on the VIN or the vehicle identification number plate. It must be securely fastened onto the used car’s dashboard, with no rivets that are loosened.
Loosened rivets would mean that the VIN plate does not fit or it has been previously removed.
4. Also, the buyer should also avoid buying used cars that have VIN plates that are touched up, its paint is newly retouched, and the numbers look as if they are not the original “factory numbers.”
VIN plates can be easily swapped by a thief and use those that are taken from a destroyed vehicle.
5. As much as possible, it would be better to avoid buying a used car that is freshly painted. There are instances wherein the stolen car’s identity is being changed through changing its paint color.
6. Used car buyers should avoid buying cars from a seller that cannot present the car’s “insurance policy.” This could mean that the car is stolen or the seller is not the true owner of the car.
It is extremely important for the buyers to take note of these things before buying a used car. An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure!
Looking for the cheapest car through buying used cars is a smart practice. However, when the buyer is truly saving and is on a tight budget, buying a used car should not be immediately decided upon and should take a lot of deliberation. This is to avoid throwing away your hard-earned money.
Therefore, for people who already know something about buying used cars but wish to know when not to buy them, here are some pointers that may help people in their decision-making:
1. Buyers should be wary of buying used cars from owners that do not have complete and pertinent documents.
This could mean a lot of negative things and the buyer is the only one who will be at the losing end. Documents are crucial especially if the car is second hand. It is the only solid guarantee that a buyer can get hold of when buying used cars.
If this is the case, then, the buyer might as well not pursue the deal.
2. Buyers should consider their budget
If the reason why the buyer is opting to purchase a used car is the budget, then it should be the same reason why the buyer should be careful and meticulous in choosing a used car.
Hence, if the car needs a lot of maintenance, repairs, and other modifications, it is best not to buy that used car.
3. If the buyer is not comfortable after test-driving the car, then, it is best not to buy it.
There are instances wherein some people tend to opt for used cars because of the model of the car being sold. It is their dream car and there is no other way they can purchase them but to buy them second hand.
However, if the buyer was not comfortable with the car after test-driving it, then, it would be better not to pursue the deal, even if it means the world to the buyer to have that car.
The bottom line is that buying used cars should never be the sole alternative to people who cannot afford to buy new ones. This means that people should value the process of choosing a used car like what they would do when they buy a new car.
After all, it is their money that will be put to risk that is why it is extremely important to consider all the factors in order to have the best buy ever.
If you are planning to sell your used car to a vehicle dealer, you should be aware of the basic process in determining the worth of your car. This would ensure you would not be scammed and taken for granted by car dealer experts.
* What is the Blue Book value?
The Blue Book value is a basic term used in the car-buying business. It means the worth or cost of a vehicle. This vital book determines the price of what dealers are willing to pay for a used car.
* Where could you find the Blue Book value?
There are several resources responsible for determining the value of your car. The two most popular is the Kelley Blue Book and the N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides.
The Kelley Blue Book, which invented the term Blue Book, is a principal source for determining the loan value on used cars. It has been providing information for 75 years.
The N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides, which was established in 1933, is another helpful Blue Book that provides car buyers to review the car’s worth.
* How does the Blue Book determine the value of a used car?
The Blue Book calculates the value of your car based on the make, the model and year. The book also considers factors such as conditions of the used-cars, mileage and other options. The majority of the popular Blue Books are free for public use in their respective web sites. They provide user-friendly worksheets to help determine the appropriate value of a used car. Being aware of the Blue Book value of your car would help you search for a fair deal.
* How do you determine the amount you wish to spend on buying a use car?
If you’re planning to buy a used car, you should determine how much money you are willing to spend. Consider the additional expenses such as the tags when applying for a car loan, extra tax, and purchasing of the car title.
* How does the Blue Book determine the final values?
Many organizations and individuals make use of the Blue Book. Car auctions, private owners, rentals and fleets, franchised and independent dealers all use the Blue Book to determine the final value.
Used car values are determined by a respectable editorial process. Each process starts with an analysis of the collected data which include the current economic conditions, the historical trends, seasonality, location and industry developments. The final value reflects the most current representation of the changing car marketplace.
Be a wise used-car shopper and avoid bad deals and investments. Check with the Blue Book to find helpful guidelines in your used-car purchase
Buying a used car can either be a wise or a foolish move. Someone with no background or knowledge whatsoever on finding a good buy might just be duped into a bad deal and end up with somebody else’s garbage. But for the knowledgeable buyer, a significant amount of money might be saved by settling with a secondhand car.
