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With the fast depreciation of new vehicles, the wise car buyer will shop for a used car rather than a brand new one. If you are in the market for a new used car, you need to know what to do to avoid buying a lemon or paying way too much for a vehicle. After all, just because a car is used doesn’t mean that it can’t be a great vehicle for a great price!
Where to Find Cars for Sale
You can find cars for sale a variety of places. Almost all dealerships have some used cars available that they received as trade-ins, even if they specialize in selling new vehicles. You can also buy directly from a car’s owner. Check newspaper and online classifieds to find cars that are currently for sale. Keep your eyes open as you drive around town to see cars that have for sale signs in their windows.
You will probably see some cars parked along the side of the road for sale. These are often for sale by individuals who fix up cars and then resell them for profit. You can sometimes get a good deal on one of these cars, but make sure you do your research before buying one. It could have a problem that the seller is hiding or does not know about.
Figuring the Car’s Value
You do not want to buy the cheapest car on the market. Extremely low prices usually are there for a reason. What you want is to find a good deal, which means a good car that is priced at the low end of what it is worth. Remember, a cheap car is likely to need costly repairs in the near future.
How can you know how much a car is worth? One resource to use to check a car’s value is Kelley Blue Book. This online resource allows you to search using the car’s make, model, year, and condition. It will show you the average selling price for cars similar to the one you are considering. Look for a car in the middle to low end of the price range shown. Keep in mind that cars priced well below the value may have an underlying problem that you cannot see when you take them for a test drive.
Decide the Type of Car You Want
The type of car you want will depend on many different factors. If you have children or anticipate having children in the near future, make sure that you choose a vehicle that has enough room in the back seat for a car seat. Many compact vehicles do not accommodate rear-facing car seats, even though they have a back seat.
You will need to decide how important fuel economy is. A large SUV will have enough room for your children’s seats, but it is going to drink gas. If you intend to drive the vehicle long distances on a regular basis, you need something a little more fuel-efficient.
As you consider the type of car you want, be sure to consider how much the insurance will be. Car insurance providers charge different rates for various vehicles based on their safety ratings and overall crash histories. Talk to your insurance provider about the rates on the different vehicles you are considering. You will find that two vehicles with very similar features will have very different insurance rates.
Mileage and Age Considerations
As you search through the classifieds for your next used car, make sure you pay attention to the mileage on the vehicle. A car with more than 155,000 miles is not going to last long. However, a car with low mileage may not be a good idea either if the car was driven poorly. Find out from the buyer what percentage of the miles were highway miles if you can. Highway driving is not hard no a car’s engine. If a car with high mileage was driven on a long commute over the highway, the engine will be in better shape than a car with low mileage that was driven by a “soccer mom” around town to the kids’ activities.
You also want to consider the age of a car. Cars, no matter what type they are, do not age well. A car that is more than ten years old is going to take your hard earned money over and over for costly repairs. Even if the car was rarely driven, it can still have worn out parts simply because the parts are old. If you need a bargain, shop for a car that is five or six years old.
The Purchase Process
Once you find a car that you like, run a vehicle history report on it. You can also ask the seller if you can take it to a trusted mechanic to get checked out. These two steps will help you avoid purchasing a car with hidden problems.
If you are satisfied that the car is right for you, be sure that you negotiate the price. Most buyers are willing to take a few thousand less than they have priced the car. Dealers always price the car higher than what they must sell it for, so do not be afraid to make a lower offer. Keep the attitude that you have many other cars to choose from, and you will be able to get a lower price.
Once a price has been agreed to, you will need to pay for the car. If you are using a loan, get a check from your bank that you can use to buy the vehicle. The title will then be transferred to you. If you are buying from a dealership, the dealer will probably handle the legal aspect of the title transfer. If you are buying from a private seller, you will have to follow the rules of your local DMV to transfer the title from the seller’s name to your name. You will be required to show proof of insurance before you can transfer the title, so be sure that you add the car to your insurance policy as soon as you have purchased it.

You’re looking for a new car and you’ve decided to buy used. Smart choice! With the price of gas and the state of the economy, shelling out all that extra cash for a brand new car when a used car can be just as fuel efficient and a much better deal is like tossing your cash into your car’s fuel tank and literally burning that money away.

