Buying a Used Car
Getting a good deal on a used car involves both negotiating a good price and taking steps to make sure the car is reliable.
Although buying a used car is often a smart financial decision, it's also a transaction full of potential for disaster. We all know someone who paid too much for a used car that fell apart on the way home. To better your chances of getting a reliable car at a good price, follow these pointers. (If you're shopping for a new car, see Buying a New Car.)
Decide on the Car and Price You Want
Before you hit the used car lots and classified ads, you should get an idea of the make, model, and year of car you want. There are many good sources to help you compare cars. Consumer Reports magazine publishes an annual car buying issue. Both Motor Trend magazine and Used Cars, by Darrell Parrish (Book Express), also provide useful information. The Internet also has lots of information. Try www.autosite.com, www.carwizard.com, www.edmunds.com, and www.carprices.com.
Next, check the wholesale and retail values of the cars that interest you. The Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) lists wholesale and retail prices for used cars (also available at bookstores and libraries). Lenders and insurance companies can also give you the same information. For a small fee, Consumer Reports (www.consumerreports.org or 800-258-1169) will tell you how much a particular car is worth, taking into consideration the car's mileage, condition, and additional equipment.
|