Here are some tips to set you on the right track.
1. CONSIDER THE KIND OF CAR YOU NEED.
It’s okay to stick to a price range or budget. But first consider the kind of car you be need. Prices vary according to the brand and make of a car. For instance, a small sedan is cheaper, but if you’d pack that car with lots of people or packages, that would cause tearing or breakdown. This would necessitate lots of repair jobs which would mean more expenses for you.
2. DO YOUR HOMEWORK.
Check out the classifieds for the regular market price ranges on the type of used car that you are going to buy.
3. CHEAP IS NOT ALWAYS THE BEST.
Don’t be fooled by the price. Consider the amount of money you will still need to shell out to recondition the used car once you buy it.
4. WHERE TO SCOUT
Private sellers usually sell at a cheaper price. The advantage though of buying from a dealer is that it usually comes with good warranty.
Be bold enough to scout from private sellers if you are confident that you can assess the condition of the used car fairly well. If not, maybe you could bring a mechanic to check out the vehicle.
When opting to buy from used car dealers, be careful not to be taken in by persuasive talk. Don’t take their word for it, check the car yourself.
5. TEST DRIVE BASICS
Be sure to watch out for these:
a. Does the car swerve on either direction? (Also, see if the tires have uneven wear.) If so, it would need a wheel alignment.
b. Is the air cool enough? If not, check if it’s simply a lack of freeon or worse.
c. Are the brakes in good condition?
d. Do you hear unusual sounds? If so, the engine might have problems.
6. INTERIOR CHECKLIST
The condition of the interior gives clue to how much the car has been used and taken cared of. Also, a very low mileage reading on a badly looking interior is a sign of meter tampering.
7. CHECK THE EXTERIOR FOR RUST AND PAINTOVERS.
It might have been in an accident before.
8. CHECK THE GROUND UNDER THE CAR FOR SIGNS OF LEAKAGE.
9. CHECK THE OIL.
Oil should be clear. BLACK colored oil is not a good sign.
10. CHECK THE MUFFLER FOR LEAKS.
A WHITE or BLUE colored emission would be the sign.
Happy used car hunting!
Security from any fraud and unscrupulous activities should be a serious concern for anyone who is into sales, lease, jobs, or any kind of services that entail certain provisionary agreement and settlement.
Whether a party is a first time or an expert person, the industry and the services that go with it presents the concerned person with risks and challenges that you cannot underestimate. Every time that a person is engaged in a commercial transaction in the society, he or she is in danger of submitting their selves to probabilities of fraudulent activities.
That is why contracts were made to ensure the security of both parties involved.
Generally, contracts are created to provide solid information about the agreement that transpired between two or more parties and that any details stated therein are bounded by certain laws and regulations. Hence, it is extremely important for a person to know the important details of the contract before he or she signs and submits to the pact.
Here is a list of some of the things people should know before they sign a contract. Knowing these will surely protect them from any discrepancies or any fraudulent activities that may happen.
1. Be aware that a contract is a legal document, bound by legal provisions and stipulations.
As defined, it is a “legally binding,” printed arrangement signed by two or more factions or groups, which entails their commitment to each other.
With the term legal, this means that any provisions stated therein are bounded by law, in which, any act, made by a particular party or all of the parties concerned, that constitutes as non-conformity to the details of the agreement will be held liable with the law.
This means that anybody could be imprisoned or held in custody with the law unless other wise the concerned party is proven not guilty.
Hence, it is important to be meticulous about the details of the contract before signing it to avoid any potential risk.
2. Make sure that you are dealing with trustworthy and reliable companies
It is extremely important to know first who the concerned person is dealing with. Therefore, it would be better if an individual or a party would try to do some investigations and background checks first before they sign the contract.
If in the event that a person or a party is in doubt, it is best to follow their instincts and forego the signing of the contract.
3. Know the fine print
The problem with most people is that they assume every detail as part and partial of the whole agreement, thinking that everything will be stated as agreed verbally, and that there will be no harm if they will not read thoroughly the fine print.
This should not be the case; otherwise, they can get into trouble with the parties involved or with the law.
People should bear in mind, that the law fully assumes that any person or entity that has agreed to sign in a contract has fully understand the details stipulated therein. Hence, there is no excuse for any party who claims that they had missed certain details in the contract.
4. Make sure that all of the details about the contract are fully stated.
This means that all information pertinent to the agreement should be stipulated clearly and completely. For example, for service contracts, be sure that the beginning date and ending date of the service is clearly stated.
