The hot car that was out of your price range just a few years ago may be
much more affordable today--preowned. Here's how to buy a used car from a
dealership or a private party.
9 Found This Helpful
Instructions
1.
Follow Steps
1 through 3 in How to Buy a New Car. Browse the
Kelley Blue Book for used-car pricing (see Resources).
2.
Search car
ads from as many sources as possible, including dealer ads in newspapers and
private ads in print and online classifieds to find out what's available in
your area. Many dealers offer manufacturer-certified preowned cars; they
generally charge more, but may offer a limited warranty.
3.
Make a list
of the features that you want, along with acceptable mileage limits and
condition of the car you're willing to buy.
4.
Set up
appointments to see your top choices in person, and bring your most car-savvy
friend. Take notes.
5.
Ask for
maintenance records and inspect cars closely. Fear rust. Web sites such as
Cars.com and Auto Web have used-car buyer's checklists that can be helpful (see
Resources).
6.
Ask the
seller questions in order to rule out lemons . Check the car's history using a service such as
Carfax, which can list a car's actual mileage, number of title changes and if
it's been wrecked or salvaged (see Resources).
7.
Test drive
the car. Does it feel good? Take it on the freeway to check for alignment
issues. Accelerate from zero to 60 mph (97 kph) to see how punchy it is. Brake
sharply and see if the car pulls. Turn everything on at some point and have
your friend walk around and see that they're all working: brake lights,
headlights, tail lights, hazards, turn signals, dome light, wipers, fluid
lights, radio, heater and AC/fan. Test all the doors, windows and the horn.
Check that the tires have good tread since new tires can put you out hundreds
of dollars (See How to Choose the Right Tires).
8.
When you've
found the car you want, take it to your mechanic and have it checked out for
about $60.
9.
When you've
agreed upon a price with a dealer, you'll get the necessary forms, including a
bill of sale and the car title (or pink slip). If you're financing, you won't
get the actual title until the car is paid for. Some dealers handle all the
paperwork, including tax.
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