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10 Steps to Buying a Used Car

10 Steps to Buying a Used Car
Introduction
The following steps will show you how to find and negotiate the purchase of the used car you want to buy. If you do not know which car to buy, read our article 10 Steps to find the perfect car for you, and then return to read this article and you have made your decision.

Step 1: Getting Started - Why buy a used car?
If you decided to buy a used car, and made a good decision. You can get a car that is almost as good as new, without having to pay for the depreciation strongly shaking people who buy a new car out of the dealership. Even cars with only one year are 20 to 30 percent cheaper than new cars.

There are other good reasons to buy a used car:

Save money on auto insurance.
Perhaps the smart used car buyer, find great deals.
Todays cars are more reliable than ever.
Some cars still have the warranty.
Today most manufacturers sell certified used cars, which include warranties.
The history of a used car can be easily located using the identification number (VIN).
If you buy directly from a private seller, the negotiation process will be less stressful.
Step 2: Choose the right used car.
Before starting the process of buying a used car, many people already know what car they want. But its a good idea to stop at this point and analyze their decision through several questions: Is it this car in my monthly budget? In the next step we will explain how to determine which car can afford. For now, make sure your choice does not exceed its budget. Do you take into account my current needs? For more on this, see our article 10 Steps to find the right car for you.

You may have to expand your search when considering what to buy, because you may not know what is available in your area. Consider creating a list with three different cars. Think choose vehicles of the same category. For example, if you really want a Toyota Camry, also keep in mind a Honda Accord, Nissan Altima or Chevrolet Malibu. These cars were made for the same type of buyer, but have distinct and sometimes lower prices.

Step 3: Save money by buying cars that are less known.
The value of a used car based on its condition, mileage, reliability, performance and popularity. Of course you want a car that is reliable and efficient. But does the used car that you want everyone else? If so, will pay more than they expected. In some cases, the only difference is the brand.

How much is the price difference that separates the popular cars but good, the good but unnoticed? Two editors of Edmunds.com recently went shopping for a car in the sedan category. They found that the Camry and Accord two years ago, cost about $ 3,000 more than the comparable 626 and Galant.

Step 4: Make your future research on used car.
In the used car section of Edmunds.com find all the information you need to make an informed decision about what to buy. You can find access to the main issues pressing the links to the left of the screen, such as price, standard features, specifications and safety, security, consumer focus groups, photos and video, as well as resale values. A useful point is the "Auto Index" (in English "Car Ratings"), which assesses the various components of the vehicle. You can also read reviews of current car owners. Finally, be sure to use True Cost to Own (TCO ®), True Cost of Maintenance of Edmunds.com, the car you want to buy, to see what other expenses will (this information is not available for all cars).

Another essential part of the pages used car is the True Market Value (TMV ®) True Market Value of Edmunds.com that helps establish a price guide when you are looking to buy a car. The True Market Value is based on sales figures of similar cars in the country. Later go into detail about using the true value in the market Edmunds.com.

A final essential step to get a good deal on a used car is to ask for a history of any used car you plan to buy. Several companies sell these reports that are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), but AutoCheck and Carfax are the most complete. Youll find essential information about the used car including whether or not a salvaged title (has been declared a total loss by the insurance company) or evidence that the odometer has been altered. This is a good time to decide if you want a Certified Used Car. If so, read our article describing certified vehicle programs offered by each manufacturer.

Buying a used car will be to inspect the vehicle to determine its condition. This process is simplified if you buy a certified used car that has passed a rigorous inspection and is backed by a manufacturers warranty. But while buying a certified used car removes many of the assumptions about the mechanical condition of the car, you pay for this service.

Most new cars are sold with a warranty of three years/36, 000 miles. Therefore, if you buy a car that has one to three years, with less than 36,000 miles on the odometer, still be under warranty. If something goes wrong with the car you just bought, the problem will be fixed at no cost.

Step 5: How much can you afford?
The smart shopper will consider how to finance the car at the beginning of the buying process. This will avoid unpleasant surprises later and will help you make an informed decision about how much fits in your budget.

Use our budget calculator to help with figures that will guide you through the purchase.

Monthly Payment. If you borrow money, you know how much you can pay monthly?

