Best Car Buying Tips For Your Peace Of Mind

Posted: Aug 30, 2009 |Comments: 0 |

Buying a car can be one of the most intimidating experiences in life.  But it doesn’t have to be!

Preparation is the key! Do your research; know what you want, and most importantly what you can afford!

You may be tempted to first find the vehicle you want and then figure out how to pay for it later.

Any loan can have an affordable monthly payment if you extend the term long enough, but that can add significantly to the total cost of the car.

Focus on the total amount financed rather than on the monthly payment alone!  Provide as much cash up front to avoid the car being worth less than the loan.

There is a large part of the car-buying population who won’t even consider buying a new car.  In fact, used car sales outnumber new car sales three to one!

Buying slightly used is the best choice for many for the following reasons:

  • Someone else has taken the depreciation. The latest figures from CNW Marketing Research indicate that the average transaction price on a new car in 2008 was $25,536.00.  The average used car transactions was $8,244.00!

  • Warranty. With a car that is only 1 or 2 years old, the manufacture warranty is transferable to a second owner, usually at no charge.

  • Leases are readily available. Most reputable car brokers offer leases similar to the ones offered for a new car.

  • Pay cash or take a shorter term loan so you can pay your car off quickly. Pay a little extra each month, this will save you interest!

  • No less value. Thanks to engineering strides, vehicles have never been more durable and maintenance-free.

Here is a check list to use after you have chosen the make and model car you both can afford and truly want:

  • Researching the asking price.

  • How much to finance the vehicle? What interest rate will you pay?

  • How much is insurance?

  • Check into purchasing a Warranty.

  • Obtain a Car History Report.

  • Interview the prospective sellers before meeting them.

  • Check the undercarriage, engine and body for rust or damage.

  • Look for overspray on the car – some accidents and repairs don’t always show on the history report.

  • Check the interior – if there is low mileage and the interior is worn, it tells you how the car was treated.  If there is high mileage and the interior looks new, the car has probably been maintained.

  • Check the overall paint job – if there is one section in pristine condition compared to the others, it’s a good indication that part of the vehicle was repaired.

  • Look for signs of rust, including under the hood and undercarriage.

  • Inspect the tires for wear. Use a penny, “If you see Abe’s head, there is not enough tread!”

  • Check the oil for the proper level and color.

  • Check the coolant and radiator for leaks or corrosion.

  • Test the brakes - listen for noise like metal grinding on metal.

  • Test drive on the highway to gauge acceleration and handling.

  • After the test drive, inspect the engine for leaks, odors or smoke.

  • Request and review the service records, receipts and title.

  • Have a mechanic inspect your vehicle.

Many of us have been “sold” on something we really didn’t want to buy.  Or we have been “sold” on a car that didn’t suit our needs and lifestyle as we planned.  By preparing, and using the Internet to research, you can walk into the Car Dealership with confidence!

Happy Motoring!

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/best-car-buying-tips-for-your-peace-of-mind-1177993.html

    Article Tags:

    car buying tips

    ,

    car tips

    ,

    used car buying tips

    ,

    best car buying tips

    ,

    buying tips for cars

    ,

    buying cars tips

    Buying new or used car is a big expenditure. Unfortunately, most people go to the car dealership thinking they have to pay the full sticker price of the car, not realizing there are many ways to save money. It's also important to know how the dealers make their money on each car sale. Such knowledge will help you get the very best price on your next car. This article will teach you 5 ways you can get more bang for your buck when buying a car.

    By: Julie Davidsonl Automotivel Oct 08, 2008 lViews: 111

    During a poor economy, more people buy used cars than new cars. As a result, the price of Washington DC used cars has been increasing. A used car is the best value you'll find when buying a car.

    By: S. Sareckyl Automotive> Carsl Nov 24, 2010
    Charlie Scott Howard

    Hyundai cars are highly loved worldwide for their great performance and long-life.

