Here are a few things that you should always do and not do when buying a used car.
Do:
- Do consult the consumer reports directory for the most reliable vehicles before you go shopping and the Kelly Blue Book for pricing.
- Do try to get your own financing if you are not paying cash. Rarely will you get a better deal with dealership financing.
- Do test drive the car before you buy it, both in the city and on the highway, and listen carefully for sounds that don’t sound normal.
- Do consider buying from a new car dealership. Although you may pay a little more, they generally offer better service and much higher quality vehicles, and even offer certified used cars with extended warranties.
- Do pretend you really aren’t all that interested when shopping for a car, and take someone level headed with you if you have a habit of getting drawn in by salesman.
- Do get a Car Fax Vehicle History Report. They aren’t just a good idea, but can keep you from making a very bad decision.
Don’t:
- Don’t assume that you have three days to return a car when you buy it. This is only true in select areas.
- Don’t tell them you have a trade in until after you have negotiated a bottom line price for the car.
- Don’t pay for add one like protective coats, detailing or any ridiculous fees that make no sense.
- Don’t negotiate from the listed price downward. Look up the Kelly Blue Book price and negotiate upward.