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Tips for buying a car
I really need to buy a car of my own. I have to go to work every day and my mom is so tired of me using hers. I told my mom I would go out and look at cars soon but I don't know anything!
It'll be my first time buying a car and I don't have a whole lot of money. I figured I would go to a dealer and make payments or something on a decent car. I'm not really looking for shiny and new though. Just something that takes me to work and stuff.
What should I know before going to look at cars? What do I need to check out, look for, ask about, etc? Any tips on buy a car would be extremely helpful!
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Want to answer more questions in the Technology category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Cars?
I find that I am a great deal older than most of the advisers on this site, so my advice will be somewhat different from what you might receive from others. My advice is more like what you might get if you asked a grandparent.
First; if you do not have someone who is knowledgeable in buying a car, who will go with you, then you need to do some homework before you go looking. More on this later.
Second; a new car is usually not that much more expensive then a good low mileage used car. There are good, reliable, fuel efficient cars out there for prices you might find affordable. Cars are not selling well at the moment and dealers, both of foreign and domestic models are looking to make deals to move inventory. If you have the money to buy, they will find away to get you into a car.
Stick to your guns about what you want and don't want. Dealers make their money on accessories, especially those they can install. Have a price in mind that you will pay for that car.
Always buy from a dealer. Why? There is more recourse from a dealer purchase than from a private purchase, especially on a used car. Buy from a reputable dealer, someone who has well know brand as his primary sale vehicle. Do not purchase from unknown dealers whose only investment is a trailer next to some old cars.
Where I live we have a company called CarMax that deals in used cars. They are a very reputable company and have outlets around the country. The price on the car is fixed, no haggle pricing. The salespeople are salaried so they are more helpful in finding the car that you want. They also offer a warranty.
Why a new car over a used car? A new car offers a longer Warranty and you can purchase an extended Warranty. Repairs are the most expensive part of owning a car.
Regardless of whether you are buying used or new you should do your homework first. After you decide on the type(s) of car you would like. I would suggest you go to the following website:
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
A little earlier I said you should have a price in mind that you will pay for that car. This is where you get that price. Price up both a new and used car, then go looking for the car of your choice. You can save yourself a lot of running around by using the internet to check dealer stock before leaving home.
If you do your homework buying a new car can be fun as you, not the dealer controls the sale.
I once went with my sister when she purchased a car after I gave her similar advice. When the sale was complete the salesman took me aside and said that my sister was the toughest sale he had ever made. She had only so much money to spend and she was determined to get a car at her price and she did. At the time it was a seller's market. Today it is a buyer's market, if you are funded, so take advantage of this.
One last thing: If you can prearrange or prequalify for financing at your Bank or Credit Union you will have more leverage at the Dealership.
Good Luck
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Well, in my opinion a dealer is going to try and rip you off every single time, selling for thousands more than what the vehicle is worth. Now if you really want to buy from a dealer make sure you take somebody who knows about cars with you, that will help a lot.
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i only have one thing to add to what the other persons answer, and that is to take an older male with you.
sellers know that (most) girls don't know about cars and will try and screw you over but if you are with an older male they will be less likely to try in fear of getting caught and losing a sell all together.
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If you want to go cheap and get a decent car your best bet is to go to a private dealer.
(Someone who is selling a car) Yes, There might be a few problems with it but it is a whole lot better than coughing up a couple grand.
Here are a few questions that would be good to ask and know in advantanced.
1. You would probably want a car that is good on gas and has good milage.
2. If you buy from a private dealer make sure you know the history of the car (See if the owner can give you a history report.
3. Dealer ships have a tendency to try and talk you into buying a car...so be aware of that it IS there job to sell a car to a customer.
btw If the police never made a report, it won't show up in the report.
BEFORE you step one foot in the car dealer's showroom to buy that new or used car, be sure you know what you want to buy, and how much you are willing to pay for it! If you go to a dealership be prepared that the dealer will try and negotiate with you.
Good luck!
Bahaima22
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