Craigslist, eBay, car classifieds, and used car search engines like iSeeCars.com make finding used cars for sale so much easier than ever before. But you have to be careful—there’s bound to be a few lemons out there that will leave you with more than just a sour taste in your mouth. Making a major purchase like a car—even if, or perhaps especially if, it’s a cheap used car—requires that you do all of your homework. Remain in control and no one will be able to pull the wool over your eyes!

Here are the top ten questions you should ask a used car seller before you sign on the dotted line:

 

Make sure your car is locked and your windows wound up.

This sounds ridiculously obvious but make sure you secure your car carefully wherever you are parked. Research shows loads of people leave their doors unlocked and/or their windows open a large proportion of the time.

 

Check all your entry points are secure – are all the doors locked, the trunk locked and the sunroof locked? If not a thief will be quick to take advantage of the opportunity.

 

Make sure your windows are wound all the way up. Even if you leave a small gap a thief can easily force it down to either access the door lock or break the window.

 

Keep your keys safe – even when you are at home.

Today with factory and after market alarms getting smarter it is becoming harder for a thief to quickly and easily hotwire your car. That has led to a surge in home break-ins purely so thieves can steal the car keys. Then they simply come back later and drive off with the car.

 

So, while you’re at home keep your keys safe. Don’t leave them in the car, in your handbag, or sitting on an entrance table or bench in the house. Secure them in a drawer or somewhere safe that is out of sight.

 

Don’t ever leave the keys in the car.

It sounds simple enough but is still a common mistake people make. Never leave your keys in the car, even if you’re only leaving the car for a few seconds. It takes even less than that for a thief to grab the opportunity and drive off with the car.

 

Here’s a few scenarios that catch people out:

 

Don’t leave your keys in the car while you pay for your petrol at the garage. This used to be the cause of a huge number of thefts and even with modern day alarms that immobilize your car (this was a big reason immobilization became important) if you leave the keys in there the alarm can’t do anything to protect your car.

 

Don’t leave your keys in the car when you’re not at home (or even when you’re at home.) If a thief breaks into your house and your car is nicely sitting there all open with the keys in the ignition you’ve just given them the best Christmas present – a way to take as much of your stuff as they can fit in the car AND the car itself.

 

Don’t go back into the house during winter while you let the car warm up. Yes, we understand it is freezing cold but thieves take advantage of this time of the year. And don’t leave the car running but lock it with the spare key – a thief is most certainly going to forgo the cost of replacing the window to smash it when they’ll have possession of your car. Put your coat, gloves and scarf on and stay with the car!

 

Be careful where you choose to park – even if you have an alarm

Always make the choice to park in a secured area whenever possible – it’s worth the extra money – both for your own personal safety as well as your car’s.

 

Another tip – take your parking ticket with you when you leave the car. That way, even if a thief gains entry into your car if they have to front up for a lost ticket they’ll be getting themselves noticed even if they do have the cash (which they probably won’t).

 

If you have to park on the street make sure you park in the most well lit, busy area possible.

 

Be particularly careful if you are attending an event such as a football match or concert because lines of cars outside an arena is a dead giveaway to thieves that you’re going to be away from your car for a set period of time. Never leave ticket or event information in the car that would indicate to a thief how long you’ll be gone.

 

And if you do have an alarm fitted it doesn’t mean you can park down a dark alley on a deserted street in the middle of nowhere and expect your car to still be there when you get back. All an alarm can do is make a noise if a thief attacks it – which still means someone needs to be there to hear it. And while an alarm will slow a thief down, given time and isolation they’ll either take the car, tow it, or strip all the good bits off.

 

And if you don’t have a garage make sure you park with awareness at home – whenever possible park off the road and under a porch or house light that is left on (or comes on when movement is triggered.) If you have a high risk car try and park it closer to the house than a less valuable vehicle – that way a thief will have to try and get the other cars out of the driveway first if he wants the one closest to the house.

 

Some alarms today have a programmable feature that will turn the interior light of the car on when the alarm is disarmed – that way you can check that the cabin of the car is safe before nearing the vehicle. Ask your alarm retailer about what models are available that will do this.

 

Don’t leave ANYTHING visible in the car – even with an alarm

So many more cars are broken into rather than stolen (especially with the good factory and after market immobilizer alarms available now) and that’s because people continue to leave items in the car. Simply DO NOT leave ANYTHING visible in the car.

 

If you leave your radar detector attached to the windscreen, your cellphone in the front console, or your handbag on the seat then do not expect sympathy when it gets stolen. An alarm will not, ever, protect from a smash and grab. It takes a thief 5 seconds to smash the glass, grab the item, and be around the corner. Even with your alarm sounding he’s gone.

