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Used Car Buying Tips
by: Steve
Gillman
Some of these used car buying tips won't be new to you.
Often the trick is just to apply what you already know. On the other
hand, when it comes to expensive areas of life like buying a car, one
new thing learned can save you hundreds of dollars. Try some of the
following.
1. Make a low offer. Okay, you knew this one. A trick you
may not have used, though, is to make a low offer, and then leave your
phone number with the seller. Time has a way of making sellers
desperate, especially after you just helped convince them that they are
asking too much.
2. Be careful with car price guides. Use the "blue book"
etc, but try not to pay more than wholesale. I can't think of many
times when people I know have paid more than "bluebook," so these
"average" sales prices are doubtful.
3. Talk to people. This is one of the simplest and effective
used car buying tips. Just let friends, family and others know you're
looking for a car. Quite often people would be happy to avoid the whole
process of advertising and showing their car if they could just get rid
of it by giving a good deal to a friend.
4. Check out the engine. Have a mechanic look at the car,
and tell you what it's likely to need in the next year or so. Then make
a list, so the seller can see in writing why you are offering less than
he wants.
5. Auctions. See if there is a public auction in your area.
If not, maybe you can go with a dealer friend and give him a $100 to
buy a car for you.
6.
www.carfax.com. It's around $25 to run vehicle background checks
for a month - long enough to find your next car. They'll show the chain
of title, accident reports for the car, and even safety and reliability
scores for that model.
7. "Ugly" cars. Watch for cars that sit on the lot for
months. Dealers will often sell these "ugly ducklings" at a loss just
to move them. Again, you may want to leave your phone number with a low
offer.
8. Rental company cars. They are sold fairly cheap when they
get the new ones in. Buy at bluebook wholesale or less, because they
have had many different drivers, so they've more wear than normal.
9. Repos. Credit unions and some small banks do their own
selling of repossessed cars. You usually bid on paper, maybe with a $50
deposit, and then get your $50 back if you're not the winning bidder.
If they don't sell their own repossessions, ask where they are sold.
10. Consider gas mileage. High mileage may be better, but
maybe a car that costs $500 less will use only $400 more gas in the two
years you expect to own it. Do the math.
Use the tips here the next time you are shopping for a used
car. Meanwhile, why not learn a few negotiating strategies. This helps
in many areas of life, and is the most important of these used car
buying tips.
About The Author
Steve Gillman has been hunting down obscure knowledge and
useful secrets for years. Learn more and get a free gift at:
http://www.TheSecretInformationSite.com
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