O/T purchasing a used car

[bababear_50]

I am going to be purchasing a (used car) near the end of June.
The whole idea has me scared to death!. I am not a negotiator or
the type of person who barters.

I have chosen the type :

Toyota Yaris automatic--it is suppose to be good on gas and will be limiting my driving to and from work. I have driven a friend's Yaris and like the way it handles. Being a fairy short lady this car is a good fit for me. I currently drive a ford focus and hate the high front dash.

I am looking to spend $11,000 and no more--I am hoping for the best year and the best mileage I can get.
I have read horror stories of people getting taken advantage of and of
them buying a lemon.

Financing is going to be through my work credit union.


Who buys the car in your house? and do you take anyone with you when shopping for a used car?
What questions should I be asking?
Any used car buying advise would be greatly appreciated.

Thank-you
Hugs Mel

 

[abdmom]

I haven't purchased a car in a while. But I'm also a fairly short lady. I would take a guy with you.

In the States, they have Kelly Blue Book values (kbb.com). In Canada, it's called the black book. This gives you the range of prices that the car you are interested in should cost. Canadian Black Book

 

[bababear_50]

I haven't purchased a car in a while. But I'm also a fairly short lady. I would take a guy with you.

In the States, they have Kelly Blue Book values (kbb.com). In Canada, it's called the black book. This gives you the range of prices that the car you are interested in should cost. Canadian Black Book

Hi
Thank-you so much it is a great resource and I felt so much better after exploring the web site.
Last night I asked my sons to come with me and I think having them there will help as my youngest son said "mom you never
pay what they are asking,if they can't lower the price then you just leave and find another car".
I have learned what trim means but I am unsure what licensing taxes will be.
I also learned that a 2 door is more costly to insure than a 4 door.
Thanks so much for your help
Hugs Mel

 

[Dsnyfireman]

If your worried about a lemon I would suggest you go to a Toyota dealer to buy even used. They are a lot more likely to stand behind anything they sell, especially a Toyota . You may even get a better deal than at a used only car lot and the dealer will have gone over the car with factory trained techs. A certified pre-owned car is a good way to go if it fits your budget, only a Toyota dealer would have a certified pre-owned Toyota . But your son is right, never pay asking price! Be prepared to walk out if they don't meet you part way. Extended warranties from a dealer are a good thing to ask them to through in for free and they don't cost the dealer as much as you might think. I worked 9 years as a dealer tech and I never payed more than $400 dollars for an extended warranty. So good luck and enjoy.

 

[bababear_50]

If your worried about a lemon I would suggest you go to a Toyota dealer to buy even used. They are a lot more likely to stand behind anything they sell, especially a Toyota . You may even get a better deal than at a used only car lot and the dealer will have gone over the car with factory trained techs. A certified pre-owned car is a good way to go if it fits your budget, only a Toyota dealer would have a certified pre-owned Toyota . But your son is right, never pay asking price! Be prepared to walk out if they don't meet you part way. Extended warranties from a dealer are a good thing to ask them to through in for free and they don't cost the dealer as much as you might think. I worked 9 years as a dealer tech and I never payed more than $400 dollars for an extended warranty. So good luck and enjoy.

Great advise,
Thank you for replying and making so many helpful suggestions.
I will definitely look at buying from a Toyota dealer, and extended warranties.

Hugs Mel

 

[Dsnyfireman]

Great advise,
Thank you for replying and making so many helpful suggestions.
I will definitely look at buying from a Toyota dealer, and extended warranties.

Hugs Mel

Anytime!! I hope you get a great deal! I love to help when I can, it a fireman thing!

 

[badiggio]

depending on the price of a vehicle,sometimes it's cheaper to buy new ,everything considered.Generally used car financing is around 6-8%,usually the latter,whereas some new car finacing is as low as 0% with the full warranty.6-8% over 5 years on an $11,000 vehicle will add 3000-4400 dollars to the price of your vehicle.Go to a dealer and see if there are any incentives and compare .

 

[caisland]

depending on the price of a vehicle,sometimes it's cheaper to buy new ,everything considered.Generally used car financing is around 6-8%,usually the latter,whereas some new car finacing is as low as 0% with the full warranty.6-8% over 5 years on an $11,000 vehicle will add 3000-4400 dollars to the price of your vehicle.Go to a dealer and see if there are any incentives and compare .

I agree with PP on this. Toyota has so many deals special financing it is probably just as cheap to buy new. Around here they are advertising a new Corolla for $99 biweekly taxes in. Probably a seven year term but zero interest.

You put 8% on a 11,000 loan and you are going to pay a lot of interest over 4 or 5 years.

 

[formill]

If you are anywhere near Haldimand Motors Cayuga Ontario go there- the prices are what they are- all are priced very fairly depending on age and mileage. Huge selection-or if you are not close take a look at their website for pricing comparison. Unless we were going for a really cheap car for one of our kids or something I don`think we would ever buy a used car privately again. The Toronto star also had a good article on buying used vs new.

 

[I Run Long]

Have you considered hiring an auto broker? I'm not from your area of course, so I can't recommend any. I've done this myself as I feel like you do - going through the process is worse than a root canal. I paid my broker his flat $500 fee - told him what I was looking for and the maximum I was willing to spend. He found the car, arranged the test drive and he haggled the price. Save me a couple of thousand off of the asking price - ended up well below my maximum I was willing to spend. Just a thought.