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Below is a list of sites that offer professional advice and helpful hints that you may find useful when buying or selling a vehicle. This list will be frequently updated to bring you the latest vehicle news and information available. Auto Insurance Quotes Cars Outside of the U.S. Estimating
the Value
Edmund's Used Car Buyer and Seller Information Financing Info General Info Parts and Accessories Performance
and
Vehicle Tips Court TV's Buying and Selling a Car |
When you are shopping for your next vehicle, there are many things you will want to think about carefully. Finding and buying a used vehicle doesn't have to be stressful. Gathering information online and going to the dealer well prepared, will change the way you view car buying. Much of the stress occurs when you have inadequate information and must make a decision on the spot. 1.You should try to get the most out of your automobile for the least amount of money by purchasing one that fits your life-style. If it doesn't, then you will likely become dissatisfied with it and trade it in, risking thousands of dollars in the process. This is also the time you should be considering car insurance. InsWeb has free online quotes. Establish a responsible budget, and then do an online search for the vehicle(s). If you are not sure about the exact vehicle you want, go to your local dealers and test drive the vehicle(s). 2.Get
your financing in order; it's a key issue. Knowing that you have secure
3.Know the vehicle features and optional equipment you would like your vehicle to have. If you have a trade-in, consider selling it yourself. This could save you big. Try an online internet solution to sell your car. If you prefer to trade the vehicle, know how much your trade-in is really worth. If you have these three essentials taken care of before you go to the dealer, half the battle will have already been won. 4.Rather than driving around and searching, just fill out an online Auto Finder Request. Fill in as much info as possible about the car(s) or truck(s) you want. Be sure and include your e-mail address and phone number. Your requests are sent to multiple dealers that will contact you with the information you need. Information gathering begins, and you must determine how far you are willing to travel to buy, and also compare prices quoted by dealers with online services such as Kelley Blue Book. 5.Get
everything in writing:
6.Get
a copy of everything you sign, at the time you sign it, and do not sign
anything that has not been filled
7.Test drive the vehicle and ask the dealer if you can have the vehicle thoroughly checked out by a mechanic before you buy it; especially if you are buying it "AS-IS," without a warranty. Here is a good book on AutoRepair Tips. Look the vehicle over closely to be sure everything works. Ask specific questions, such as, has the car ever been wrecked? What is the condition of the brakes, etc? 8.Inspect the seller's title; is the seller the actual owner? Is the mileage information filled out if the seller is a dealer? Does the title have a Salvage, Scrap, Rebuilt, Assembled, Driver's Ed, or other legend printed on it? When was title issued? If it is a recent title, it means someone else recently sold the vehicle to the person trying to sell it you. 9.If you are leasing a vehicle, find out the "selling price" that the lease payment is figured from. This price should include a credit for any down payment and/or trade-in vehicle involved. Ask the dealer to show you how the price was figured and how the monthly payment was arrived at. 10.Do not be rushed into buying. Shop around and compare prices. Do not fall for pressure "hard sell" tactics. Try not to shop near the dealership's closing time. If possible, wait a day or two before making your decision. This will give you an opportunity to "cool off." A car cannot be returned like items in a department store. Once you take delivery of the car, it is yours. Deposits placed on vehicle's are not necessarily refundable. Ask the salesperson if yours is. Get the answer in writing. 11.Just as you shop around for a car, you should also shop around for financing and other services. Compare rates offered through banks, credit unions, dealers, etc. If buying from a dealer, does the dealer offer repairs? 12.Credit
life and disability insurance are not required by law. Be sure you know
what you are buying.
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* Information sourced from Edmunds. |