Buying Used Cars

[BacktoBasics]

The only probably with trying to determine going market on a vehicle using autotrader is that 90% of whats listed is listed by a dealer and you have no idea what their fees are. One dealer may charge 500 for dealer prep while another doesn't it. When you shop you'll have to call and request a drive out price not a sale price.

[Goliadnative]

Carfax would just be a starting point. It would help weed out the cars with major question marks. I've read where sometimes the reports are not complete. I would still do a separate inspection.

KIA just started a program of providing a lifetime warranty on the engine on their certified used vehicles. The owner just has to perform the scheduled maintenance. At least the one I dealt with up here in Dallas did.

[BacktoBasics]

Carfax would just be a starting point. It would help weed out the cars with major question marks. I've read where sometimes the reports are not complete. I would still do a separate inspection.

I've been told its pretty easy to manipulate a carfax but I'm not an expert on Carfax.

[Anti.Hero]

carfax is pointless.

[jcrod]

Make sure if you do go private that the le is in their actual name because the le offices are getting very strict about transfers. Also go and pick up an "Application for Certificate of le" form because the seller will have to sign that too. If the seller owes a balance on the vehicle don't pay the seller. Go in person or call the bank that has the note and pay them direct because they're the ones with the le.

One thing to consider about private sales is that you will have to pay tax on the value of the vehicle not the sale price. So if you find a 20k car for 14k you have to pay tax on the 20k value not the 14k purchase price. This is to avoid the old "birthday or gift" tax scam.

At a dealer you only pay tax on your purchase price so if you get a great deal you won't get the tax shaft.

Thanks for the info, if i can get a great deal it seems easier just to deal with the lot.

[jcrod]

I've been told its pretty easy to manipulate a carfax but I'm not an expert on Carfax.

So is there some other report besides Carfax?

[baseline bum]

No Balance. But should I try to stick with private or hit the lots?

Check both.

First, narrow down your search to 2 or 3 specific quality car models beforehand though, that way you can easily know exactly what is good and what the value of a car is when you talk to the seller. There's nothing worse than just showing up to a car lot to look around at a bunch of different models; you can't let the dealer's knowledge about the vehicle you're looking at dwarf yours.

Check consumer reports, check edmunds.com reviews, and get lots of information before nailing down the specific model(s) you're looking for.

Make sure if you buy from a private party that he really is one, and not someone posing as a private seller after buying the car at an auction (this is illegal in most states, and is often something dealers do when they get a car that's too much of a lemon to sell at their lot).

Make sure the car was never a rental or a company car, as no one's going to maintain these well.

Buy a 30-day Carfax unlimited account (it's like $30) and do not go to look at any advertised car until you get the Carfax on it first. For example, if you see the car has been driven in a coastal area or up north where there's lots of snow (and therefore salt on the roads), be extra vigilant looking for rust on it.

If the car checks out on Carfax, if the seller checks out as ok, then go ahead and test drive it. Get it out on the highway, take it to 80, see if you're comfortable with the steering, brakes, acceleration, etc.

If you like the test-drive and are getting a good deal, take it to a trusted mechanic to have it inspected. A car purchase is way too expensive to make unless it's almost at the level of a can't miss yes in your mind.

[BacktoBasics]

Good advice from baseline bum. Definitely narrow down your choices first. There is no shortage of guys buying at auctions for personal sale. The law states you can't do that more than 7 times a year or you're considered a dealer.

[baseline bum]

What are you expecting to spend on this car?

[jcrod]

yeah, thats my problem. I'm all over the road on what type i want.

I'm really thinking of going with a big SUV (Sub, tahoe, Expedition) and then buying the new vehicle at a smaller scale maybe a crossover.

Or buying a used car (camry, altima type) and buying a new big SUV.

So i'm just checking craigslist and classifieds to get a feel on what i want to do.

[BacktoBasics]

Classic car/trucks don't lose value. Most people are terrified of that kind of purchase but you should consider it.

You could land a kick ass 55 Chevy for under 20k

[jcrod]

What are you expecting to spend on this car?

Not sure either, that all depends on how much Insurance pays out. Trade in is about 6,000 and Private is 8,000. Depending on what I get, i'll add a little.

[jcrod]

Classic car/trucks don't lose value. Most people are terrified of that kind of purchase but you should consider it.

You could land a kick ass 55 Chevy for under 20k

Classic car is definitely in my plans down the road, just not now. Maybe in a couple of yrs, i'll decide if I want my classic car or boat. Wife also wants both eventually so its just depends.

[Taco]

IF YOU DO BUY USED MAY I SUGGEST ........



I BROUGHT MY DAUGHTERS CAR, MY TRUCK AND MY WIFE'S VAN FROM THERE

http://www.carmax.com/

[jaffies]

B to B
Baseline
anyone really

Is carmax a good option?