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Anyone here buy a used cars before? If so what was your experience like and can you give us some tips.
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Great advice, luckily my dad is a car mechanic so I should be able to get a good second hand car :)Originally posted by one_raven
Also, many cars have certain problems that occur to them fairly dependably.
Look those things up...
I have and some experiences were good, some horrible. I have found that buying from an individual can be just as much a gamble as buying from a dealer with no warranty. You have to be able to examine a vehicle on your own and have a reasonably good feel for auto mechanics so as not to wind up with a lemon.Originally posted by Greg Bernhardt
Anyone here buy a used cars before? If so what was your experience like and can you give us some tips.
Originally posted by Integral
I have owned nothing but used cars since about 1980. We have had pretty good luck so far. Currently have a '94 Ford Probe, has ~78Kmiles and is doing great. We have had Our '98 Grand Prix for 3.5 yrs it now has ~120Kmi (most of those are ours!) and is going strong, the wife likes it a lot so we will keep driving it.
I think low milage is a key, we have not had any inspections done, so have been pretty lucky, no total lemons so far. The '92 Saturn we drove for a while was a good car, but seemed to be a fender bender magnet (3 in the 1.5yr we had it) and was way under powered so we traded it for the Gran Prix. Good trade!
Originally posted by kat
3. We've had great luck with our used Saabs and Toyota Camry.
Les Sleeth said:Our (wife & I) technique that's worked perfectly so far, is to go to a Toyota dealership (because Toyota is consistantly rated so high in terms of lowest repair/maintenance costs) and buy one of their year-old rental cars they sell off each year. You know they most likely have done all scheduled maintenance, including changing the oil after the first few miles (very important), unlike you don't know if a non-dealer owns it. It will only have 12 - 16K miles on it, be substantially cheaper than a new car, and last for another 250k-plus miles without any major maintenance costs (or so it's been for us).
When buying a used car, it is important to thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any potential issues. This includes checking the exterior and interior for any damage, checking the engine and under the hood for leaks or damage, and taking the car for a test drive to ensure it runs smoothly. It is also important to get a vehicle history report and have a mechanic inspect the car before making a purchase.
Negotiating the price of a used car can be tricky, but there are a few tips to keep in mind. Research the market value of the specific make and model you are interested in, and use that as a starting point for negotiations. Be prepared to walk away if the price is not right, and always be willing to compromise. It can also be helpful to bring a friend or family member along for support during negotiations.
There are several red flags to watch out for when buying a used car. These include a history of accidents or major repairs, inconsistent or incomplete maintenance records, and signs of poor maintenance such as rust or worn out tires. It is also important to be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, as they may indicate hidden issues with the car.
To ensure you are getting a good deal on a used car, do your research on the market value of the specific make and model you are interested in. Compare prices from different sellers and negotiate for the best price. It can also be helpful to have a budget in mind and stick to it, as well as considering the cost of potential repairs or maintenance in the future.
One tip for finding a reliable seller when buying a used car is to look for reputable dealerships or certified pre-owned vehicles. Private sellers can also be reliable, but it is important to thoroughly inspect the car and ask for maintenance records. It can also be helpful to read reviews or ask for recommendations from friends or family who have had positive experiences buying used cars.