Down Payment. How much down payment can reduce your monthly payments?

Purchase price of the car. Answering the first two will help determine limits the amount you can pay for your used car.

Once you have determined how much you can give as a down payment, monthly payment and the purchase price of the car, print these figures. Later, when negotiating the price of a used car, you may need to review this information to set foot on earth.

Step 6: Financing for a used car.
There are three ways to pay for your used car:

Cash. Is there anything more to say? With money you can achieve a lot.

Financing through a bank, an online lender or a credit union (Credit Union). We highly recommend this route because they usually will save you money and give you maximum control over the transaction.

Financing through the dealer. This may benefit some people, depending on your credit score and current interest rates. When arranging financing beforehand with an independent financial dealer might try to make a better deal with a lower interest loan.

Funded through an independent source (Internet lender, bank or credit union) offers several advantages:

Maintains simple negotiations with the concessionaire
Allows you to compare competing interests beforehand
Eliminates reliance on dealer financing
It helps you to be faithful to your budget
Low-interest loans can be processed online through Up2Drive.com
Step 7: Where to buy your used car?
The three most common places to buy a used car are:

Private Sellers
The section of a used car dealership that also sells new cars
Independent used car lots
Of these sources, the sale by private sellers usually have the most reasonable prices. This is also a more relaxed way of buying a used car instead of meeting with a car salesman at the dealership.

Still, there are advantages to buying a used car from a dealership. Many used car dealers, are exchanges. Dealers typically get these cars at very low prices. If you make a low offer - but also lets them gain something - you might get a very good deal. In addition, many dealerships offer certified used cars have been thoroughly inspected and are backed by solid guarantees.

Look for your self on websites as our catalog of used vehicles Edmunds.com Used Vehicle Listings or internet classifieds like Craigslist.org. Some websites are very flexible and allow you to search by make, model, options and price. In some cases you can search the inventory of used cars on dealers who also sell new cars through its Web site.

While the Internet is an incredible resource, you should also use conventional sources: Ask family and friends if you are selling a used car. Keep your eyes open for signs cars with "For Sale" in the window. Check the ads from supermarkets or local schools or colleges. Finally, do not forget the ever faithful - newspaper ad.

Once you have found a possible car, call the seller before going to see the vehicle. This way, you can remove cars with problems like excessive mileage vehicle with a salvaged title. Use our questions about cars Used Car Question Sheet when you call to help you make the key questions. Check the price listed in the ad.

While talking with the seller, make an appointment for a test drive. If possible, make this appointment during the day so you can determine the condition of the car with better accuracy. Do not forget to order the vehicle identification number (VIN) for you to request a history report of the car.

Step 8: Test Drive a used car.
The test drive a used car means deciding if this is the right car for you and if in good condition. Once behind the wheel, ask yourself if what you are looking for. Do you have enough height? Enough legroom? Is that okay position indicating instruments and other controls?

Try to make your appointment for the test drive is about an hour when the engine is completely cold. Some cars are harder to start when they are completely cold and start it, you will notice serious problems. Turn off the radio before you start driving - so you can hear the engine well and concentrate on the driving experience.

During the test drive, be sure to evaluate these additional points:

Method of high speed after
Visibility (check blind spots)
Engine Noise
Acceleration when passing another vehicle (How fast and slow down gently?)
Power to climb hills
Brakes
As curves taking
Suspension (how soft it like to drive?)
Vibration and noise
Trunk space
Take your time and be sure to simulate the conditions of normal travel. If you drive a lot on the road, be sure to test the car on the road and accelerate to 65 mph. If you drive through the mountains, try the car on steep slopes. Lest after buying the car realizes unaccountable in the shape you need.

After the test drive, ask the owner of the car service bills. See if the car has been properly maintained in a timely manner. Avoid buying a car that has been in a serious accident or had major repairs and reconstruction of transmission work or engine repair valves.

If it looks good and runs the car, you should still take it to a mechanic for a thorough inspection. A private seller will not much resistance to this process. Now, a dealer may be a little harder to convince. If it is a certified used car, no need to take it to a mechanic.

