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Welcome to Used Car Tips
Hi, I'm R. Astarte Piccione, one of the hundreds of writers here at LifeTips.com. Enjoy these 100 Used Car Tips! If you’re a business, why not hire the expert writers at LifeTips? And if you’re a writer, apply for freelance writing gigs.
Classic vs. Antique
If you want to know if your Chevy Malibu is a classic or an antique, the answer is a little tricky. An "antique" car (or anything else for that matter) is defined as one that is 25 years old or older. A "classic" is a more difficult to define, as its criteria are generally in the eyes of the owners/fanatics. Some may think a '72 VW Bug is a classic. In fact, most would agree, from a historical perspective. However, there are many who would simply consider it an inferior piece of automotive machinery. (Anyone who's been in an old VW Bug in the winter can attest to that. Brrr.)
Your best bet is to look up your used vehicle online and compare reviews. See how much your car is selling for, and that will give you an idea of what the general public thinks its worth in terms of its "classic" quality.
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LotPro.com Tip: Used Car Search Engines
Try a used car search engine to find the car of your dreams without leaving your home. Here are some tips on the benefits of using a using a used car search engine to look for a pre-owned vehicle online.
A Used Car Search Engine is the Next Best Thing to Being There. Online used car dealers are a terrific resource for narrowing your auto purchase selections. Dealers include information such as:
o Make, model and miles
o Color, vehicle history
o Multiple photos of the interior and exterior of the car
o Many dealers also offer the option of side-by-side comparison if you are torn between a couple of cars.
Online Used Car Sales Can Give You the Big Picture. One really important benefit of online used auto sales is the opportunity to learn about what others have experienced while shopping for a car. Many of these sites include information such as:
o Most and least reliable among used cars
o Interest and financing information
o Information about customer satisfaction
o Actual prices that have been paid among other used car shoppers.
o The bottom line – online used auto sales give you access to information and resources that help you make the best deals.
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Ask the Right Questions When Buying a Used Car
The best weapon for avoiding used car fraud? Arm yourself with information. When you know what questions to ask you increase your chances of buying a used car without a hitch.
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.
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LotPro.com Tip: Finding Used Car Deals
Used cars for sale have never been easier to find than they are right now. Why is now the best time to search for used cars for sale? Read on for some tips.
Cars are Better Made and Maintained
Today’s car owner understands the importance of maintenance, such as regular oil changes and tune-ups.
Because new owners are taking better care of their cars, they are in better condition and stay on the road longer.
Many Car Owners Trade Cars Earlier
Cars last longer, but owners aren't necessarily keeping them longer. Used car listings are full of cars that are less than five years old.
Chances are that these used cars for sale are almost as good as new, which affords used car buyer’s peace of mind (reliability) at extremely reasonable prices.
Vehicle Reports Help Buyers Stay in the Know
Vehicle history reports take the mystery out of buying a used car. As you look through the used car classifieds, you may find that many dealers offer these reports free for your convenience.
If you are researching several cars and using a service that doesn’t provide complimentary reports, you may want to purchase a plan that gives you unlimited access to reports for a determined time period.
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Buying a Used Car from an Owner
Buying a used car from an owner is generally thought to be the least expensive option for getting into a car. If you are buying a used car from a private party, here are some tips to get you off to a strong start.
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.
Narrow Your Choices
After you have narrowed your choices to a few cars learn about:
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?
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LotPro.com Tip: Find Used Cars
There are many ways to find used cars. Begin by asking those you know. Sometimes the people you trust most can be your best source for a used car. Ask friends, family and co-workers that are in the market for a new car about plans for the old car. If that doesn't work, try these tactics.
Search the Internet, But Don’t Stop There Yes, the Internet offers the largest number of used car listings and it is a good place to find used cars, but it should not be the only place you look. Sometimes, the best deals are right under your nose. Also look:
In your local newspaper
In school or church bulletins
On local access television shows dedicated to used car sales
At local used car lots
At local used car auctions
In used auto magazines (used car classifieds)
Clearly, there is no shortage of places to find used cars. One of the most important ways to have a good experience when buying a used car is to search and research thoroughly.
Review Used Car Ads for Important Details Know what you are looking for as you begin your search for used cars. When you know what you want it is easier to recognize when you find it. You might even want to divide your list into two columns (such as nice to have and must have).
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Take a Test Drive Before You Buy a Used Car from an Owner
Even if the private seller is the only owner and s/he only ever drove the car to church once a week, you still need to take it for a test drive. Here are some tips on what to look for.
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.
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LotPro.com Tip: Narrowing Your Used Car Search...Online
Searching for a used vehicle online is helpful once you know how to best use the technology. The key is narrowing the details of your search. First, decide if you'd like a car or a truck. Once you've done that, try to select a specific make, such as a Chevrolet.
After you've narrowed your search to a specific make of car or truck, it becomes immensely easier to purchase your used vehicle. For example, there are, of course, many used Chevy cars and trucks are available across the nation. However, you can even narrow your search further by searching for a specific location such as your hometown or even down to a specific Chevy model.
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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).
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Searching and Buying a Used Car Online
There are countless online used car dealers. Most use similar programs for searching and buying used cars online. Here are some tips to help you learn about the process.
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.
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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.