    By: Charlie Scott Howardl Automotive> Carsl Mar 20, 2012

    Some important tips have been mentioned that will help you sell your car to car dealers. You can use these tips to sell your car to used car dealers as well.

    By: Clint Whitel Automotive> Carsl Dec 06, 2011

    if you have used cars that you wish to sell through various buy used cars websites and other media, there are various marketing tips that you can use to attract potential buyers. Some of these tips for placing advertisements for used cars for sale are given in this article.

    By: Lagnajit Royl Automotive> Carsl Jun 15, 2011

    Some people advise against buying used cars and in other areas, reason being that they are old and the likelihood of problems. But, do you know that a used car can be a good bargain provided that you administer proper care and maintenance? How? This article will show you how. Here, you will find tips and maintenance guidelines to help you keep your used car in top shape.

    By: bruce wagonl Automotivel Mar 07, 2011

    Bentley has proven to be the extravagant vehicle for giving the classy touch. And these cars are used for family day out or for business purpose also, means multipurpose.

    By: kudoscarsl Automotive> Carsl May 31, 2012

    Many people in San Diego, California are very particular when it comes to their vehicles. They fuss about the way these look, what kind of model and type, or how fast these are.

    By: Rita McCalll Automotive> Carsl May 30, 2012

    Windshield wiper blades are essential parts of safety. They give the driver a clear and unobstructed view of the street especially during winter and rainy season. Whenever small droplets of water or snow get on accumulated on the windshield, the wiper blades wipe the windshield and keep it clean. Different kinds of windshield wipers are available in places like Riverside windshield replacement.

    By: Melisa Sosinskil Automotive> Carsl May 30, 2012

    Windshield wiper blades are very important since they ensure safety of the vehicle, the driver and the people inside the vehicle. They protect you from rid of snow, rain, dirt and dust from the windshield of your vehicle. They are made of flexible and thin rubber material. It is always essential to get the best type of wiper for your windshield from windshield repair Sacramento firms.

    By: Melisa Sosinskil Automotive> Carsl May 30, 2012
    sunshine toyota

    The Toyota is a Japanese automobile manufacturing company which is well known for its refined and well designed vehicles. It has become the compelling choice for all the purchasers who want to buy reliable and durable vehicles. The company name is derived from the surname of its founder- Kiichiro Toyoda.

    By: sunshine toyotal Automotive> Carsl May 28, 2012

    Discover how to get the best deal on used pickup trucks for sale in your area today. Stop getting ripped off on your used trucks! And finally, here is a new system for getting your truck that you'll love with no stress and no hassle. And, always get the best deal!

    By: Mike Reitzl Automotive> Carsl Jan 12, 2011

    As your brain responds to this information you soon realize that there is a new way to get the best price on your next truck…and you can do it. Join the small handful of people that are in the know. Your feeling of frustration and fear of having to buy a truck is slowly vanishing away as you discover how to get your next truck easily and effortlessly.

    By: Mike Reitzl Automotive> Carsl Jan 12, 2011

    Discover the number one thing you don't want to do before getting your used car loan! Little by little, you can become free of the "car buying" game and soon learn how to win at it. With this newly learned knowledge you will become an expert and out smart the smartest car salesman! And you'll be surprised to discover that banks have lots of money to loan right now and are anxious for your business.

    By: Mike Reitzl Automotive> Carsl Jan 12, 2011

    Not only is it possible to get the best car loan rates now on your next vehicle you can do it without all the frustration and stress. Once you have read this article you will know what the majority of people in the world don't have a clue about – and that's why they keep paying more their car loan rates and for their cars.

    By: Mike Reitzl Automotive> Carsl Jan 12, 2011

    Discover how to price your used vehicle for the best price and to sell it quickly for the most money. Learn the three ways vehicles are priced and how to price your vehicle.

    By: Mike Reitzl Automotivel Feb 07, 2010

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast