celebrity writers

Buying a Used Car

Your buying a used car questions are answered.

Jul 28, 2006

Editor Mike Hanley from Cars.com answers to your questions about buying a used car.

When should a consumer consider buying a used car? What are some advantages/disadvantages?

Buying used instead of new means that someone else takes the initial hit in depreciation that comes when you drive a new car off the lot. In most cases, a slightly used car that's a couple years old is significantly less expensive than a similar, new model.

Though buying a new car can be stressful, it does come with the peace of mind that you are, indeed, getting a car that hasn't been potentially abused or neglected. Even if you thoroughly research a used car, in the end there's always the possibility that it holds some unknown issue or problem waiting to rear its head after you've purchased it.

How do car buyers get the most reliable car at the best price when buying a used car?

When shopping for a reliable vehicle, it's worth taking a look at Cars.com's "Best Bet" models, because ownership costs and reliability weigh significantly in the picks. In terms of knowing what you might expect to pay for a model, Kelley Blue Book's used car values are a good place to start. You'll typically be able to spend less for a given model by buying from an individual as opposed to a dealer.

There are many ways to go about buying a used car. Which way gets you the best value? The car in the best condition?

Preliminary online used car searches are a great way to begin the process of looking for the right used car for you. It's possible to search close to home or across the country. Once you've got a few cars in mind, it's definitely recommended that you inspect the car in person and have it checked out by a trustworthy mechanic before handing over any money.

What should make a consumer wary when buying a used car?

If a seller isn't willing to let you test drive the car or let your mechanic give it a thorough inspection, it's time to walk away. Vehicles priced significantly less than market value should also be considered with care, as they may have an underlying problem.

Can you give us a check list of things to look for when checking out a potential used car?

We've got a handy checklist

on our site that addresses this question. Here are the points below:

Decide which make and model is sought.
Research the asking price using Kelley Blue Book used car values.
Find out how much it would cost to finance the vehicle.
Find out how much it would cost to insure the vehicle.
Research the prospective vehicle history using online and printed resources.
Interview prospective sellers before meeting them in person.
Set a daytime appointment.
Before the test drive, check the undercarriage, engine and body for rust or damage.
Check the interior for cleanliness, comfort and size.
Inspect the tires for wear.
Check the oil for the proper level and color.
Check the coolant and radiator for leaks or corrosion.
Drive on the highway to gauge acceleration and handling.
Test the brakes.
Test the steering and alignment.
Practice parking for maneuverability and sight lines.
After the test drive, inspect the engine for leaks, odors or smoke.
Request and review the service records, receipts and title.
Have a specialist or mechanic inspect your vehicle selection.

How do you negotiate with a private buyer? A dealer? An auto super store?

Before beginning your negotiations, it's important to know what the fair market price is for the vehicle you're interested in. This price can be significantly different depending on whether you're shopping at a dealership or in someone's front yard, so getting this information is key.

Smart buyers also line up their financing before even meeting with a dealer. This allows you to negotiate solely on the total, out-the-door price you want to pay, rather than on a monthly payment.

It may sound funny, but what you wear or drive when shopping for a car says a lot about you to the seller, who may be able to use this information to their advantage. It's always good practice to dress modestly when meeting a seller.

The copyright of the article Buying a Used Car in Buying a Car is owned by Sheryll Alexander. Permission to republish Buying a Used Car in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.