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Tips for buying a used car?


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Posted

I am in need of a car and I am planning on looking at some dealers for used cars. Anyone with previous experience offer any tips on buying a used car? Negotiating ideas, how much to expect to come off of sticker? I am looking in the 10-13 range, would they come down $1,000? Any help from the BGP family would be appreciated!

Posted
I am in need of a car and I am planning on looking at some dealers for used cars. Anyone with previous experience offer any tips on buying a used car? Negotiating ideas, how much to expect to come off of sticker? I am looking in the 10-13 range, would they come down $1,000? Any help from the BGP family would be appreciated!

 

Try to stick to a private seller if possible, and negotiate based on kbb and nada prices. Dealers generally put a markup on the vehicle. Plus, they really know nothing about the car.

 

Look over the car inside and out. Take it for a drive. Look over the car inside and out again. I just looked at a minivan. Everything looked good. Took it for a drive, and it drove good. Then, I looked it over again, and found 2 spots that I missed the first time around that killed the deal for me. Also, check the fluids. They should be clean and free of any 'burnt' odor. Also, ask for service records. The last car I bought, the lady had every service record/receipt. It made my decision very, very easy.

 

And if you're not in a hurry, take your time. The right car will eventually come about.

Posted
T Dealers generally put a markup on the vehicle.

 

Generally? How about every time.

 

If now, how would they stay in business, right?

Posted

I'm surprised that the sentiment here is to do it privately rather than through a dealer.

 

IMO picking a used car is like investing. I could invest my money in equities with lower cos and potential for greater return, but as a complete amateur when it comes to picking stocks, I'd rather go with the slightly more expensive but safer route of going with a mutual fund with an established manager. Similarly, since I know nothing about a car, I could buy a cheap one of craigslist, but I'd rather go to a dealer who I know and trust and will guarantee me some quality.

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