Things To Ask When Buying A Used Car PORTABLE

A vehicle sitting in the classifieds or on a dealership lot may have many stories to tell, as long as you know what questions to ask when buying a used car. Shopping for a used car can seem like a challenge, and you're not alone if you feel this way. Arming yourself with strong questions could help you know what you're getting into.

things to ask when buying a used car

When shopping around, don't be afraid to grill a salesperson. Off the bat they may lack answers, but that's nothing a little digging on their part can't solve. What about questions to ask when buying a used car from a private party? The good news is that private-party sellers may know more about their cars than dealers do. After all, they've probably been driving the vehicle for a while, and in some cases, they may even have owned it since new.

Before you decide a car is worth seeing in person, there are numerous questions to ask yourself when considering all aspects of a used car. The more information you have on hand, the better buyer you will become and the more confident you can be in making your decision.

Asking about the condition of the vehicle is a great question to ask when buying a used car. If there are pictures available to view, make note of them so that you can access any damage should you decide to see it in person.

The car's current owner may have an idea of what parts are on the brink of going out (or already need to be replaced). And while in an ideal world, sellers would be up front and honest, Olsen says that when you're buying used, you should always have a mechanic who you know and trust look over the car.

This list of check will give you a good insight into what you need to look out for when inspecting a used car, however, it's always advisable to take someone with you who has a good knowledge of cars and mechanics, if you don't yourself - especially if you are spending any significant amount on the car.

When buying a used car from a private seller, you will have a greater opportunity to have more questions answered. The seller knows the vehicle personally, having owned it and driven it. Ask as many questions as possible about the car's ownership history and existing condition. You should also review the vehicle history report thoroughly and not only rely on what information the seller provides verbally.

Has the car been in any accidents?Don't necessarily pass up on buying a used car if the current owner or vehicle history report indicates that it has been involved in a minor or moderate crash. That means it's less likely to have once been declared totaled.

How firm are you on the price?Once you're serious about buying the vehicle, it's time to negotiate the price of the car with the current owner. When you go to the dealership to buy a new car, you haggle, and there's no reason you shouldn't ask a seller to take less on a used car.

The mileage on a car can tell you all kinds of things. Firstly, it can give you insight into how much they used a vehicle throughout its history. Knowing the mileage of a car you're considering purchasing is always a good place to start.

What's that smell? Whether you're allergic to dogs or you can't stand the smell of cigarette smoke, asking about the past use of a vehicle is a worthwhile question to ask. In some cases, the seller may be able to get the car professionally cleaned to ensure it is allergy and smoke-free for you. If not, it's worth considering if that's something you want to take on yourself.Keep these 15 questions in mind when buying your next used car and you could save yourself a lot of headaches.

With the presently fluctuating gas prices, fuel economy is a significant factor to consider when shopping at a used car lot near Columbus, Ohio, or wherever you may be. If you plan on purchasing a vehicle to commute, for example, you should find something with good fuel efficiency. You could even consider a hybrid if you want to get the most out of your gas tank.

For a first-time buyer, all these may seem overwhelming. This is where sound research could help you. Our used car buying guide can take you through some of the essentials to help you get the best deal possible.

Always insist on having a full professional inspection before buying any used car. Most garages will perform these inspections. There are also specialist pre-purchase inspection services. After the inspection both you and the seller will receive a report detailing any repairs needed.

The phone questions to ask when buying a used car are important for a number of reasons. They will help you determine if the seller is a legitimate owner or a broker. You do not want to be buying from anyone who is pretending to be the owner. Therefore the questions that you ask will always have that in mind. You do not want to waste your precious research time on dead ends, and brokers are, for the most part, dead ends.

The video below goes into the crucial questions to ask when buying a used car so that you get the best car from a real private party seller. The video will also help you know how to be the first person to look at it.

Greg Macke is a car buying specialist, author and consumer advocate working closely in the industry to improve the buyer's experience. The same proven methods Greg uses when buying cars for his clients are available to you at:

When may a used car be sold without a warranty of inspectability? A car will not have an inspection sticker when is it is posted with an 'Unsafe Motor Vehicle' certificate. This certificate is completed by a licensed inspection mechanic and indicates the car was inspected, but did not pass the inspection. The certificate will list the items that failed inspection. If you are interested in purchasing a car with this designation, you should keep in mind that the car must be towed from the dealer's lot, cannot be test driven on Maine roadways, and cannot be issued a temporary plate.

Assess Your Needs: To get a good deal on a used car you should spend some time thinking about the same things you would in buying a brand new car. The Bureau of Consumer Protection suggests you consider the following: how long you will use the vehicle, how long you will keep it, the size and features you need, your budget for the purchase, and operation and maintenance costs.

In addition to the usual things one considers when test driving a new car, such as legroom and visibility, your checklist for a used car test drive will have a few more items. Red flags include problematic noises and even strange smells.

Another option for buying a used car with less haggling is to consider a former rental car. According to CarBuyingTips.com, buying directly from the rental company typically involves a set price. "The way to get the best deal is see what the rental company is selling the car for, compare it to recent sales of that car on eBay Motors, and compare it to what the dealers are asking for that same car," Ostroff says.

"Getting an extended warranty is a personal decision," Montoya says. "Some people buy them for peace of mind and others take on repairs as they come. Ask yourself these questions to help with the decision: Have you used warranties in the past? Are you buying a reliable car? Will you stress out over it if you don't get the warranty?"

Navigating a used car sale can be tricky, but always trust your instincts, and don't be afraid to walk away if something doesn't feel right. "You might not get the same exact car if you're buying used, but ultimately there's always another car out there," Montoya says.

Even with a great deal, buying a car can be expensive. Purchasing a car from an unknown person may pose a safety risk, especially when meeting face-to-face to complete the transaction and exchange money. Facebook Marketplace does not offer purchase protection on vehicles, so it is important to be diligent as a buyer and seller:

Not all cars are fitted with airbags. So first things first, ask about the airbag situation, then check if the airbag warning lights operate as described in the handbook. In the vast majority of cases, they should come on when you turn the ignition, then go out.

Every mile you drive contributes to the wear and tear of a car, so mileage can act as a rough estimate of a car's longevity. Under normal circumstances, a vehicle with 40,000 miles may be considered relatively new, even if it's several years old. A younger vehicle with 140,000 miles would be considered significantly older, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's in bad condition. When buying a used car, consider all aspects of the car's condition, including its accident and maintenance history, age, wear and tear, repair needs, and more. Learn more about what to look for when buying a used car.

The price of used cars has increased by a lot recently and even some dealerships are buying used cars in private sales, so you may have the option to sell the car yourself. You could try to sell it to another person or to a dealership in a private sale. If you can sell the car for more than what you owe on it, this may be your best choice. Then you can pay the loan off.

Private Sales You may save money by buying a used car from a private individual, such as through the classified section of your local newspaper. However, you should be aware that private sellers do not have to provide you with a Buyer's Guide, and do not provide implied warranties under state law. Therefore, it may be even more important to obtain warranty promises in writing and to obtain an independent inspection prior to purchase.

First you must choose between buying a new car and buying a used car. A new car may cost more but will come with a longer warranty and no history of abuse or neglect. However, new cars depreciate (lose value) almost immediately when they leave the new car lot, which means that if you can find a well-cared-for used car, it might be a good bargain.

The law prohibits rolling back or changing the number of miles on an odometer. Texas law requires the seller of any used vehicle to state on the title assignment the total number of miles the vehicle has traveled. Make sure you get a copy of the odometer statement when you sign the contract. 041b061a72