Going to a car dealership to look for a used car, this is my first time any advice?

Question

I have an appointment to go look at a 1999 Nissan Sentra GXE. This will be the first time I look at a car from a dealership. What should I look for to make sure its a good car? What type of things can I say to the salesman, what stuff should I not say? I mean I just don't want to come off as clue less, which I am, but I don't want them to know that.

Y'all got any advice?

Answer 1

>>>  I mean I just don't want to come off as clue less,

Oh they will know.  That is what they do ALL DAY, EVERY DAY - size people up for max profit.  

#1 advice - When buying a used car, DON'T trust anything the seller says, ESPECIALLY a used car salesman.  He / she is a legalized thief.

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

(1) Do all your home work BEFORE you go to buy.  

(2) Goto kbb.com and get a going price.

(3) INSPECT the car.  

(4) Then just negotiate the price and walk out.

Don't believe - it was driving by an old lady, it was driving on week ends only, etc., etc., etc.

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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.

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

Good Luck...

Answer 2

Do your research on the Sentra before you go to the dealer. Go to Edmunds.com and find out how much it's worth and learn about the car's options, engine, performance. If possible, get a mechanic to look over the car. When you get a VIN, get a CarFax report, or ask the dealer to get you one for the car.

Answer 3

dont go to a car dealership. shop on craigslist.com and you will find the best deals in your local area.

Answer 4

Buy American at an American dealership. Foreign is stupid; think about it.

Answer 5

Get the car inspected by a motoring organisation ,in the UK, this would be the RAC.

You dont know much about cars, the organisations that inspect vehicles do!

Do this or you could get a lemon.

Answer 6

Question is where do you live? If in Houston Texas then come to Mac Haik Dodge and ask for Lonnie McEntire you are sure to get a good deal.