Take a Test Drive Before You Buy a Used Car from an Owner

Safety First

Sure we want our car to look great, but it’s more important to arrive alive.

• When you get in the car, be sure that everything can be adjusted so that it is comfortably in your reach or view (for mirrors).
• How does the seat feel? Will you be comfortable even on long drives?
• If you have a family will there be enough room for everyone to be seated comfortably? Are all the safety belts in working order? How easy or difficult will it be to load the children or pets in and out?
• Look for child safety locks, if appropriate
• Are all of the signals and lights in working order?
• Does the gas gauge work?

Safety on the Road

• Does the car provide good visibility?
• How well do the brakes work?
• Be sure to check the windshield wipers and defroster.

Comfort Counts

• Check to be sure the air conditioning and heater are working.
• Be sure windows roll smoothly up and down.
• Make sure all of the locks work as well.
• Ask about spare keys, too. It can be pretty uncomfortable to be locked out.

Buying a Used Car from an Owner

Research First
Before you begin contacting car owners:

• Do some research about the kind of car you are looking for. In addition to reading auto magazines and websites, you might also want to talk with friends and family to get their opinions.
• Know the amount of money you can comfortably afford.

• Vehicle reliability
• Annual maintenance costs
• Mileage per gallon
• Any past recalls or technical problems (you should be able to find this information in the technical service bulletin of each car you are considering).

Contact the Private Used Car Sellers
You should ask specific questions about the car before you go forward. Examples include:

• Who was the primary driver? (younger drivers are generally harder on cars than older drivers)
• What was the car used for most? (Long distance traveling, back and forth to work, etc.)
• Are service records available for review?
• Is the title clear and in hand?

Classic vs. Antique

What to Look for in Used Car Classified Ads

There are certain things you should look for when it comes to used car classified ads.

Search Used Car Listings with an Eye for the Facts
Well-written used car classified ads should contain nuggets of useful information. For instance, information that you should look for includes:

• Make, model and year of the used car
• Engine size
• Odometer reading
• Color of car
• Price of the used car
• Any special features of the used car
• Contact information

When reading used car classifieds, buyers may also look for important details related to the used car’s history; for example, “only one owner,” “very clean,” or “with all service records.”

Make a List of Any Questions You Have About the Car or the Ad
Used car classifieds have to impart a lot of information with just a few words. As you read the ads, make a list of any terms or information you have questions about. Some examples might include:

• Unusual abbreviations
• Whether the owner is willing to negotiate on the price
• When the car will be available for viewing or a test drive
• If the title is available
• If the advertiser is the owner of the used car for sale.

Searching and Buying a Used Car Online

Research Dealers
It is okay to register with and learn about several online used car dealers before you get started. Although the process is largely the same from dealer to dealer, the level of service is not. Choose to work with an online used car dealer that is committed to your ongoing satisfaction.

Browse Widely
There are millions of used cars available for sale online. Look at many of them so that you get an idea of the features that are available and most important to you. Compare vehicles and prices.

Budget for Your Purchase
Combined research and budgeting should give you a clear idea of what you are looking for in a car in terms of prices and features.

Research the Cars You Are Considering
Most buyers of used cars prefer autos that have had one owner and are well maintained. Use service records, seller feedback and vehicle history reports to be sure you are getting a sound vehicle.

Advantages of Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car is a bargain on so many levels. Not only do you save on purchase costs you save on ownership costs, too.

Used Car Dealers Pass the Savings on to You

• Some used car dealers get their inventory from trade-ins, others from purchases, auctions or some combination. Ultimately, the dealer’s cost in obtaining the vehicle is lower than it would be for a new car because transportation is not a factor (the inventory is usually from local sources).
• Buying a used car saves you money because it costs the dealer less to acquire and make the car available for sale.

Ownership is Usually Less Expensive

• When you buy a car that is 3 to 5 years old you can usually get it for around 50 percent of the original MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price). The bonus – the used car has five to seven reliable driving years and:
  • Your insurance and registration costs will be less expensive than for a new car.
  • You can still purchase an extended warranty to offset any repairs (just be sure to work with a reputable provider and review the terms of your agreement before you sign on the dotted line).

Ask the Right Questions When Buying a Used Car

No Question is Silly
Reputable used car dealers want you to feel comfortable with the sales experience and your used car. Look for dealers that:

• Invite your questions
• Appear knowledgeable in their response
• Make sales transactions transparent

Know What Questions Help You Avoid Car Buying Scams
There are countless valuable questions that you can ask. Here are a few samples:

• Where was the vehicle purchased from?
• Has the vehicle sustained any damage?
• Have you inspected the vehicle? What did you find?
• Has the vehicle been serviced? What did you do?
• Is all of the paperwork required for registration available on site? If you cannot leave with the appropriate documents of sale, don’t leave with the car.
• Has the car ever been used as a rental car?

Know Something About the Used Car Dealer.

• Avoid used car dealers that look like fly-by-night operations. Be sure the car you are purchasing is genuinely available from the seller for legitimate sale.
• Check with the Better Business Bureau or your local Chamber of Commerce to be sure the dealer is legitimate.