Making Sure You're Not Being Run Over by Used Car Dealers
By: www.bigcountryhomepage.com Staff
Updated: December 13, 2012
The holiday season is one of the biggest times of the year for car dealerships, but most people aren't purchasing new cars, they're buying used.
Used cars have a reputation for being inconsistent and often times a nightmare for the owner. Here's what you can do to ensure you don't end up with a lemon.
It starts before you get to the dealership. Being well informed about what you want is key.
Websites like kelleybluebook.com and cars.com can give you a good idea what you should expect to pay.
When you arrive at the dealership, be friendly. Although the salesmen are there to make a profit, they want to join the experience just as much as you do.
When you find the car you want, be sure to ask for the carfax report and auto check.
These documents will allow you to see the history of the car if it's been in any accidents and it's maintenance records.
How the car was treated directly affects how it treats you. Be sure to ask if it's still under warranty.
"The number one is probably who you're buying it from," advises Thomas Scull, GM of Big Country Ford. " Are they reputable? Have they been around? Will they be around after the fact?"
Directly after your purchase, be sure to have a mechanic ready to inspect the vehicle of your choosing. The cost to get the full body inspection could end uf saving you thousands.
Used cars have a reputation for being inconsistent and often times a nightmare for the owner. Here's what you can do to ensure you don't end up with a lemon.
It starts before you get to the dealership. Being well informed about what you want is key.
Websites like kelleybluebook.com and cars.com can give you a good idea what you should expect to pay.
When you arrive at the dealership, be friendly. Although the salesmen are there to make a profit, they want to join the experience just as much as you do.
When you find the car you want, be sure to ask for the carfax report and auto check.
These documents will allow you to see the history of the car if it's been in any accidents and it's maintenance records.
How the car was treated directly affects how it treats you. Be sure to ask if it's still under warranty.
"The number one is probably who you're buying it from," advises Thomas Scull, GM of Big Country Ford. " Are they reputable? Have they been around? Will they be around after the fact?"
Directly after your purchase, be sure to have a mechanic ready to inspect the vehicle of your choosing. The cost to get the full body inspection could end uf saving you thousands.
