Car shopping

**bluebird728** · 06-26-2007, 10:25 AM

Working on buying an older used car for my teenage daughter. I'm not a car person by any means so this process was intimidating to me and I am very concerned about buying a lemon. Some things we have learned along the way that might be helpful to others.

* Craigs List seems to be the best place to look for a private seller vehicle
* Consumer's report has a used car buying guide - $25 for three months and we have found it very helpful
* Carfax is a lifesaver. Doing a search on the car VIN is a necessity. Found two different cars with the odometer rolled back. (!!!)
* For a teenager it's best to get an inexpensive car that you don't need collision insurance. Way to expensive. Liability and comprehensive (fire, theft, etc) insurance is still manageable. Good student discount (3.0 GPA) helps.
* A car with a salvage title can be a good deal, but be very careful - possible safety/reliability issues too. A salvage title reduces the value of the vehicle 50-60%.
* There are websites that will explain in great detail how to test drive a car - very helpful information
* Unless you are an expert take it to a mechanic before you buy. If the owner won't let you do that then walk away from the deal.

**BeyondFrugal** · 06-26-2007, 11:52 AM

You can also use Consumer's Report to find out about used (and new) cars. I got reports free from the library. I was suprized at how many popular cars had a high incident of repair rate.

-Elaine

**grneyegrl** · 06-26-2007, 08:07 PM

check out local credit unions,,,mine has an agreement with a rental car co and i got a 2006 ford taurus for 3000 less than other car dealers..

**JanieD** · 07-19-2007, 01:15 PM

Lots of great information! I missed this last month... did a search for "used cars" & it popped up today!

The "search" option is magic.

Noticed a small used car lot with a model I'm interested in, but don't want to buy a lemon. Any thoughts on buying from a small car lot versus large dealers or individuals? Whats the easiest way to get a carfax? Can you get this information through your car insurance agent with the VIN? Planning on lots more internet research before buying. Any other pointers would be much appreciated! Sometimes its hard getting started in the right direction.

**Libby** · 07-19-2007, 07:35 PM

Call up and chat with your insuranace angent or company. Ask them which cars, years, models etc have a higher rate of theft etc and which cars are better on your pocket book for the kind of insurance coverage you're looking for. When asked, they are helpful in matching you with a policy you can afford. You may even get a discount or break for consulting with them first.

Ask....thats my best advice...ask 1000 questions. If its private sale, how was the car used? Highway or city driving? How many owners has it had? Was it parked in a garage, in the driveway, under a tree, on the street ... this will help you focus on where you may need to take a better look at a vehicle. What good is a car with a great paint job b/c it was parked under a tarp OUTSIDE in very inclimate weather with rotted engine bits?

Good luck in hunting!

**Amanda W** · 07-20-2007, 05:17 PM

Originally Posted by bluebird728

* There are websites that will explain in great detail how to test drive a car - very helpful information

I didn't know that. Thanks for sharing!

**newresolve** · 07-20-2007, 07:52 PM

personally, I wouldn't buy private... you might save a few bucks in the short term, but you miss out on the warranty that comes with a lot sale. Most major dealerships will give you a 4-5 year warranty even on older cars... which is worth more than what you would save buying privately. Also, from a dealership you know that they have checked the car over and fixed it up, which you don't know from a private sale.

I bought a new car a few years ago... if I were to do it again, I'd buy one a year old so that it still has original warranty and low mileage, but is cheaper than a new one.

**jacsan1451** · 07-21-2007, 03:12 PM

My Dh is the general manager for a car dealership. If you are going to buy a used car I would buy it from a dealership because they will not have any used cars that have not been looked at and repaired if need. You can also get the car with a warranty.If you are buying a new car, the best time to buy one is in Sept. The newer models are sent to the dealership at that time and they are looking to get the current years models sold. They will tend to drop the prices a little bit more. Also, if you are buying a new car the best time of the month to buy is the last week of the month. The dealerships have quotas they have to hit so they will probably give you a better deal. I fyou have any other questions, let me know.