Step 9: Negotiating the price of a used car.
Successful negotiations appear to have solid information. This is especially true when buying a used car. Before you start to negotiate, find the money True Market Value (TMV ®) True Market Value of Edmunds.com, and print the numbers are there.

Vendors at the dealers are experienced in negotiating. Most private sellers do not. So buying a used car from a dealer or a private seller, will be a very different experience from each other.

Follow these steps to negotiate:

Only deal with a seller with whom you feel comfortable
Initial bid that is low but that is around the price you want to pay
Decide in advance how much money is your limit, and leave when they reach this limit
Do not be afraid to leave the dealership - this is your most valuable tool when negotiating
Be patient - plan to negotiate at least one hour at the dealership, less time with private sellers
Exit the dealer if you are tired or hungry
Do not be distracted by offers of extended warranties, anti-theft devices or similar products
A seller who closes deals puts a lot more pressure to negotiate. It may be that this attempt to improve the treatment before reaching a final price.
Since we have a deal, make sure the transaction is completed properly. The next section will explain what to expect and what to do.

Step 10: Close the deal.
If you are a dealer, you have to go through the process of financing and insurance (F & I). If you buy your car from a private seller, simply make sure the payment and that the title and registration of the car are properly transferred.

In both cases, make sure you have insurance for the car you just bought before taking him away. The person in the Finance and Insurance office probably try to sell additional items: an extended warranty, or service burglar alarms as LoJack, plans prepaid service, protection for seat fabric, rust protection and emergency equipment for way. Some people want the peace offering extended warranties, so this is something you might want to consider (unless your used car is certified or is still under warranty). However, the other items they sell in the Finance and Insurance office, are expensive and of little value to you.

The person in the Finance and Insurance office appears to be a financial advisor, but in reality he or she is an experienced seller. Some people Financing and Insurance can be very pushy in trying to sell these products. Be firm. Since the contract is ready, check it carefully. In many states, include the cost of the vehicle, a charge for the preparation of documents, one count of passing the smog test, a small fee for a smog certificate, tax and license fee (better known as DMV fees - Department of Motor Vehicles). Make sure you understand the charges and ask if you see any significant addition to the contract.

Finally, if you need repairs, and the dealer has promised this arrangement, settlement request an invoice ("Due Bill") which puts it in writing. Ensure that the provisional registration is set to the right place - youll eventually his car on the way.

When buying a car from a private seller, surely you will be asked to pay with a bank check or cash. But before handing over any money, ask the title (sometimes known as "pink slip") and ask to be put in his name. The rules governing the registration of the car and license vary by state. Check the website of your state registration.

Since all documents are complete, its time to relax and start enjoying your purchase: a good used car.

Summary of "10 Steps to Buying a Used Car"

Choose the right car for you making sure the auto fill all your requirements.
Consider all the cars in the class you have chosen and make a list of three cars they want.
Find the car on Edmunds.com and check their reliability and read reviews of current car owners.
Check the price True Market Value (TMV ®) True Market Value of Edmunds.com the car you want to buy (adjusting the mileage numbers, options, color and region).
Find the True Cost to Own (TCO ®), Maintenance Cost Edmunds.com True, the car you want to buy.
If you finance the car, use our English page containing a payment calculator to determine the monthly payment of car you want to buy.
Decide how you will finance your car. If you use the services of a bank, online lender or a credit union (Credit Union) (credit union), obtain approval of your loan before you start your search.
Search our catalog of used vehicles and other assorted Internet, the used car youve decided to buy.
Call the vendor and verify relevant information. Have the vehicle identification number (VIN) and request a history report of the car.
Take a test drive under the conditions you normally drive.
If the car is not certified by the manufacturer, take it to a mechanic.
Make your best offer and start negotiating.
Read the contract carefully before signing and always be sure to receive a title without problems.
Contact the internet department and use our English to simultaneously compare odds from several dealers
If you are exchanging your current car, check its value in True Page Market Value (TMV ®) True Market Value of Edmunds.com and print the information.
If you are buying your car through a dealer on the internet, ask the seller to send you a sheet showing all prices, taxes and fees, via fax.
Take this form to the dealership to compare the figures with the contract.
Inspect the car to check for any dents, damage or rayon before taking possession of it.