Finding a Dependable Used Car in a Down Economy
In today’s dismal economic environment, we are forced to make difficult decisions about the way we spend every dollar. Since your car is one of the highest expenses on your list, it’s important to look at all of your options, including buying a used vehicle. The one you choose doesn’t have to look like it came from the junkyard; in fact, there are many dependable used cars out there – you just need to know how to find the right one.
First Ask Friends and Family
Instead of browsing ads on Craigslist or heading out to dealerships in your area, why not ask your friends, family members, and associates if they know of anybody selling their car? You’ll feel better about dealing with people that you actually know and won’t get ripped off by people that care about you. Close friends and family members will be more likely to give you a better deal as well. You may even be able to work out a deal with them where you can make monthly payments if you’re short on cash.
Know Your Prices
When you find a car on the lot, look up its book value (include mileage, year, model) on you smartphone or netbook. Because there are so many tools available online, there’s no excuse not to be educated about this subject. One of the best options available is Kelley Blue Book. Don’t depend on the car dealer to provide this to you, and expect that their smiles are going to disappear when they see you know what you’re doing.
Get a CARFAX Report
CARFAX is a service that allows you to check the history of a particular vehicle. Whether you’re buying a car from the general public or a dealer, you’ll want to make sure to get a report so that you don’t end up buying a “clunker.” The report from CARFAX can show you things like accident history, whether the airbags have ever been deployed, the true mileage of the car, and ownership history. A full report will cost you about $35, but it’s money well spent.
Mechanic Inspection is Non-Negotiable
Do not fail to have the vehicle checked out by a mechanic before pulling out your wallet. Unless you’re a car expert, there may some problems with the car that you can’t see with your own eyes – engine problems, loose belts, leaks, etc. Like the CARFAX report, you’ll have to spend a little bit of money for the inspection, but it’s better to lose $100 than $10,000 buying an undependable vehicle.
If the owner of the car objects to you having the car inspected, it’s a sign that you should stay away from that vehicle. When buying from a dealership, they will avoid this step by providing a very short warranty and “selling” you a very long one. Skip the long-term warranty and bring in your own mechanic.
Find Reliable Models
Some models of vehicles are known for lasting many hundreds of thousands of miles. A good resource for finding dependable models of vehicles is Consumer Reports. You can check out their website to find a list of the best used cars and the ones to avoid. Buy a short-term membership on CR and it will be worth its weight in gold while you are car shopping. You can look up any make, model and year and get the “real scoop” on that vehicles rate of repairs, recalls, dependability, etc.
Buying a dependable used car in this economy doesn’t have to be difficult if you take the time to do a little bit of research. Following these suggestions should give you more confidence toward making a good choice!
Photo credit: Used Car Sales by KB35/flickr
Jennifer Branson is an insurance consultant who recommends checking online for cheap car insurance offered by some of the more popular providers, like Esurance, which provides discounts when you switch over from your current carrier.