Lots to think about in this thread.

I'm actually considering buying used after all the helpful comments. All used prices Ive seen seem really high considering what you're getting, but I'll keep looking.

Quote: Original post by Ravuya
Don't forget that you can always get any professional mechanic to do a full inspection - I used a dealership - if you need additional confirmation that the car in question is ship shape.

How exactly would this work? Do I have to find a mechanic and ask him to come with me to the seller's house? Or do I ask the seller if I can test drive the car, and then drive it over to the mechanic? Or what? Also, how much should I expect to have to pay the mechanic to take a quick looksee ?

Quote: Original post by Obscure
Read this Beat the four square.

That article is great advice if you're buying a car in the 80's.(I don't mean for that to be a personal insult by any means)

Most people that purchase a car suck at math and think a $20,000 vehicle should have a $200 per month payment. The reason dealers try to close you on payment is because you can haggle a price all you want and once you come to terms the dealer realizes you wanted to be at $300 per month on this $40,000 SUV.

Do your homework sure but take that article with a grain of salt. The consumers are generally not sharp enough to be good buyers.

If you have to be at a specific payment to make your budget work take the time to do the math and determine what your maximum amount financed to get to that payment is.

If you have a trade in, do your homework and research a realistic market value for it.

Get a pre-approval from your bank or credit union and have them provide you with a finance amount that hits your budget.

I'd recommend using Edmunds.com to research the model and going price for the vehicle you want so you know what type of offer to make.

Make an offer and be prepared to walk if you can't get it. Conversely be prepared to buy if they do meet your offer.

Make sure and get any additional equipment or services you feel are part of the deal in writing. Verbal agreements are just going to lead to hurt feelings.

Finally, enjoy yourself. If you're not so uncomfortable executing a simple business transaction that you turn into a spastic or vengeful retard(which is sadly quite common), buying a car is a pretty fun experience.

Consider that you're going to spend between $5,000 and $50,000 dollars and treat it accordingly.(Don't do more research on your IPOD purchase than your car)

[Edited by - Dreddnafious Maelstrom on April 27, 2010 10:49:23 PM]

Quote: Original post by AndreTheGiant
Lots to think about in this thread.

I'm actually considering buying used after all the helpful comments. All used prices Ive seen seem really high considering what you're getting, but I'll keep looking.

Used cars are about a negotiation; nobody asks what they expect to get up front. You want to find things wrong with the car, then bargain them down.

Quote: Original post by AndreTheGiant

Quote: Original post by Ravuya
Don't forget that you can always get any professional mechanic to do a full inspection - I used a dealership - if you need additional confirmation that the car in question is ship shape.

How exactly would this work? Do I have to find a mechanic and ask him to come with me to the seller's house? Or do I ask the seller if I can test drive the car, and then drive it over to the mechanic? Or what? Also, how much should I expect to have to pay the mechanic to take a quick looksee ?

Whenever I've done it, you ask the seller if you may take it in for an inspection - if the seller is upright, they should say yes (I've never had someone say no except for incredibly sleazy used car lots) and then you just take it to a mechanic and ask him to do a full mechanical and safety inspection. It's best if you clear it with the mechanic ahead of time and arrange an appointment to take the car.

I've paid between $50 and $150 for mechanical inspections, which is pretty good considering that $50 saved me about $10k on a car which had been apparently zip-tied together and was leaking abnormal amounts of oil.

If you're buying a slightly oddball car then you'll probably want to take it to a dealership to have them do an inspection on it, since their techs are probably more trained in the model than your average gas station mechanic would be. For your average Civic or Corolla, though, anyone should be able to go over it.

There's basic stuff you can do on the inspection without even driving the car: turn it on from cold, listen for abnormal sounds (squeals, engine knock) and look where the car usually parks for stray fluids that it might be leaking.

Quote: Original post by AndreTheGiant

Quote: Original post by Ravuya
Don't forget that you can always get any professional mechanic to do a full inspection - I used a dealership - if you need additional confirmation that the car in question is ship shape.

How exactly would this work? Do I have to find a mechanic and ask him to come with me to the seller's house? Or do I ask the seller if I can test drive the car, and then drive it over to the mechanic? Or what? Also, how much should I expect to have to pay the mechanic to take a quick looksee ?

My experience is the same as Ravuya.

Talk with the mechanic in advance, and ask if there is a good time (or bad time) for dropping by. They'll tell you their prices, what they will check for, and anything else you ask.

Contact the seller -- which could be a dealership or an individual -- and ask them for permission. If they don't give permission, run (don't walk) away from the deal. Because the transaction is without warranty and you are assuming the risk, they should allow a full inspection by a qualified mechanic before the purchase.

I've been charged between $50 and $100 for the inspection. If the first inspection is good and I plan on buying, I get a second inspection from somebody else. The extra money is practically nothing relative to the cost of discovering a significant problem after the purchase.


And of course, once you do purchase a vehicle, make sure you immediately take it in for a full work-over. It might need very little work, or it might need a full tune up. Don't forget non-engine maintenance like tire alignment, brakes, shocks/struts, etc. Preventative care is worth the investment.