 

And it’s not just valuable items – don’t leave empty gearbags, shoeboxes, shopping bags or anything in the vehicle. If your stereo has a removable faceplate get yourself into the habit of taking it off every time you leave the car. If a thief sees there might be something in there chances are he’ll take the risk and leave you with the cost and hassle of replacing window glass and door locks.

 

 

 

 

 

Fit an alarm with immobilizers.

Today there are so many excellent alarms on the market that will give you loads of handy features (such as central locking from the remote) as well as protecting the car. Always choose an alarm with a minimum of a single immobilizer so the car cannot be started until the alarm is disarmed via the remote.

 

If you already have an alarm and want to try fitting it yourself you can download our How to Install Your Car Alarm ebook for only $19.95 by visiting www.carsecuritytips.com.

 

Be aware of what might tempt a thief and secure it.

You can add all sorts of additional security features to alarms today including GPS tracking, pager systems and additional sensors and sirens.

 

And don’t forget the easy stuff. If you have wheels fit a tilt sensor and get a set of lock nuts. Get a steering wheel lock as well as an alarm – it gives the thief a clear visual warning that there are security measures in place.

 

Make your car look protected.

A huge part of the job an alarm does is to give a visual warning to a thief that the car has security measures. Make sure you put the alarm warning stickers on the window and the LED warning light in the dash is fitted. (And if you don’t want to get an alarm you can buy these little extras separately.)

Use a steering wheel lock. Don’t leave anything visible in the car. Take your stereo plate with you. Have your vehicle rego number or the VIN number etched onto the windows. Mark your stereo and anything else in the vehicle with the number as well.

None of these measures on their own will protect your car if a thief takes a shine to it. But if they’re just strolling along a line of cars looking for a bit of fun or something to sell if your car looks secure and empty they’re much more likely to go to the next one and leave yours alone.

 

Don’t register your car to your home address.

In many countries car registration details are easily accessed by the public. If a thief likes the look of your car all they have to do is take the registration number, find out where you live and come shopping. This I especially important if you a female living alone. Don’t make it easy for the freaks to find you!

 

Don’t leave your keys in an obvious place.

Do you walk in the front door and throw your keys on the side table? Alarms and immobilizers are so good now thieves will often break into your house to get the keys and remote rather than try to bypass the system. Don’t leave them somewhere they can be spotted from outside or where someone can open a door or window and grab them.

 

Look after spare remotes.

Rolling code remotes will get out of sequence if the button is pushed too many times while out o range of the car. Make sure spare remotes are not in a draw full of junk where the button can be held down or it may not work when you need it.

 

Lost your remote? Delete it!

If you have lost a remote of had it stolen make sure you delete it from the alarms memory otherwise anyone can use it to access your car. If you don’t know how take the car to your local installer.

 

Always have a spare remote.

Some alarm system will not let you easily learn a new remote in with a working remote. It may have to be sent back to the manufacturer to be reset and a remote learnt in which will not only be expensive but you may be without your alarm for up to a week. If you lose a remote replace it immediately.

 

Bought a used car with an alarm in it? Get it checked and serviced.

If you buy a car with an alarm already fitted there are several things to be aware of:

1.         Did you receive all keys, remotes and override keys? If not the old owner can access your car anytime they want.

2.         Book the car in with your local dealer/installer for the type of alarm in the car. Have them check everything is working, delete all old remotes (and add a spare if you don’t have one) and reset the PIN override code so you know you’ll be secure. Make sure you have override keys for the battery backup siren if fitted.

 

Factory remotes and immobiliser keys.

Most late model cars come with a transponder immobilizer built into the key. This I like an electronic pass key which confirms the key is valid before allowing the car to so start. These are great as they make it much harder to copy a key and steal the car as even a key cut the same will not start the car unless a new transponder is learned into the system. The are however some points to be aware of:

Some make have a master and slave keys for each car. If you lose the slave key, no problem just take the car and master key into your dealer and have a new key learns in for a couple of hundred bucks. If however you lose the master key you will sometimes need to replace the cars computer, think thousands of $$$$$. Read your manual or check with your dealer as it is not widely publicized.

 

Smash resistant window film.

