Used Cars - Where To / How To Guide
Where to Get Great Used Cars
A franchised new car dealership is a reliable, if not the only,
source for anyone who wants to buy a new car. But to those who
prefer buying used or previously owned cars, there are plenty of
options and sources one could choose from to be able to make
that vehicle purchase the perfect one.
The following are some of the readily as well as easily
available resources to consider when buying a used car.
The Used Car Superstore
Imagine it as the Wal-Mart of used cars. There have been
numerous used car superstores that have mushroomed for the last
five years. These superstores usually have a large inventory of
used cars, more or less numbering from four hundred to five
hundred vehicles. The cars found in these stores more often than
not are late models. The vehicles found in these stores came
from auctions that cater specially to car dealers. The good
thing about buying from these used car superstores is that the
warranty they provide are often equivalent to the warranty
coverage provided by dealers who sell new cars. However, it is
still best to compare.
New Car Dealer
The logic here is that since new car buyers usually trade in
their old cars when they buy a new one, the collection that new
car dealerships have are almost always extensive. So used car
buyers have a wider range of vehicles to choose from. Also, new
car dealerships provide better reconditioning to the used cars
traded to them. They are also more reliable source of used cars
because their business is more established compared to other
used car dealers. Be aware though that sometimes it would take a
lot of negotiation on the price of the vehicle to be purchased.
They may also attempt to make you buy more cars than what you
would actually need.
Used Car Dealers
There are a hundred used car dealerships in every area of the
state. Sometimes, they occupy a small section that contains not
more than fifteen cars in a lot. Other used car dealerships,
usually the more established ones, have a total of one hundred
cars in their vicinity. The great thing about buying from used
car dealers is that the prices they offer are a lot less than
new car dealerships. Also, it is fairly easier to negotiate with
them. A little bit of not so good news though, the quality of
these cars are usually less than the new ones of course. There
are also not many great selections to choose from.
Private Owners
The good thing about buying from private owners, the price that
they offer are usually reasonable compared to other dealers
because this is in accordance with book values. One also would
get the opportunity to actually speak with the owner of the
vehicle and witness for yourself how the car was cared for or
not so cared for. A potential disadvantage of this scenario,
however, is that it could be a bit inconvenient driving to the
private owner's place especially if one is considering looking
at eight different cars. Basically that would be eight different
places, time and appointments. Beware though; private owners who
have a stable of used cars to sell may actually be a dealer. Do
not be afraid to ask if you could possibly see the title and
registration. Start to get suspicious if you see it has only
been a few days old.
Car Auctions
The last decade has seen the development of public auctions for
vehicles. Originally, auctions like these are reserved primarily
for licensed car dealers. Now, even individuals have the
opportunity to bid aggressively for used cars. The quality of
these cars put up for auction, as well as the selections of
vehicles, actually vary from one auction to another. There are
those auctions which specialize dealing in late model vehicles
while there are others which dedicate themselves to cheaper and
less expensive vehicles. The good thing about buying used cars
from auctions is that one could conveniently compare prices and
cars because they are shown side by side with each other. Also,
the prices that they offer are most likely lower than they do
dealerships. However, there is not much chance for one to
thoroughly inspect the vehicle being auctioned off. And since
one is buying from an auction, it is therefore understood that
all sales are final. Any car purchased is automatically yours.
Plus, the bidding frenzy could take a hold on anyone and there
is a great possibility that one could pay way too much than what
a vehicle actually costs.