Used Car Buying Guide 2014 by Herald & Review

USED

CAR BUYING G U I D E

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN PURCHASING YOUR

NEXT CAR A special supplement to the

JOURNAL GAZETTE & TIMES-COURIER

USEDCAR2014.indd 1

2/25/2014 2:39:37 PM

2 – FEBRUARY 2014

USED CAR BUYING GUIDE

DEALS

JG-TC

The Right Price

inding a good price on a used car is as much an art as a science, taking a bit of luck and lots of research.

For starters, finding a car that’s a “bargain” may not turn out to be such a good deal. As the saying goes, you usually get what you pay for, and cars that

are being unloaded at below-market prices are often priced cheaply for a good reason. You should be very skeptical of a deal that

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seems too good to be true. It’s much smarter to look for a car at a fair price. And that simply takes a bit of research.

WHERE TO LOOK

Kelly Blue Book, which has long been the source that car industry insiders use to track vehicle values, is now the leading place

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to find pricing information online at kbb.com. Make sure you know what you’re looking at, though. Lots of factors can affect the price of a car, including who is selling it — a dealership, wholesaler or individual — along with the mileage and condition of the vehicle. At its best, the blue-book price is just an estimate, and the actual value will depend on

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the specific car you’re looking at. For a different perspective, you can check out the True Market Value information from Edmunds. com, another online provider of car information.

DISCOUNT CARS

If you’re looking for a price break on a lightly used car, there are several ways some local car dealers may be able to help you out. One example is considering shopping for program or rental cars — those almost-new vehicles that have been used in a dealer’s loaner programs or in rental-car fleets. The upside is that these cars are relatively new and will usually have the maintenance performed properly. Professional fleet managers are typically

pretty careful that the oil changes and regular service are performed on time to keep their cars safe and in good shape. The downside is that there’s no guarantee of how gently the vehicle has been driven. Some buyers steer clear of rental-fleet cars because people who rent vehicles are thought to drive them harder and more carelessly than individuals who own their own vehicles. One of the best ways to find a good deal on a used car is to ask the dealer about it directly: “What’s the best deal on your lot?” They might have a car they bought at a deep discount from an auction or as a trade-in, or simply have a car they’ve struggled to sell and are willing to unload at a great price.

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USED CAR BUYING GUIDE

SHOPPING

A Good Dealer

FEBRUARY 2014 – 3

hen most people start to shop for a used car, they think about one thing: the car itself.

A smarter move, though, is to begin by looking for the right dealer to buy from. You’ll be doing yourself a favor in the long run and have a better chance of finding the perfect vehicle. Here are some things to look for.

REPUTATION

The most important thing to look for in a used-car dealer is their reputation. You want to find a dealership that’s known for honesty, integrity and selling quality vehicles at a fair price. Start by talking to your friends, family members and co-workers about where they bought their cars. Ask about what the sales process was like and how happy they’ve been with their car. Like any pre-owned items, used cars aren’t perfect and will be affected heavily by how their previous owners treated them, something dealerships can’t control. But when problems do arise, the best dealerships will have a reputation for handling

them fairly or — even better — weeding out the problem cars in the first place. A dealership that has been in place for a long time, preferably under the same ownership, can be a good sign. Dealers that treat their

customers well and sell the best vehicles usually stay in business for many years.

SELECTION

Some used-car dealers specialize in certain types of vehicles, and

it’s good to find one that carries lots of cars that you’re shopping for. One factor is the price range. Many new-car dealers have lots with late-model pre-owned vehicles, which can be a great

option for people who want a nice, nearly-new car. Some dealerships have a bigger inventory of more affordable cars that are older and have higher mileage. And still others have inventories packed with one type

of vehicle — trucks, SUVs, sporty cars or luxury cars. Look for a dealer that offers a good match for your budget and your shopping category. They’ll be more likely to have the car you’re looking for.

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2/25/2014 3:37:56 PM

4 – FEBRUARY 2014

USED CAR BUYING GUIDE

HISTORY

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Service Records

o matter how well designed and engineered a car is when it’s new, it will quickly deteriorate and become unreliable if the right maintenance isn’t performed on it.

And oil changes are just the beginning. From timing belts to tires, and everything in between, vehicles need regular service to keep them on the road reliably. When you’re shopping for a used car, it’s your job to look for evidence that the car has been kept up in the past.

SERVICE INTERVALS

Once you’ve narrowed down your search to a particular vehicle, search online to find the recommended maintenance intervals for that particular car.