Alarms can only do so much. These days you need to make the car more difficult to access through it’s weakest point –the side glass. Clear or tinted security film (not normal tint film) is applied to the inside of the side glass and cover right to the edge of the glass. Security film is a multi layered, up to several millimetres thick, cross laminated product specifically designed to resist impacts.

 

The film works by creating a thick shell on the inside of the glass. When an intruder smashes the glass the concaved shape of the cars side window held together by the film creates an arch shape than is very strong. The shattered pieces of glass cannot be compressed so the window retains it’s shape.

 

This type of product is great for resisting a car thief but also protects you in a road range or car jacking attempt and even reduces flying glass in the event of an accident. A great compliment to a good car alarm system.

 

Fit after market dead locks.

Much the same as the security film above, dead locks are a great compliment to a good alarm system. The idea is once activated the locks cannot be unlocked from the inside of the car or by forcing the key barrel. Some cars come standard now with deadlocking, if yours does make sure you know how to activate it.

 

After market deadlocks will usually replace the lock barrel in the door. The dead lock barrel has a high security rounded key to prevent the lock being forced and the backing plate is much stronger meaning the lock can’t be pulled out. We always recommend using epoxy to secure the backing plate to the inside of the door. That way it will not come out!

 

If a thief breaks a window they will not be able to unlock the door to gain easy access. Making by passing the alarm system or hotwiring you car even harder.

 

Tips and tricks for the more serious:

 

The more serious you get about car security and car alarms you will often be trading convenience for security. Some of these tricks can cause some inconvenience if something goes wrong (like you lose a remote or the battery goes flat) but all will help keep your car safe.

 

Fit two hood switches. –Low Risk

Fitting two hood switches makes it harder for a thief to use a credit card to hold down the hood switch or cut the switch wires. Some cars can be pretty easy to get under the hood by removing the front grill or a side light and pulling the release cable. Once they are under there they can disable the siren before entering the cabin.

 

Move hood release lever. –Low Risk

Another hood trick is to move the hood release lever from it’s normal location so if some one breaks in they can’t easily pop the hood to disable the siren.

 

Remove door lock rods. –High Risk of lock out

By removing the linkage between the key barrel on the door and the latch you take away one of the cars security weaknesses. Lock barrels are an easy access point to the car as a screw driver forced into the lock and twisted will often unlock the door.

 

As you will be relying on the car alarm to lock and unlock the door it is VERY important you take some safety precautions to avoid being locked out.

 

First, make sure you always have a spare remote for your alarm in case you lose one. If the remote starts playing up at all, replace it immediately.

 

Second, ensure there is another way into the vehicle, maybe you can open the trunk and fold the seat back from inside the trunk?  Remember a thief can also use this access method so think carefully about how obvious it is. Or run an emergency power wire from the battery to somewhere you can access it from outside. If your battery goes flat and the alarm cannot unlock the door you won’t be able to get under the hood to jump the battery. With an emergency wire you can hook another battery up to give enough juice to unlock the car.

 

A further step with this trick is to completely remove the lock barrel and have the hole welded up and repainted. Gives a super smooth look!

 

Fit latch protection plates –High risk of lock out

To remove yet another weakness in some door lock systems make up a cover to stop a “slim jim” being slipped down the inside of the door popping the latch.

 

If you take off the interior door panel you will see how easy it is to pop the lock mechanism on the door latch, unlocking the door. By making up a protection plate covering the latch from the top the car thief won’t be able to slim jim the lock. Just remember, if you lose your keys or remote or get a flat battery the AAA won’t be able to either!

 

Used cars are a great way to get a vehicle at a discount price. Prior to purchasing used cars, the buyer should research thoroughly to determine if it is better to go through a dealer or a private buyer. When going through a private buyer, you may be able to get the vehicle for much cheaper but there is also usually no warranty available.

If you need to finance the vehicle, most private sellers will not accommodate this. You will have to go through your bank or credit union in order to get financing. Dealers, however, often offer financing on their used cars. Just like with new cars, there are many sources of funding available and if you have good credit will be able to qualify easily for a loan. Some dealers also specialize in financing used cars for people who have poor credit including late payments and bankruptcies. They will require a significant amount that will go down on the car and then require weekly payments that have to be paid on time.

The payments are typically affordable but the interest rate on the loan is usually very high. If at all possible, you should avoid buying used cars and financing them in that manner. However, for people who are in need of a car and have severely damaged credit, this may be the way to go. You will need to analyze your budget and determine how much you are willing and can afford to spend. A buyer can research make, model and prices of vehicles by looking at local newspapers, magazines, or searching the Internet.

You can get Blue Book values of used cars to determine if the asking price is reasonable or not. A buyer should look at the gas mileage they would get from the prospective vehicle, as well as frequency of maintenance and cost of repairs and parts. If a car was maintained well, it is probably in better condition and will last you a lot longer. Lemon laws vary from state to state but usually there is a requirement for a change of heart to occur within the first couple days of the sale.

Auto insurance is one industry which always remains full of activity due to several various reasons. Most of the potential auto insurance buyers do not get correct and timely information about the suitable coverage they need, the extent of risk that must be covered by them, cost of coverages, claim processing, customer service, etc. For this very reason, the internet has provided a way to help consumers complete a car insurance comparison to ensure that they are receiving reliable protection from a reputable company at an affordable price. Individual’s need to also take the time to understand the limits which are required by their particular state in order to be properly protected and abide by the state’s laws. Like any other state, Michigan requires that each owner and driver of an automobile must carry the proper liability coverage and it must be maintained at all times while their vehicle is being operated.

 

Minimum Liability:

Michigan auto insurance laws require No-fault insurance and it is against state law to operate a car without no-fault insurance. The minimum limits of a satisfactory policy issued has three parts:

 

Minimum BI/PD coverage limits for the state of Michigan

 

These limits are often described as 20/40/10.

However, in case of legal proceedings, courts sometimes award more than these minimum limit amounts. In such case, the insured would be responsible for paying the amount not covered by the limit on the policy. To protect themselves against these situations, consumers should compare additional coverage in order to ensure that they have adequate protection. If within a person’s budget, they can choose higher limits to protect against incurring financial hardship in the event that they are involved in a collision in which they are found to be at fault and their policy’s payout has been exhausted.

Obtaining and comparing auto insurance quotes for higher amounts of liability may surprise many, as they may find that the difference of being covered more extensively may not be as expensive as they thought. Similarly, there are some optional insurance coverages one may wish to consider. These optional coverages are not mandatory but can prove to be quite beneficial. Such options include collision and comprehensive coverage, which unlike basic liability, will compensate the insured if they suffers a loss and not just the other party.

The advantage of utilizing the internet for the purpose of receiving prices for premiums is that within minutes, web surfers can receive multiple rates from a variety of insurers. This gives them the opportunity to compare not only prices but the companies as well. Although price is important, the integrity of an insurer should be considered as well. There are agencies that rate carriers that anyone can access to help determine who they would like to do business with. The internet also provides a way for potential customers to make a comparison of different types of coverage which may benefit them. Quotes can be provided to inquirers free of charge and with absolutely no obligation. The option to purchase is also made available so that customers can become insured instantly and receive instant proof of insurance.

With gas prices being the way they have people all over the country have started to get creative with their finances and the costs associated with auto travel.
Prices vary from company to company, so it pays to shop around. Get at least four to five price quotes. You will find that there are several websites out there that can save you the time from doing this the slow and hard way as they will often get you quotes from up to a dozen companies all at once. You can call companies directly or access information on the Internet. Your state insurance department may also provide comparisons of prices charged by major insurers. And no, companies like Progressive that claim they will compare other companies, but they are an insurance company, so they are not to be trusted. They only have one interest, and that is to promote their own business.
Bigger is not always better. There are several low cost automobile insurance companies offering competitive rates in relation to the big names out there. This makes it possible to save a bundle on this expense. Many people seem to ignore this cost and tend to accept the burden of expensive insurance even when monthly payments almost match a car payment. In one case, I lowered my car insurance rates by about 50% when I found a good local company (I had switched from a really big name company).
One of the best ways to get cheap car insurance is simply to use a service that forces insurance agents and brokers to compete against one another. At the end of this article is one example of such a site. As soon as you finish your online quote request, multiple agents will contact you. But it is important to NOT sign up with any one of them immediately-Instead, let them know that you are awaiting calls from other local insurance providers. After 5 or so of these people have contacted you, you should have a good idea of what sort of range you might expect to pay.
Then, if you really want to get the cheapest car insurance possible, simply tell the agents that you are ready to buy within the next 24 hours with whichever company offers you the lowest insurance rates. This really puts the fire under them, and is sure to create the most optimal pricing for you. Of course, be sure to carry through on your promise.
If it makes sense, you may want to consider getting a bundle package. Basically, see what it might cost to insure not only your car, but also your home, property, health and life insurance. This can save a person around 10% – 30% depending on the company you go with; and it does make paying your bills easier as well.
Oh, and one more tip, remember that the more info you provide upfront, the more accurate your quotes will be, and the more likely the insurance companies will be responsive to your inquiry. This is especially true when filling out a quote from multiple companies.

