Advice on buying a used car from a dealer?

Question

Any questions I need to ask, what should I look out for?

This will be my first time buying a car.

Answer 1

#1 - don't trust ANY THING the dealer says.

You do all your research online.  The only thing you need to talk about with the dealer is the price (negotiation).  

They will tell you the car was driven by a little old lady, etc.  --- NOT !!

#2 - Get EVERY THING they say in writing. In fact write them DOWN as they say it and verify it later.  You will be surprised how many things they promise verbally then leave them out at the contract. Nothing spoken counts!

#3 - Get the loan from a bank or Credit Union (not the dealership).  They are more straight forward and the dealers don't get a kickback for setting a higher rate

#4 - Don't go for a LEASE.  Leasing is just long term renting.

#5 - Don't buy a used car from a dealer.

MSNBC had a news story on where is the best places to buy used cars. The used car dealers were on the BOTTOM of the list. They are pros at negotiations (and you and I are rank amateurs), they are pros at hiding problems on their cars, etc.

The private sales (newspaper, etc.) were the best places. The seller will not tell you all the problems, but they don't know how to hide them.

And a private seller are at MOST they are equal in negotiation skills to you and me.

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My 94 Civic can get 41 MPG (and I was doing 72 for the mileage test - so I can do even better at 55). The engine + tranny + suspension runs like new. It ain't no beauty but it is rock solid. If I had to sell it, I would not get  more than few thousand dollars. This is the kind of car you want to look for.

Just take your time, as good old used cars are cheap but hard to come by.

Good Luck...

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Here's some rules you should consider when buying a used car

(1) don't get sold on the paint job = meaning cars having good exterior, fancy CD radio, etc.

(2) look for car with sound ENGINE + TRANNY + SUSPENSION.

(3) test every button, k**b, switch, slider, etc.. Ex: even in the summer test out the heater & even in the winter  test out the AC (if you can).  Slide the AC/heater to fan1, fan2, fan3, etc.  then slid the vent to defrost, front, bottom, etc.  Test the high beam, low beam, etc.  Test (flip) the visor.  Test the alarm.  Test all 4 doors.  Test  the rear defogger.

  *****   TEST EVERYTHING.

(4) BEFORE the first start, open the engine bay and see if the engine is already warmed up.  Many engines starts  well when already warmed up, but may have problems when cold (or cold start).

(5) test drive with the sound system off and window down. Listen for weird sound coming from the wheels & suspension.

(6) Look inside the engine bay to see if you can see see leaks, etc.  It is normal to see some oil and grease.  But  too much means that the car is leaking oil somewhere. Too clean (really clean) means they just wash the engine bay - possibly hiding some oil leaks.

(7) check the engine oil dip stick. If the oil is BRAND NEW CLEAN, the seller MIGHT be hiding something.  If the oil is jet black and /or smells like gasoline (or burnt), you might have engine problem).

(8) once you are satisfied with the above - you can NOW take it to the mechanic for the engine + tranny + suspension inspection.  He won't find everything, but he will find the obvious.  Take it to a mechanic EVEN if you are buying from a used car dealer.  They cars are NO better than cars you buy from ebay and craigslist.com.  Just more  expensive.

good Luck...

1) Safety Ratings:

http://www.safercar.gov/

http://www.iihs.org/ratings/default.aspx

2) Reliability:

http://autos.msn.com/home/reliability_ra...

http://www.edmunds.com/apps/ratings/rati...

3) Fuel Economy:

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/f*g/sbs.htm

Answer 2

Make sure your getting what your paying for,

Before you sign anything, make sure you read the small print,

Check the car over yourself,

Take it for a test drive,