5. Make certain that there are no blank spaces in the contract
Before signing a contract, concerned parties should try to inspect the document meticulously and ensure that there are no blank spaces present. This may pose greater risks if left unattended, especially if their signatures are already affixed on the contract.
All of these things are boiled down to the fact that people should be very careful about transactions, deals, or agreements that they commit to. It is relatively important to be aware and knowledgeable of the details of the contract before signing it.
You may have heard that ignorance of the law is not an excuse. This is true, therefore, it is better to be fully aware of it than to be in trouble with the law in the end.
Upon purchasing a car, one may also be required to avail of an auto service contract to do away with untimely and expensive repairs. Before agreeing into any of it, one should first completely get a grip of both the contract’s terms and the one responsible for supplying the coverage.
The following will help in the understanding of the use of a car service contract and what should be considered before getting one.
Car Service Contract mistaken as a warranty
A car service contract should not be mistaken as a warranty as made understood by federal law even if it is sometimes called “extended warranty”. Similar to a warranty, a car service contract promises to provide or pay for particular services or repairs.
A warranty goes together with a new automobile and comes together with the original price of the car while an car service contract is sold separately and can be arranged for at anytime.
Things to consider in a car service contract:
o Duplication of car service contract with whichever warranty treatment
Before buying any car service contract, try comparing it with the manufacturer’s warranty first. This will avoid shelling out for coverage that may already be provided by the warranty.
o Accountability of car service contract
Check on who is accountable in performing or paying for reparations within the terms of the contract whether it is the dealership, the manufacturer, or an independent company.
A lot of these car service contracts that dealers sell are controlled by companies that are independent or administrators, as they are called. They function as adjusters of claims who authorize payment claims to dealers under service contract. Therefore, any dispute on claims should be discussed or settled with the supervisor.
Once the administrator stops his business, it is a possibility that the dealership may be compelling to execute the terms of the contract. It is also possible that if the dealer runs out of business, the administrator may be the one expected to complete the contract’s terms.
It is imperative to know the credibility of the dealer and/or the administrator. Inquire about their references and verify them. The local or state office for consumer protection, local automobile dealers associations, Department of Motor Vehicles, local Better Business Bureau are good sources of references and public information.
It is also important to know the length of time the dealer or administrator have had in the business. It is also vital to determine if the dealer or administrator has the funding to sustain their contractual responsibilities.
Know if the car service contract has an insurance company that has underwritten it. This is mandatory in some states. If it is so, verify the company’s solvency with the State Insurance Commission and check for complaints that might have been filed against it.
o Prices of Auto Service Contracts
The cost of auto service contracts are usually known through observing the vehicle’s model, make, condition whether it is new or used, the coverage, and the contract’s length. The price ranges from hundreds of dollars to over a thousand.
Over and above the initial charge may be an additional fee to pay known as deductible, every time the car is repaired or serviced. In some auto service contracts, one may pay just one charge for each visit for all the required restoration, no matter how many. On the other hand, other contracts demand the client to pay a deductible for each unrelated repair.
Transfer of cancelling fees may also be asked to be paid once the client decides to sell the car or wishes to finish the contract. Contracts usually decrease the payment for towing services and other related car rental expenses.
o Coverage
Only a few car service contracts treat all types of repair. Typical repairs for parts such as clutches and brakes are usually not coming with the service contracts. If some items are not listed in the service contract, assume that it is not included. An example of this is if the contract indicates coverage on the “drive train” only, it will surely not pay for the alternator which is a component of the electrical system.
Beware of absolute rules that reject or deny coverage for any reason. An example of this is if a part that is covered is damaged by a part that is not covered, no claim will be given.
One my not have full protection even on parts that are covered in the contract. This is possible due to some companies using a “depreciation factor” in calculating the coverage. This primarily means that the contract covers only partial repair or replacement costs if they take into consideration your vehicle’s mileage for instance.
Do you want to buy a car but don’t know how much you should spend or whether you should buy new or used vehicle? Do you know what kind of car you want but don’t know which cars meet your criteria? Do you have at least three or four cars in mind and would like to compare their specifications and prices? Do you know exactly what car you would like to buy but want to research it fully? Are you raring to buy a car right now?
Increases in the price of gas are accompanied by the increase in the number of fuel-saving scams around. A continuous rise in the price of gas is common news. This is accompanied by an upsurge in advertising exposures for “gas saving” gadgets. These products attract potential buyers searching for methods to maximize fuel efficiency.