However, since car insurance policies can be very complicated, you may not even be covered by your policy if something happens to your car. If your car’s wheels get destroyed and the wheels are not covered by your cheap auto insurance policy, then the car insurance company will have nothing to do with your repair or replacement expenses. This can be a waste, especially since you pay a hefty monthly fee to the insurance company to keep your insurance policy going.

To minimize the chances of you getting a bad deal for your money the next time you run into an automobil accident, be sure that you get the best car insurance rates and ins policy that you can possibly get. The best insurance may not mean the most expensive or most loaded policies, because not everybody can afford to pay such hefty fees. What you do need on the other hand is the best automobile insurance company and quote that your own money can buy and pay for every month.

More than getting the most affordable deal, you should also sign up with an auto insurance company or agent that is ready to help you whenever you find yourself in a tight spot. In this case, cheap doesn’t always mean good because just because insurance is offered to you at an extremely low price means that the company is sure to help and pay what is due their client when the time comes.

When people get into accidents, their insurance agents (if they’re that sort) make it very hard on them and try to wiggle out of paying by arguing that they are not covered by the car insurance policy or that the insurance company should only pay part of the expenses. Ask around with family, friends and people you trust on who they believe the best and most trustworthy companies are before signing.

Nowadays, more and more people are enticed to buy used cars. With so many financial choices available and cars “living longer,” many people just opt to buy used cars. In fact, many smart consumers contend that buying used cars is just the same as buying new ones if the buyer knows how to buy used cars. So, to help those who wish to buy a car but cannot afford a new one, here are some of the best tips that can be implemented when buying a used car. 1. Research It is extremely important for an individual to conduct some research when buying used cars. In this way, the buyer will be able to know the ideal make and model to buy, the kind of performance to seeks, and the prices of used cars in the market. Moreover, the risk of buying used cars is lessened if the buyer knows the important details to consider when buying used cars. 2. Check the cars history The car’s history will definitely provide the buyer some solid information regarding the performances, repairs, and problems of the car. So if you CAN discover some history it would be to your advantage. In this way, the buyer will be able to compare and differentiate one car from the other. There are instances wherein used cars are being sold because of some past accidents or negative experiences. Buyers might consider more if the car he or she is about to buy has a history like this one. 3. Check the safety features What more can you expect with a used car but it does not necessarily mean that the buyer will neglect the availability of safety features in the car. By all means, an ideal car must possess safety features, whether it is old or new. According to some reports, almost 80% of the accidents are heightened because safety features are not available in the car. 4. Buyers should be wary about the documents that are included when buying used cars. Buyers should be sure that the car is not stolen, there are no liens on the vehicle, and that the one who signed on the “Bill of Sale” is the true vendor and the possessor of the property. 5. Before buying a used car, it is best to meticulously inspect the overall condition of the car first. Buyers should be wary of any rust or damage; the tires should be checked, etc. Indeed, buying a used car can be very tedious. Nevertheless, it will give the buyer some satisfaction and assurance that what he or she has bought is a good buy.

Each year, out of all the vehicles bought in the U.S., 41 million are used cars compared to only 16 million new car purchases. Since purchasing a car is the next financial investment made by US citizen other than housing, it is important to determine if buying a used car is worth your money. 1) CONS – Here is a list of the disadvantages of used-car buying: * The options of cars are limited, so the search for the right vehicle could be lengthy. * The buyers have no idea if the car was treated. Used cars usually have worn consumables such as hoses, tires, shocks, filters, fans and clutch. * Although used car dealers provide a warranty, it is only limited to a couple of months unlike purchasing a new car with full warranty. Certain maintenance on your purchased second-hand car could be more expensive. * Purchasing a second-hand vehicle would offer you a lower trade-in value. * The main disadvantage of purchasing old cars is that it has an unknown quantity. Whether the dealer has worked the vehicle to make it attractive for the test drive, the buyers are still unaware of the repair bills, economical issues, and its reliable transportation. * It is difficult to negotiate fair financing terms on an older vehicle. 2) PROS – On the other side, buying a used car could benefit the buyer in several ways: * The original owner of the car received the depreciation hit. The market value of the new car decreases from year to year. An average 30% of its value within three years from the time it was bought, so buying their car would save you a lot of money. * Unlike purchasing a new vehicle with high insurance fees, you will receive a lower cost of insurance if you choose to buy second-hand cars. * Although buying new and used cars both provide loans, lease, or money-saving the majority of dealers who sell used cars often have shorter loan terms. * If your investment is decided based on appearance and gas mileage, choosing a used car would guarantee the value and reliability it has provided over the years. * A used car would provide your dollar more flexibility. Compared from buying a new car that would eat all your finances, buying a second-hand car would allow you to purchase other accessories such as air conditioning that would cost approximately US$200 to $900 extra. Buying your used car could waste your money if you fail to do your research, compare dealerships, and be aware of the car’s market value. Be a wise used-car buyer.

