Tips For Buying a Used Car A used car is a great way to stretch your dollar, but there are some risks involved. Older cars with higher mileage, run into more mechanical problems and can cost more in the long run if you do not know how to select the right car. To avoid getting stuck with a lemon, follow these basic steps. Before you do anything, you need to know what your budget is. Have an idea how much money you are willing to pay. Many dealerships will try to hook you with excellent monthly payments that stretch on for years and years or offer a low introductory price with hidden fees contained in the fine print. These pricing schemes can seem like a wonderful deal at the beginning, but turn into a financial stressor over time. It may make more sense for you to buy a car that is cheaper and pay it off fast. Now it’s time to determine what kind of car works with your budget and fulfills your needs. Make sure to focus on cars with a great reputation for being reliable and also maintain their value as they age. Cars that have been in significant accidents – especially head on collisions – should be avoided. Mileage matters, but it is not the only factor. It is even more important that the car runs well and all major mechanical systems function. You also want to look for a car that has had only one owner. Do not buy a car with rust spots and pay close attention to the interior. If the interior is well maintained – i.e. the seats, steering wheel, dash, carpeting, etc. – it is also likely the car has been well maintained also. Used cars are listed all over the internet. They typically come from three main sources: 1. private sellers, 2. car charities or 3. dealerships. If you have a large budget of approximately $10,000 to $20,000, you will most-likely want to go to a dealership and find a car that is only 3 or 4 years old, has been reconditioned and has an excellent warranty. They usually handle the taxes and licensing too. Although you pay extra for the conveniences a dealership offers, it can be a good idea if your financial situation allows for it. If your budget is less abundant – in the $1,000 to $9,000 range – you are limited to private sellers, smaller independant used car dealers and charities. Private sellers typically advertise online or in the local newspaper. Car charities are a resource that many individuals never even think about. We have used Blok Charity Auto Clearance based out of Los Angeles, CA. They have over 400 cars on their lot at any given time, all of their cars are inspected by a mechanic and emmissions ready. They are worth checking out if you are budget oriented. No matter who you buy from, always have a mechanic inspect the car before you put down any money. Be realistic about your expectations. If you do not have much to spend, you will need to make some compromises. But be sure the car is mechanically sound and basic functions are working – like all the lights, the gas gauge, seat belts, etc. As for mileage, typically over 150,000 miles is too high. Although lower mileage is preferred, it does not necessarily correlate with the condition of the car. For example, if you are comparing two similar cars of the same make and model and one has 70,000 miles while the other has 80,000 miles, it is not a given the car with lower miles is better. You need to take into account how it has been cared for.
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Try not to buy anything that is over ten years old. Cars that have been around for over a decade tend to break a lot and need many repairs. If your budget allows for it, purchase a car that is 2 to 5 years old. That way you will have years of drive time without much time in the shop. Any car you find should be in driving condition when you buy it. Even a small repair (unless it’s something silly – like fixing a cup holder), can lead to more expensive repairs. To summarize, before you buy a used car be sure to check out its history and have it inspected by a trusted mechanic. Avoid buying a car that has been in a major accident. Be sure to test drive the car and test it under as many conditions as you can – such as on the freeway, when the car is running cold, when its running hot, etc. Do not purchase a car needing small repairs. If you follow this advice, you should end up with a car that will last you many years to come. Want to find out more about Blok Charity Auto Clearance, then visit Blok’s site about how to choose the best used cars. autoblogging software suites for the wordpress fan. For further details, Visit http://www.toyotaservicecoupons.info/tips-for-buying-a-used-car
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