Buying a PRE-OWNED or USED CAR, TRUCK, Van or SUV comes with it’s own baggage. Wondering how the car was maintained is sometimes obvious, appearance and not, as in under the hood and under the chassis. Beyond the fact that there is NO USED CAR FACTORY-spitting out the perfect pre-owned car; at the right price with the exact color and features you want, there is also the issue of dealer warranties, financing availability and overall supply and demand.
Here are my Top 10 Tips for USED CAR SHOPPING online or on the lot.
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If you see it online, read the fine print disclaimers. Sometimes the price advertised as well below the local competition, has some squirrely caveat like: must have a trade or cash down of $2000.00 This may sound like a lease inception fee, but it’s creative advertising to the dealer pitching his price as lower to get your attention.
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If you see it online, call and make an appointment to see that specific vehicle. IF the person you made the appointment with, and the car are not upfront and expecting you upon arrival at the set time. Leave. If the salesperson gives you a story that the “car got sold” or insists you follow him/her all around the lot “looking” for it. Leave. That is a switch tactic, hoping you will find something else to catch your eye. The low-priced car was a come on. To prove it, ask to “see” the purchase order for the “sold” car.
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When you visit the dealership and test-drive the car in question, ask to see the DEALERS SERVICE HISTORY of the car. This would be the print-out of what the dealer did to the vehicle before attempting to sell it to you. Oil change, tire rotation and brake inspection should be on the list. If you buy the car, get a copy for your records.
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When you decide this is the USED CAR you want to BUY, ask if you can take the car to your independent mechanic. If the dealer says NO, walk away. Anyone, dealer or private party, selling you a car, should stand behind their car. Not letting you get “a second opinion” is not right. Be prepared to WALK. It isn’t worth it.
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CARFAX or a DEALER SERVICE REPORT is not the same thing as YOUR independent mechanic telling you what the potential problems are, BEFORE you buy. If the dealership missed an important or potentially failing in the next 3 mos. or 3,00 miles, and you ARE NOT A MECHANIC, then it’s your problem once you buy it.
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If there is a problem or issue, point out the potential costly flaws and negotiate the price accordingly. Can’t get the owner/dealer to discount the price, make them fix it at their cost, then take it back to your mechanic to be sure the job was done completely. $5000.00 Used cars, $10,000.00 used cars, it doesn’t matter, it’s your money at stake.
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BEWARE of “Lifted” or “Customized” USED vehicles for sale by the dealer. The dealer does not warranty after-market items and there are plenty of mail-order lift-kits being bolted on by backyard mechanics. If the truck or suv you want has an aftermarket or non-factory kit on it, find out who installed the products and seek them out for warranty information. Many USED CAR WARRANTIES sold at dealerships DO NOT COVER lift kits or aftermarket accessories, and many times the finance guy offering you a extended service contract has NO IDEA what’s on the truck/suv you are buying. ASK THE QUESTION… “IS THIS SPECIAL PART COVERED? SHOW ME WHERE IT IS WRITTEN IN THE POLICY PAPERWORK THAT THIS SPECIAL PART (or DIESEL ENGINE or 4wd ) IS COVERED.” The time to find out is before you sign the contract or need the part fixed. BTW, when speaking to the bank or finance guy about a loan on this modified truck, make sure these “features” are noted in the paperwork. If the GAP protection on the loan has to be invoked, it better say in your paperwork, this vehicle had _____ special extras, or you are out of luck!
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DOES this USED CAR come with a STATE MANDATED USED CAR WARRANTY? Many states require a dealership to cover the major safety components of the vehicle for up to 90 days or 3 months, regardless of whether you purchase an extended service policy or the car still has factory warranty left. This policy should umbrella any costs, deductibles or “not covered” tenets of the factory or extended service policy, including waiting periods. There are some dealerships that will sneak buy selling a car that really needs service $$$, in the hopes your car won’t fail during the 90 day period, then you can come back and they put the claim on your “just purchased” warranty. If this happens to you, make the dealership PAY the deductible and ask the contract company if this charge goes against the value of the policy, if you were to redeem or cancel it at any time.
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Make sure there are NO TIME LIMIT or PRE-EXISITING CONDITION limitations on the service of your new USED CAR. If it is not in writing, you write it on the purchase order and make the manager sign it.
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If you have read this far, you are exhausted by the thought of shopping for a used car or think I hate all used car dealerships…NOT TRUE. For as many dicey dealers that try to play games on unsuspecting consumers, there are as many private party sellers using Craig’s List and Nifty Nickel to try and rip you off. I have been selling cars for 20+ years and I know what dealers to stay away from, where to find out the true value and condition of the car and how to navigate the potential drawbacks. You can find out too, just Google the dealers name, followed by the word “complaint”. People who are unhappy will tell you, on YELP, RATEADEALER.com or WOMENDRIVER.com
When I sell a used car/truck/van or SUV, I drive it first, and ask the TECHNICIAN that WORKED ON THE CAR, “Would you sell this to your sister?” Many times they will suggest another car they think is a better choice. That’s a SIGN!
SO… if you are shopping for a nice, USED CAR, priced right, follow my tips, or call me… I’ll help you make the best deal… painlessly!
Sarah Lee is an automotive executive with 20+ years of experience. She writes about Cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects. Her company: MY CARLADY is a car buyer’s service committed to getting you the best deal on your next new or pre-owned vehicle. You can reach her at www.mycarlady.com Top learn more about getting your best car deal click here: CAR DEALS NEED AUTO FINANCE HELP or CREDIT report repair go to tell them MY CARLADY: Sarah Lee sent you. It’s a free consult and they do the right thing by you, fast, easy, cheap.
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