Buying a car from an individual or from a local car dealer is one tedious task if the objective is to purchase a second car that is still in good running condition. A buyer would never trade his hard-earned money with just a complete wasted used car. Whether new or used, when buying a car, it should be treated with the same importance and value.  There are things to take into consideration before buying the car and these are: 1. Educate yourself as a consumer 2. Prepare a list of your needs. Prioritize between the necessities and the wants. 3. Determine the budget and the kind of car that would best fit. 4. Make a selection by models and types. Narrowing them will be helpful. 5. Research both online and offline by dealers. 6. Know the value of the second hand car in the market. 7. Research the Vehicle Identification Numbers and history. 8. Take a mechanic when checking the car whether buying from a friend or a dealer. 9. Never shy away from asking questions.  10. If there’s a gut feeling about it not being good, don’t be afraid to walk away. Bringing a mechanic along is always a good strategy. Make sure your mechanic inspects the totality of the car, from the history down to its last screw. It should be parked on a level spot. You should make certain that it was driven for about an hour. This should make it a good time to make the inspection. Always make it on a well lit surrounding and in broad daylight.  How to inspect it thoroughly: Checking the exterior. Walk around to see if there is damage to the body. The corners of the car should be shaken and bounced up and down to see if the shock absorbers are still in good condition. Make sure that the wheel bearings do not make any sound when trying to pull the front tires by tugging them. Open the doors lift the hood and the trunk to see if all the rubber seals are still in place. This will also tell if there’s anything loose around the hinges. Check for signs of repaint. There will be difference in the color because shops can never duplicate the original paint of the car. Ask someone to turn on all the lights outside of the car and look if all are working. Cars with only 30,000 miles of travel must still have its original tires. Beware if you find a car with only a few miles of travel but has new tires. When the test drive is done, check the discs of the brakes, this should still be clean and smooth. Check the windshield for cracks. Checking the Interior. Though it sounds odd, smell the insides of the car. Sniff under mats and the carpet. If it smells like mildew then it’s a sign that there is a leak somewhere or that the car may have undergone flood damage. Switch on the air-conditioning to make sure that it really turns the whole inside of the car cold. Next, try the heater. Try out all lights inside as well and never forget to blow the horn. Also try all the seat adjustments. The upholstery should still be in good shape too. There will be a lot more to check and here is where the mechanic can help the buyer. Looking inside the trunk. Once more, smell the insides and check for any signs of leaks. Make sure that some basic car tools are still present for the new user. Checking under the hood. Feel the wiring for any cracks or brittleness. Squeeze the hoses and the fan belt for any cuts and possible electrical tape patches. Do not take off the cap of the radiator until its cool enough. The greenish color indicates a good condition where the coolant is. Beware of stains and dirty-whitish color on the radiator. Again, let the rest be checked by the mechanic like the batteries. Checking under the car. Lie down if you must and use an emergency light to see the engine underneath. Feel any signs of residue. Check the pipes and examine any possibility of heavy rusting.  Do the Test Drive. The owner or dealer should not stop a buyer from going over about twenty minutes of test drive.  This is a special time to thoroughly look for any problems with the air-conditioning, heater, steering wheel, brakes, transmission, and most importantly, the comfort. Feel everything; it’s okay to try it on a hump or a slight bumpy road to really experience the performance. Listen carefully to check any rattles. Have a pen and paper, flashlight, gloves, magnet, towel, blanket and even CD or tape when checking a car out.