At certain ages and mileage levels, major maintenance needs to be performed. You should go into the purchase with your eyes wide open to the car’s specific needs — both in the past and in the future. If the car with 57,000 miles has another major service recommended at 60,000 miles, you should talk to a mechanic about how much that’s going to cost.

see if the seller has any records on paper. Ideally, you’ll want to find receipts that prove that the car has been maintained meticulously, including fluid changes and services that follow the car’s recommended schedule. If records don’t exist, a good mechanic should be able to provide some insight about whether or not the important maintenance steps have been done.

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assume you’ll be paying for it. A timing belt

is the perfect example. If a timing belt breaks, it can cause catastrophic engine failure in many cars, so it’s critical that the belt be replaced at the recommended mileage. This can cost a few hundred dollars, so you’ll have to factor that into the price of the car. Well-maintained cars with the receipts to prove it are the best cars to buy, and they’re worth more than the same car with poorly documented service. It’s that simple.

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Don’t Forget the Basics:

• Flush cooling system with new anti-freeze (Keeps it from freezing ) • Change engine oil (Some models require lower weight oils for colder weather) • Check wheel alignment (Helps with steering on ice and snow and tire wearing issues) • Replace those worn out tires (For better traction and steering) • Check hoses and belts (Don’t be stranded) • Check battery condition (Always want your vehicle to start when you need it) • Exterior waxing (Keeps the luster you expect during the cold months ahead) • Tune up engine (Best starting potential when you need it) • Check brakes (Always need even braking, especially on ice and snow) • Have Safety Essentials (Ice Scraper, Cell Phone Charger, Blanket, Jumper Cables) • Keep At Least 1/2 Tank of Gas (Enough to keep engine & heater going)

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JG-TC

USED CAR BUYING GUIDE

FEBRUARY 2014 – 5

THE INSIDE SCOOP

A Full Inspection

nless you’re a professional mechanic, one of the most important steps in buying a new car is getting it checked out by someone who knows what they’re doing.

And that doesn’t mean bringing one of your “car guy” buddies to the dealership. It’s better to find a certified mechanic to give your car a thorough inspection before you buy it. Not only will they be able to tell you about any obvious problems on the vehicle, but a full-time, experienced mechanic can usually give you some insight about future problems to watch out for on that particular car. After all, if they deal with vehicles all day long to earn a paycheck, they should be able to spot the problem cars that end up in the shop all too often. And that advice can be very valuable as you make a buying decision.

but they’ve also been thoroughly inspected prior to being placed on An increasing number the car lot. Be aware that differof pre-owned car dealent certification proers are offering a certification program for their grams have differing levels of inspections best vehicles. Cars that are chosen and benefits. Some are handled by the manuas “certified” not only facturer while others meet certain mileage are done directly by the and age requirements,

CERTIFICATION

dealer. Some offer better extended warranties, too, while others don’t offer any extra warranty coverage. When looking at certified used cars, it’s important to know what you’re getting as part of that certification process. The best programs will give you

peace of mind when buying a used car.

HISTORY REPORTS

Finally, it’s a good idea to run a vehicle history report to find out any records about the vehicle’s past. Carfax is the

largest provider of these reports nationwide, but other companies offer similar services, too. These reports can uncover evidence of a less-than-ideal past for the car. If the vehicle has been totaled in an accident or had water damage, for example, the history reports can

typically show whether those things have been noted on the car’s title in the past. They also can uncover mileage discrepancies, letting you know whether the mileage on the odometer is showing the vehicle’s actual mileage or not.

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2010 DODGE RAM 1500 REG. ST ............................................$16,500 $249 mo.

2011 CHEVY 1/2 TON CREW CAB 4X4, LT ................................$29,400 $414 mo.

2009 CHEVY 1/2 TON REG. CAB, 2WD, LS................................$14,600 $225 mo.

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2009 CHEVY 1/2 TON WORK TRUCK 2WD................................$13,900 $215 mo.

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6 – FEBRUARY 2014

USED CAR BUYING GUIDE

JG-TC

FUEL OPTIONS

Demand for diesel vehicles increasing

oday’s diesel vehicles have been redesigned and reimagined, making them a growing commodity for buyers.

