Car Buying Tips & Information

Where to Buy 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 over the last five years.  These superstores usually have a large inventory of used cars, and can number anywhere from 400 to 500 vehicles.  The cars found in these stores more often than not are late models.

The vehicles found in these stores come 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 a 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 car than what you would actually need.

Used Car Dealers

There are usually hundreds of used car dealerships in every state. Sometimes, they are small operations that contain not more than fifteen cars in a lot.

Established used car dealers, can have as many as 100 cars or more on their lot.  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.  Not so good news though, the quality of these cars are usually less than the new ones of course.  There also may be a smaller selection of makes and models.

Private Owners

The good thing about buying from private owners is that the prices that they offer are usually reasonable compared to dealers because this is in accordance with book values.  You also get the opportunity to actually speak with the owner of the vehicle and witness for yourself how the car was or was not, 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 you are 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 is only a few days old.

Car Auctions

The last decade has seen the development of public auctions for vehicles.  Originally, auctions like these were 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 that specialize 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 you can 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 dealerships.  However, there is not much chance for you to thoroughly inspect the vehicle being auctioned off.  And since you are 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 of anyone and there is a great possibility that you could pay way more than what a vehicle actually costs.