About Me

Buying a Used Vehicle

Welcome to my website. My name is Frances Reed. If you’re considering buying a used car, you are in the right place. I recently had my first experience with purchasing a used car and want to share some tips I learned along the way. When I began my search, the important things were color, comfort, and low mileage. I ended up with a green vehicle (which isn't on my favorite color list,) it has over 150,000 miles driven, but it is comfortable. I was very fortunate and had a friend who’s a mechanic come with me to test drive vehicles. Tip number one: be sure you have a mechanic check out vehicles before you buy. I hope I can offer you some valuable information here.

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Buying a Used Vehicle

Buying A Used Car? 2 Tips For Negotiating Successfully

by Connor Ferguson

When you start shopping for a used car, it can be easy to assume that the ticket price is set in stone. However, what most people don't realize is that used car dealers are typically willing to negotiate with you. Here are two tips for negotiating successfully, so that you can make the most of your hard-earned dollars. 

1: Do Your Research

The most important thing you can do as you shop for a used car is to do your research. Here are a few things you should become innately familiar with as you hunt for the perfect ride:

  • Estimated Value: Research the average sales price of your favorite makes and models, so that you have a better idea of the fair price of the car. As you shop, pass over cars that are marked much higher and lower than the projected fair sales price. Also, look to see which cars hold their value long term. Many consumer-reporting agencies track vehicle resale value, so you can make a great investment.
  • Vehicle History: After you track down a great car, take the time to snap a picture of the VIN number. If you are looking at the windshield of the car from the outside, this number is located in the bottom right portion of the windshield behind the glass. You can use this unique vehicle identifier to check for previous insurance claims, and to see if the car has a salvaged title. 

After you are familiar with the estimated value of the car and how well it has been cared for, you might have a little more to talk about with the dealer. For example, if you found a great car, but it is priced a few thousand dollars above the average resale value for its condition, you might be able to use your research to have the price adjusted.

2: Stay Polite and Professional

Being forceful and demanding might work with your seven-year-old, but it probably won't go over as well at the car dealership. Although you might be tempted to rudely state your top price and demand a lower sales commission for your dealer, it is important to stay professional.

Talk about each vehicle objectively, and try not to get frustrated if things aren't going your way. To keep emotion from getting the best of you, keep your personal life out of the discussion. If dealers ask about your kids or job, skirt the question and shift the topic towards cars. By staying impersonal, objective, and kind, you can focus on finding the car that you need.

Taking the time to do your research and being brave enough to negotiate with your car dealer might help you to drive away with a great deal on the car of your dreams.

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