While diesel cars and trucks were once the relative outcasts of the automotive consumer market, diesel passenger vehicles are now the center of newfound demand. One of the main draws of diesel cars and trucks is their fuel economy. Consumers focused on saving money and protecting the planet concurrently often find that diesel vehicles are more fuel efficient than vehicles that run on regular unleaded gasoline. Although diesel costs more at the pump than other fuels, drivers who fuel up with diesel gasoline can save around 30 percent through improved fuel efficiency over regular gasoline. That can add up to considerable savings over time. According to Rushlane, demand for diesel vehicles in the United States was just

3 percent in 2011. It is predicted to increase to a minimum of 10 percent during the next 10 years. Why are diesels more efficient? Diesel engines are more efficient than gasoline engines. Higher compression ratios than gasoline produce ultra-high temperatures that will ignite fuel injected directly into the cylinder head, according to BMW. Diesel vehicles are equipped to use more of the energy content of the fuel to produce output than vehicles that run on regular unleaded gasoline. It takes less fuel to provide the same power as standard gasoline. In the past, diesel cars were associated with black, sooty exhaust and clanking engines. However, today’s modern diesel cars are quiet and burn

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fuel more cleanly due to new technology. New, clean diesel fuel is the only diesel fuel being sold in the United States. Although diesel vehicles have been popular in Europe for a while, they have not been very appealing in North America. Things are starting to change. German-based Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi have a history of offering an extensive range of diesel-powered vehicles in the American market. Recognizing the demand for diesel cars and trucks, Chevrolet/ GMC, Ford and Jeep are now offering diesel vehicles that they hope will attract a new legion of customers. Diesel-fueled cars have evolved through the years to be vehicles that can rival gasoline-powered automobiles on the roads. With

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JG-TC

USED CAR BUYING GUIDE

FEBRUARY 2014 – 7

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Finding a Perfect Fit

inding the perfect vehicle isn’t just about meeting your needs and matching your sense of style. It’s also about finding a car that fits your life and your budget over time.

Whether you’re buying a tiny sports car or a huge pickup truck, you’ve got to think about how the vehicle is going to match your changing lifestyle in the years to come.

GAS MILEAGE

One of the biggest ways a car or truck will impact your budget is by how much fuel it uses. The best source for fuel economy data is FuelEconomy.gov, which will let you search for vehicles by year, make and model, then see their gas mileage ratings as measured by the Environmental Protection Agency. If you’re really set on finding a fuel-efficient used car, you can start your search by looking at the most efficient models in your price range. Then you can search for local dealers that have those specific models on their lots.

RELIABILITY RATINGS

Another way to make your car go easy on your budget is by picking one that’s reliable. While making sure the regular maintenance has been performed is the most important way to ensure reliability, some specific cars have a better reputation than others. Consumer Reports has long been the leading source for used-car reliability ratings. You can find their information in print or do what many used-car shoppers do: temporarily subscribe to one of their online options to see the latest data while you’re in the proUSEDCAR2014.indd 7

cess of shopping for your next vehicle.

INSURANCE COST

The cost of insuring different vehicles can vary wildly from one car to the next, and the factors don’t always make sense to people outside the insurance industry. Before you buy your next car — especially if it’s a sporty or high-performance model — check with your insurance agent to see what full insurance coverage is going to cost you. Some cars that the insurance industry considers high-risk can cost a fortune to keep on the road.

strong resale value for many years, but others drop like a rock. Knowing the difference might make you big money when you sell your car in a few years.

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RESALE VALUE

Finally, since you’re probably going to be selling your car someday, you should try to get some idea of which cars hold their value the best over time. Some brands and specific cars maintain a

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8 – FEBRUARY 2014

USED CAR BUYING GUIDE

JG-TC

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Things to consider before buying your next car

Buyers often find the process of finding a new car fun. Test driving vehicles and playing with all of the gadgets that today’s increasingly tech-heavy vehicles have to offer can be akin to kids visiting a candy store and being given carte blanche to fill up their baskets. But as enjoyable as finding a new car can be, the financial commitment that such a purchase requires can make the process somewhat nerve-wracking as well. Buyers often assign the most risk to preowned vehicles, and rightfully so. But some buyers even regret their purchases after buying a new car, whether the car does not suit their lifestyle as much as they had hoped or the vehicle simply isn’t living up to the expectations drivers had for it at the time of purchase. Savvy buyers will consider the following factors before taking the keys to their next new cars. * Additional costs:

