Used Car Buying TipsUsed Car Buying Tips When you walk onto a used car lot, you are entering a high pressure sales environment. It is in your best interest to be educated and well prepared. Many used car salespeople are quite aggressive, so don't let them catch you off guard. Here are some survival tips from a former car salesperson. Tip Number 1: Never buy a car on your first visit to a used car lot. They will try to pressure you by saying that the "big sale" ends tomorrow or that someone else is interested in the car you want, but don't fall for it. Once you pick out a car you like, you will want to do some research to make sure you are getting a good price and not buying a lemon. If you don't walk away, you won't get the chance to do the research and you could get burned. Tip Number 2: If the salesperson who approaches you makes you feel uncomfortable, insist on working with someone else. Tip Number 3: Don't buy a car until the end of the month. This is when the salespeople and managers are scrambling to make their bonuses. They are more willing to negotiate at the end of the month than they are at the beginning of the month. Tip Number 4: Make sure you know how much the car is worth before you buy it. If you are trading in a car, you can find out how much it is worth, too. The most realistic car value research tool is at Nada.com. The used car industry uses NADA guides, so they can't dispute the results. You can print up your results and bring them to the dealership to help you negotiate. Tip Number 5: When you reach the point that you found the perfect car at the perfect price, have it checked out by a mechanic before you buy. This will cost a little money, but it can help protect you from losing thousands of dollars. If the salesperson or manager won't let you take the car to a mechanic, then you are at the wrong dealership and you should walk out. Tip Number 6: Make sure you know the history of the car you're buying. Once you decide on a car and are happy with the price, tell the salesperson to order a carfax report. Once the report is ordered, check the VIN number (serial number) against the car you're looking at to make sure it is the same. With a carfax report, you will know important facts such as how many people have owned the car and whether it has ever been in an accident. Tip Number 7: Follow the advice given above because lemon laws don't apply to used cars. About the author: Barbara Woodcox has been researching and writing consumer education materials for almost 10 years. She has also been active in numerous consumer advocacy campaigns. She graduated summa cum laude from Ohio State University and holds a Master of Arts degree.Resources: Related articles: Proper installation of used motorcycle cables Discount Replacement Chevrolet Parts Available at Inner Auto How to buy a good truck or car found at the Internet site? Experience Excellent Quality and Durability in the Aftermarket Parts and Accessories available at Inner Auto High Quality and Durable Replacement Parts for Nissan at Inner Auto: Excellent Quality at a Low Price
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