Used Cars

Get informed before you buy

by Sean Curtis

Buying a used car can be a trying experience. But these five simple tips will help you get the right car at the right price:

  1. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. The Internet has forever changed the car buying experience - all the information you could ever want on a used car is now only a few clicks away. Once you have an idea of what you want, find consumer reports, auto reviews and customer testimonials. All this should inform your buying decision.
  1. KNOW A CAR PERSON? BRING THEM. Most everyone knows a "car person." Try to entice them to join you on a test drive. They will hear and see things you might not and can help you spot a lemon.
  2. FIND THE RIGHT SALESPERSON. If you go to a used car lot, it's important to find a salesperson you're comfortable with. If you don't get a good feeling from your salesperson, either find a new one or find a new lot. There are plenty of nice, helpful salespeople out there, but if you get stuck with a slime ball, he or she is going to make your experience frustrating and upsetting. Don't be afraid to walk away if the connection isn't right.
  3. NEGOTIATE AND STICK TO IT. You have to be tough in a used car situation. As uncomfortable as it makes most of us, you absolutely must negotiate a better price on any used car. Once you've set a ceiling price for yourself, stick to it.
  4. ALWAYS BE WILLING TO WALK AWAY. This is by far the most difficult thing to do when buying a used car. Unfortunately, we get emotionally attached to items quickly - often before we even own them. But you have to always be ready to walk away.

Remember, they didn't just make one red convertible two-door sports car - they made hundreds of thousands. If this one doesn't work out, you will find another one. So be patient and find a deal that's right for you.

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