Many new car shoppers plan to finance or lease their vehicles, but the down payment and monthly payment is not the only number buyers must confirm before buying a vehicle. After the purchase price and monthly payments have been figured out, the two most significant costs buyers must consider are insurance and gas. Some vehicles cost more to insure than others, and the cost of a policy will depend on more than just a buyer’s personal driving history. The vehicle’s safety features, where a driver lives and the type of vehicle, both its make and model and the category it fits into (i.e., sports car, luxury vehicle, etc.), are all going to be used to determine the cost of an insurance policy. Buyers also must consider how much a vehicle will cost to fuel up before making a final decision. Many a driver has grinned when driving a brand new SUV off a dealership lot, only to frown on

that first trip to the filling station. Insurance companies typically provide free estimates to prospective customers, so do your homework on the different makes and models you’re considering, getting an insurance quote for each vehicle. In addition, consider the expected fuel costs of each vehicle before making a decision. * Reputation: Thanks to the Internet, today’s vehicle buyers have a valuable tool at their disposal that those of yesteryear rarely had: their fellow drivers. When considering certain makes and models, go online to see what fellow drivers and professional reviewers have to say about a given vehicle. Sites like Edmunds.com and Safecar.gov offer professional assessments of various makes and models, while various message boards exist to allow drivers to review the performance of their vehicles. Such resources are invaluable and can paint a realistic picture of what

possible. it might be like to own on the dealership lot. and drive a particular When buying a new But buyers should convehicle, it can be automobile. sider more than just * Resale value: While tempting to buy the appearance and accesselling a car you don’t most visually stunning sories before buying even own yet is proba- or gadget-heavy vehicle their next new car. bly not foremost on your mind, it is important to consider a car’s potential resale value before buying it. The high costs of new vehicles has pushed many buyers out of the new car market, making preowned vehicles a more affordable and attractive option. So considering a car’s potential resale value before buying it new is a smart move that can pay dividends down the road when you’re back on the market for a new vehicle. Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com) is a valuable resource to gauge the resale value of vehicles, and buyers can even calculate the resale value of a car over its first five years. This can help consumers determine which options to get on their new cars and even help to govern their driving habits in an effort to Prospective buyers should consider a keep the vehicle’s host of factors before purchasing a new resale value as high as vehicle.

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JG-TC

USED CAR BUYING GUIDE

FEBRUARY 2014 – 9

TRYING IT OUT

A Clean Test Drive

o matter how good it looks or how beautifully it’s described in the ad, every used car has to pass one test: Does it feel right when you drive it?

Getting behind the wheel of a used car is one of the best ways of judging whether it’s the right one for you, and that’s an answer that’s going to be different for every driver. Some drivers want a car that feels crisp, firm, sporty and precise. Others want a car that floats comfortably and smoothly down the road, soaking up the bumps.

power windows and locks work? Are the A/C and heater doing their jobs? Does the CD player work properly? You should also pay attention to any smells in the car, especially if they might be covered up by a cleverly Before putting the car installed air freshener. into gear, sit in the driv- Let the car air out for a few minutes, then come er’s seat and play with back to see if it smells all the switches and buttons you see. Do the smoky or moldy. Pungent smells can be Aside from getting an overall feeling for the vehicle, though, here are some things to think about when doing your test drive.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

difficult to remove after you buy the car.

ON THE ROAD

For the test drive itself, you’ll want to make sure you drive in a wide variety of conditions and speeds. Make sure you get a sense for how the vehicle drives at highway speeds, so plan on driving it somewhere with a speed limit of 60 mph or higher. Pay close attention to any front-end problems that will reveal themselves on the highway, like shakes, shimmies and vibrations. Note any strange feelings in the steering. If the steering wheel is vibrating at any speed, that’s a sign that the car has a problem — perhaps very minor, or perhaps major, depending on the cause. You should accelerate from a standstill and take note of any issues. Listen for any unusual sounds, and notice whether the car steers to one side or the other under acceleration. Pay attention to how the transmission shifts. Check the brakes on the car to make sure the pedal feels firm, the car stops in a controlled way and doesn’t pull to one side or the other. A slight vibration at the brake pedal or squealing sound could be a sign that it will need a brake job soon.

AFTER THE DRIVE

Take a break after the test drive to evaluate your feelings and see anything that you might have missed after your first walk around the car. It’s a good idea to leave the car running while you walk around and listen for any unusual noises outside the vehicle. Check for unusual exhaust gases, puddles under the car

and leaks in the engine bay. If you haven’t done so already, open all the doors and sit in the back seats to see how they fit. You’ll notice different aspects of the car while sitting in back, and it might help you choose one vehicle over another.

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10 – FEBRUARY 2014

MONEY

USED CAR BUYING GUIDE

JG-TC

Affordable Financing

et’s say you’ve found the perfect used car. It looks gorgeous, drives wonderfully and is mechanically solid. Now how are you going to pay for it?

If you’ve got enough cash to write a check for the car, that’s great. Paying cash is the cheapest and easiest way to buy them. Unfortunately, most buyers can’t do that. Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking about financing your used-car purchase.

