Top 10 Questions to Ask a Used Car Seller Before You Buy

Top 10 Questions to Ask a Used Car Seller Before You Buy

By: Gen Wright

You’re looking for a new car and you’ve decided to buy used. Smart choice! With the price of gas and the state of the economy, shelling out all that extra cash for a brand new car when a used car can be just as fuel efficient and a much better deal is like tossing your cash into your car’s fuel tank and literally burning that money away.

Online sites like Craigslist, eBay, and used car search engines make finding used cars for sale so much easier than ever before. But you have to be careful—there’s bound to be a few lemons out there that will leave you with more than just a sour taste in your mouth. Making a major purchase like a car—even if, or perhaps especially if, it’s a cheap used car—requires that you do all of your homework. Remain in control and no one will be able to pull the wool over your eyes!

Here are the top ten questions you should ask a used car seller before you sign on the dotted line:

Can you tell me why you’re selling this car?
Used car dealerships might not know (but they may know why the last owner sold it to them), but all private sellers you might find through car classifieds ought to answer. If possible, watch their facial expressions when they answer, too, in case they’re not being entirely truthful. If they’re moving or can no longer afford payments for the car, the car is more likely to be of higher quality. If it’s because it’s very old or has required many repairs, make sure you know if the price is fair and understand what you’re getting into.

What is the car’s mileage?
Car mileage plays a large part in determining the used car’s value. And remember that used car odometers can be tampered with, which is why you should ask…

Will you allow a test drive?
Any used car dealership should have no problem letting you test drive their used cars for sale around town. Private sellers might be more reticent, but assure them you’ll allow them to accompany you on the trip. Test drives are essential for noticing problems with the car as well as for making sure that the car is the right fit for you. You’ll also be able to notice if the odometer appears to be “stuck” or has problems.

Will you allow me to make my own inspection?
If they’re reputable, both used car dealers and private sellers should have no problem with you bringing the car to a trusted mechanic for a thorough inspection.

Is there a warranty on the car?
If you’re buying from a used car dealership, go for the certified used cars. A lot of used car dealerships offer 112-point inspections and two-year/20,000 miles+ warranties on low- to average-mileage used cars. Some used cars for sale may come with existing factory warranties. When buying from a used car for sale by owner, unless there’s an existing factory warranty, the car is typically sold as-is.

Does having a new car make you an adult? This is the first NEW car I have ever bought. And it feels gooooood. :D

Has this car ever been refurbished or been in an accident?
If the used BMW car that’s caught your eye was once in an accident, there might be more damage underneath that freshly-painted coat than meets the eye.

What is the vehicle’s history? Certified used cars and other used cars for sale at used car dealerships ought to come with vehicle history reports. (Oftentimes these are even available when you search for used cars online.) Used cars for sale by owner might have official vehicle history reports, but if they don’t, you should be able to purchase them online at sites like Carfax using the VIN# of the car.
Are you the original owner of this car? If you want quality, it’s best to choose used cars for sale by the original owner—unless each owner of the car used it for a short period of time. This actually isn’t a moot question for a used car dealer, either; it’s possible that car was for sale just a few years ago as a brand-new car and never got off the lot.

What are the car’s special features?
If CD player, navigation or GPS system, leather seats, or anything else that’s “extra” is important to you, ask if they’re available in the used car that you’re considering—and if they’re still in good, working condition.

Do you have service or maintenance records for the car?
If the owner has kept good records and has followed the manufacturer’s suggestions for scheduled maintenance like changing oil every so many miles, that would be a good indication of how well the car was taken care of.

Top 10 Questions to Ask a Used Car Seller Before You Buy

After owning a Nissan Primera for nearly seven years I bought a new car. A Nissan Tino. Katrina is heading south with the Primera to live in Broxburn. Hopefully it has a few miles left in it.

My trusty old car is now gone.
With Katrina, I wonder for how long.
Won't be long before shes back
With my old car to park.

I told her to get a man with money
But shes not in a hurry
Don't want to be a pain
But there's plenty of them in Brisbane

Only joking Katrina
Brisbanes twelve thousand miles awa
New Zealand you should go
Well, you never know.

Buying a Used Car? Is it really worth it?

Buying a Used Car? Is it really worth it?

By: Cristian Stan

Would you or would you not buy a used car? That’s the ultimate question. Buying a car is one of life’s greatest investments. Is it really worth buying the used one?

Cars come in several makes, models, and colors. They also come in varying brands. Names like Nissan, Mercedes, Subaru, Porsche, Toyota to name a few, were the most prestigious of car brands. Notwithstanding brand names, the final question still would be, ‘would you settle for a used car or a brand new car?’

Our personal preferences as to our choice of cars are shaped basically by our surroundings, peers and experiences. People opt for used cars because they primarily had good experience with it. While for others, brand new cars are still the best since they passed the strictest of quality controls.

The greatest thing about buying a used vehicle is the fact that it’s very cost effective. You will save a lot compared to a brand new one. Imagine how much amount of money you save by buying a ‘reconditioned’ automobile when you buy it in cash? Indeed, you save a whole lot. In fact, investing a huge deal of money is never a problem with used cars.
If you prefer a used vehicle, make sure you're not buying somebody else's problems. Always make sure that the car has been well cared for. Inquire for a maintenance history at all times.

New Hope for Kids Car Show

It is very crucial to seek out a trusted friend's recommendation regarding the best used vehicles offered for sale in the market. Although previously owned, you must make certain that it is currently in good shape and in good running condition. Treat yourself lucky if you are given a chance to purchase a used car owned by somebody who took good care of the used car properly, that way you will not get headaches from trips to the auto mechanic. Thus, saving you time and money.

If you were unable to look into the essential parts of the vehicle long before purchasing it, chances are you will regret it later. Be certain that the engine sounded properly, all vital parts are working and the over all look is still a-ok. One piece of advise: research about your vehicles’ specs and other important details before buying. Or better yet, bring a long a mechanic to check and guarantee that the used car you are buying is still in tip-top shape. Used cars give you joy and sorrow, but mostly agony. Think twice about it and be vigilant prior to purchasing one.

In as much as it makes no sense buying a previously owned car, if you can afford a brand spanking new car. In brand new cars, you simply don’t have to worry about anything. There’s no practical need to rush out and purchase a new automobile, unless of course, if you find owning one is something you really ought to do.

Ultimately, buying used cars is to the end that convenience may be achieved. If you are up to sporting a new car just for pure whim or fashion and you have loads of money to spend, then by all means buy a new one! If not, best to settle on quality used cars for less. But then again, it’s all up to you.

Buying a Used Car? Is it really worth it?

Well it's been seven months of arguments with officialdom over my disability benefits but - after employing a solicitor (US: lawyer) - I have finally sorted out the mobility element of my benefits and have picked up a new car. It's a Ford C-Max MPV.

The diesel engine is slightly larger (1.8 instead of 1.6) as I was told that the 1.6 option was not available for Motability customers this year. So it is faster but slightly less fuel efficient.

But I am mobile again! sigh of relief!