Buying a used car can be a great way to get behind the wheel of an excellent automobile without spending a lot of cash. However, since no two pre-owned vehicles are alike, you must first find out more about the vehicle before you sign on the dotted line. If you’re looking at a used car in another state, best be looking at auto transport reviews. This will help you determine mistakes you may make before you ship vehicles to you.

But in particular, you will want to find the answers to the following questions:

1.    Has the car been involved in any accidents?

This is a crucial question as it helps you find out whether the car has any performance issues. You can find this information out by asking the dealer directly or by using sites like Carfax or Vehiclehistory.com. Checking the paintwork, bringing your mechanic along to the dealership, and being on the lookout for clamp marks are a few other methods you can use to check a used car’s accident history. Asking about a car’s accident history will help you know how much you will need to spend to fix any performance issues in addition to helping you determine whether the car is safe enough for you and your family to travel in.

2.    Why is the owner selling this used car?

It is important to find out whether the owner wants to sell to upgrade to a newer or bigger car, or because of performance issues.  If the owner reveals that he has to get the car serviced or repaired every so often, then you might want to give that particular vehicle a pass.

3.    Whose name is on the pink slip?

Find out whose name is on the car’s title. If you are buying directly from an individual, then his/her name should be on the slip. The same goes for a dealership that should have its name printed on the cars it is selling. If the title is in a bank’s name, then it means that the seller has an outstanding loan that you will need to clear before the title can be transferred to you. In addition, if the seller is unwilling or unable to show you the pink slip, it is probably best to walk away in order to avoid being scammed.

4.    What is the used car’s mileage?

A vehicle with low mileage will usually give you service longer without requiring major service. A low mileage car will also sell easier in case you decide to dispose of it. Further, banks are more willing to offer to finance on low mileage cars as opposed to high mileage options. You can find this information by asking the owner to show you the odometer, using Carfax, or contacting the department of motor vehicles.

5.    What are the common problems with buying a used car?

Find out typical problems for the particular model you want to purchase. All models have problems but you will want to stay away from those that require expensive repairs or replacement. Common problems include; faulty gearboxes (BMW 3 series), malfunctioning brakes (land rover discovery), and failing alternators (Ford Focus). If the model you are interested in has one or more of these problems, you may want to move on to the next option.

In Closing

By asking and answering the questions outlined above, you can successfully find out the information you need to know about your prospective purchase. If you are satisfied with the results of your inquiries, you can then take possession of the keys and drive away in your new ride.

To sell your car privately can seem complicated if you’ve never done it before but if you take the right steps, it doesn’t have to be difficult. You want to get the highest price for your car and avoid being low-balled by a private buyer. To do so, you’ll want to make sure your car looks great and that you are ready for a sale at any time. 

1. Have Your Car Detailed 

Getting your car detailed before selling it is vital. You will most certainly get more money when you sell than what you spent on the detail. A clean car fetches a higher price tag but it won’t be enough to clean your car yourself. After years of use, there are likely small marks and stains on your seats and rugs. You will be impressed by how sparkling a detailer can get your car to look. Don’t let your car look dingy, it will cost you money on the sales price. 

2. Get a Clean Inspection Before You Sell Your Car

You will sell your car more quickly if you have an inspection done to make sure there is nothing wrong with your car that requires a repair. If a repair does need to be made, it’s best to fix it yourself or disclose it in your ad. Whoever purchases your car privately will likely want to have their own inspection done and if their mechanic finds anything unsavory, it will have been a waste of your time. Get a clean bill of health on your car so you can assure buyers they will have no issues. 

3. Gather Your Documents

There are a variety of documents you will need in order to sell your car. The vehicle title, registration, insurance card, and bill of sale will all be required. Don’t potentially lose a sale because you were unprepared before meeting with your buyer. Have all your documentation readily available in case someone wants to purchase your car on the spot. 

4. Get an Appraisal 

While you can use Kelly Blue Book for a general estimate of what your car is worth, you may benefit from speaking to a professional. Go to a car dealership and offer to sell the car to a dealer. The dealer may not offer what you want immediately, but you can use the amount they were willing to pay as an estimate of your car’s worth. It is important to know the value of your car as a private seller may want to haggle on the cost. 

Be prepared prior to make the decision to sell your car. Making sure your car looks its best and is in tip-top shape will ensure that you make as much money as possible on the sale of your car. If you have a buyer outside the state, you might want to check our post on Ship Car to Another State and find out extra details on how to do it too.

Negotiating the best price on a car must be dealt with on the first chance you have. The earlier you talked to the seller, the better price you will have by the end. But when it comes time to purchase a new vehicle, most drivers are searching for just one thing – a reliable car at an affordable price. The best way to accomplish this goal is to find the vehicle that you want and then negotiate with the dealership on the price. 

In order to successfully negotiate, there are some helpful tips that you should follow, such as:

Research

Before you ever begin your negotiation with the dealer, make sure that you have done your homework. Learn more about how they might negotiate with you and what the process will be like. You should also research the vehicle that you will be purchasing. Take a look online to see what the fair market value of the vehicle is; this will give you an idea of how much of a discount you can expect to receive.

Financing

Many dealerships will provide you with incentives and discounts if you choose to finance the purchase with them. In some circumstances, this can be a fantastic way to save money on the car. However, it is critical that you keep a close eye on the interest rates and fees that are associated with the deal. If their financing offerings aren’t up to par, it is almost always a good idea to use outside financing instead. You should speak to your bank or credit union ahead of time to find out what your rate would be.

Don’t Focus On The Monthly Payment

The salesperson will likely try to sell the vehicle to you using monthly payments. An additional $20 per month to your payment might not be a lot, but it can add up to $1,400 over a six-year loan. Try to steer the negotiation towards actual purchase prices and negotiate from there so you are not misled. Remember, you can always stand and walk out if the dealer is unwilling to talk on your terms.

Negotiating the purchase of any vehicle is a tricky and time-consuming process. If you live on the far side of the world, read our post about how much does it cost to ship a car to another state. It will also save you tons of money when you know how much you’ll be paying for it. And by following the tips contained in this article, you will soon find yourself in a new, reasonably-priced vehicle.