DEALER

Often times the easiest place to finance your car will be through the dealership. Used car dealers help arrange for the financing of cars all the time, either through in-house loans or through third parties like banks and credit unions. They often have special arrangements with major banks to get loans for their customers. The dealership wants to sell the car, obviously, so they’ll go out of their way to get a financing deal done that will put you in the vehicle you want. They also may have looser lending stan-

dards that will help get loans for people with bad credit — the buyers who may be unable to get loans through traditional bank financing.

BANK OR CREDIT UNION

Another place to look is your local bank or credit union. They’re both in the business of loaning money, often with very attractive interest rates if you’ve got solid credit scores. The advantage of bank financing is that you can be pre-approved for a loan amount and essentially go to the dealership like a cash buyer, which gives you confidence at the negotiating table. The downside is that the bank will sometimes put restrictions on what type of car you can buy. It might have to be within a certain age range or mileage limits, while dealer financing may give you more options for the older, higher mileage cars on their lot that are more easily affordable.

ONLINE LENDER

Another option for financing your purchase is looking online. Several online-only lenders have opened in recent years promising low interest rates, easy financing and quick approvals through their online applications. This can be a good option for tech-savvy buyers. Like anything online, though, you need to be very careful that you’re not getting scammed. It’s best to stick with well-known, brandname lenders that offer online car loans rather than random, no-name outfits you’ve never heard of before. As a whole, when financing your car purchase, it’s always best to shop around. See what options are available between in-house financing at the dealership, loans from your bank or credit union and online lenders, and pick the option that works best for you. © FOTOLIA / AP

How to get the best rate on a car loan

any consumers get so caught up in finding the lowest price possible for a vehicle that they fail to give sufficient thought to finding a good rate on the loan to buy that vehicle.

Many consumers finance their vehicle purchases, meaning they must apply for a loan. Finding the best rate possible can reduce the cost of vehicle ownership considerably. Research is any consumer’s best friend, especially when buying an automobile, and understanding the market and the interest rates available can save drivers substantial amounts of money. Here’s how to secure the best interest rate possible. * Begin by requesting a copy of your credit report. Review the information and address any issues or inconsistencies that may be negatively affecting your credit score. Banks use credit scores to determine USEDCAR2014.indd 10

prospective borrowers’ credit worthiness. A poor credit history can negatively influence purchasing power. * Determine a budget to figure out what is affordable. Lower the interest rate by shortening the duration of the loan. A longer loan term generally carries with it a higher interest rate. If it is possible to put down more money and reduce the length of the loan, you can earn a smaller interest rate, paying less over the life of the loan. * Shop around with various lenders to see if you can get a better deal. While dealerships may offer financing specials, they are not always the least expensive bet. Banks or credit unions may offer lower rates to their

account holders. Investigate all possibilities and get at least three loan quotes before making a decision. * Purchasing a new car may pay off in terms of a lower loan rate. Very often financing packages are offered on new vehicles, including zero percent rates as introductory rates or over the duration of the loan. * Keep credit unions in mind. According to Consumer Reports, credit unions have low operating costs because of their nonprofit status. As a result, their lending rates can be quite competitive. Many people belong to credit unions just to take advantage of the convenient loan policies.

* Consider online banks, which can be quite competitive with loan rates. Such banks also are more convenient, allowing applicants to apply from the comforts of home. You may be able to have several online banks compete for your business by filling out a few forms. However, keep in mind that applying online may make you more likely to receive emails from various lenders, even after you have purchased a vehicle. * Buy a car you can afford. You will pay less by financing a lowerpriced vehicle. Purchase the car you need, but make sure it’s a car you can afford as well.

Finding a good interest rate can lower the costs of vehicle ownership.

Did you know?

In the future, cars may not be built and assembled at automotive warehouses and factories full of automated robots. They may be the product of more efficient manufacturing thanks to 3D printing, which can produce relatively inexpensive, light and efficient automobiles. One pioneer, Jim Kor, founder of the Urbee 2, a 3D-printed vehicle, made a three-wheel, two-passenger vehicle with plastic through Fused Deposition Modeling, or FDM. This involves spraying mol-

ten polymer layer by layer to build the car chassis. The entire car, which is roughly 10 feet long, took about 2,500 hours to build. What would normally be several pieces of metal and other components in a traditional car is now made from fewer and larger pieces that result in a lighter vehicle. And a car with less weight can use fuel more efficiently. Vehicles that are made through 3D printing may be the wave of the future, potentially revolutionizing automobile construction. 2/25/2014 2:44:14 PM