Used car shopping - any tips or advice?

[tiggerlover]

We are shopping for a used car, would like to have one purchased within the week, since we have always bought new before I don't know if there is anything special we should or could be doing to get a good deal and a decent car. Would love to hear your advice.

We went out last night for the first time and two of the cars we really wanted were sold. We test drove 3 others (Jetta, Camry and Cougar), hated the Jetta, liked the Camry, but it was a 99 with 78k miles, so would like to look for a newer one perhaps and the Cougar I loved, but DH is 6'3" and could use a little more room inside. So this weekend we will be car shopping. Today I think I am going to call our Credit Union and work on getting a pre-approved loan so we can walk on the lot with our financing on hand. All the guys we talked to last night were all talking about deals and this that and the other thing with financing and all, so I just think I may feel more comfortable with financing already in my pocket.

 

[jkovick]

Go to a book store and pick up the NADA used car pricing guide. It is extremely helpful in determining the price. Take that book to the dealership with you with a calculator and a pen and paper. Figure out exactly how much it is worth and then figure what you are willing to pay. The book will give you a high retail, a loan value and a trade in value. Don't pay the retail, shoot for the trade in. Most dealers have an abundance of used cars right now that they took in trade and paid very little for. There is much more "wiggle room" on used cars than new ones. A pre- approved loan will be very helpful because then you can bypass all the mumbo jumbo about financing and just talk about the bottom line. Try to get the dealer to throw out a price 1st if possible. If the dealer won't throw a price, you throw one out that you know is too low and bargain up from there. Good luck!! I know it can be very stressful.

 

[PamNC]

a 2003 Saab 9-3 convertible. I shopped and shopped and shopped. My main piece of advice is DON'T GO TO CARMAX. The prices are too high. Dealers can get you better warranties such as certified programs. You're smart to walk in with your loan approved...we did that. It took 3 months, but I finally found the one I wanted and I'm having so much fun with my dream car. Good luck!

Now - if I could only talk my husband into us driving down to Disney for Labor Day weekend...a short trip. We were just there in July and he said he would love to go but he doesn't want to spend the money.

Shoot!

PamNC

 

[aimee11621]

Never buy a car at NIGHT. You never no what kind of damage you won't see. >>

Always good to review newspaper ads or flyers to get an IDEA of how much the particular cars you are interested in , really are going for in the market. >>>>

Never buy the insurance at the dealer. The salesman will always get greased . Or in other words they will slip a little extra amount on your down payment on the insurance. And give it to either the dealer or salesman. """"""

Arrange with your current insurance agent quotes so you know you can really afford the in purchase.>>>>>>

Take your time if you are able to . Don't rush into anything.

 

[tiggerlover]

Originally posted by jkovick
Go to a book store and pick up the NADA used car pricing guide. It is extremely helpful in determining the price.

And I just got a 20% off coupon for Borders so I think I may just do that. Thanks.

 

[tiggerlover]

Originally posted by aimee11621


Never buy a car at NIGHT. You never no what kind of damage you won't see. >>

Always good to review newspaper ads or flyers to get an IDEA of how much the particular cars you are interested in , really are going for in the market. >>>>

Never buy the insurance at the dealer. The salesman will always get greased . Or in other words they will slip a little extra amount on your down payment on the insurance. And give it to either the dealer or salesman. """"""

Arrange with your current insurance agent quotes so you know you can really afford the in purchase.>>>>>>

Take your time if you are able to . Don't rush into anything.

Good thoughts about night time buys. The sales guys were hot last night, but we just told them we were not ready to decide and had to sleep on it.

Never thought about the insurance, I would want to add it to my existing policy, so I am not sure how that would work on the weekend, but I definitely would not want their insurance.

I want to take my time, but on the flip side I really need a second car immediately, can't wait more than a week or two at the most.

Thanks all, keep the info coming.

 

[stacilee]

I whole heartedly agree with the above poster who reccomended that you take your time. Just because you WANT a new car now doesn't mean you have to put yourself in a situation where wiley car salesmen can take advantage of you.


Have you heard of a buying technique called a fax attack? I'm sure that you can google it. Get your financing squared away first, then write up a fax saying: this is what I am looking for in a vehicle (new or used) and I am ready to pay this amount and not a penny more for it [ OR ] what is the best ONE TIME offer you can give me on the purchase of a vehicle from you?

State in the letter that interested dealers have 24 hours to respond to your fax and that after that THEIR BIDS will not be entertained. Fax it to all the car dealers within a perimeter that you are willing to drive to to pick up the car. Then sit back and wait for the stated time period. Some will fax you right back because there is a glut of cars on the lots right now and the salesmen are hungry to get their commissions up.

I know people that have done this and report that it cuts all the stress and BS out of buying a car. Out of approx. 25 faxes you send out you will probably get 6- 8 returns. A friend recently did this and got a new truck at a dealer in-state but not closeby for an unbelievably great price. Saved literally thousands off the cost of what local dealers were selling the identical truck at. Be creative!
There is a website that will tell you do how to this but they charge a fee. You can do it yourself! We believe in you!

 

[tiggerlover]

Originally posted by stacilee
I whole heartedly agree with the above poster who reccomended that you take your time. Just because you WANT a new car now doesn't mean you have to put yourself in a situation where wiley car salesmen can take advantage of you.

I totally understand what you are saying, but it isn't the fact that I WANT another car I NEED another car, can't wait too long.

Interesting idea about the fax attack, but I don't have access to a fax machine. But boy it does sound like a great idea.

 

[tiggerlover]

Just got off the phone with our bank, financing is in place, we just need to pick up the pre-approval stuff this afternoon. So I guess we are on our way.

 

[crz4mm2]

You can go on line to NADA to see used prices. THe dealerships always go for the highest price, even if car is not "excellent" condition. Be prepared to WALK away if they will not meet your price. DOn't appear too anxious to buy. Say "we are looking".
I hate negotiations for a car, but am getting better at it
Go to Edmunds.com It is a terrific place to look for all kinds of car info.
Good luck.
I would highly recommend Toyota or Honda. They run forever.....

 

[stacilee]

the camry is a nice reliable comfortable car.
You can do the fax attack from a ship it shop for about $1 a fax. $25 is a relatively small investment when you are looking at saving hundreds or more. just a thought.
Whatever you do I hope you have sucess and enjoy many safe & happy miles on the road back and forth to WDW!
stacilee

 

[stevenpensacola]

www.carfax.com

http://www.carbuyingtips.com/carintro.html

must read sites!!!

 

[Otto's Doll]

Hi Debbi,
In February I traded my 1999 Caravan in for a 2000 Grand Caravan (I love it) and the biggest thing that helped us get a GREAT deal is that I kept saying, "I won't pay that much" and getting ready to go. (Packing up the kids, and walking to the door). They kept asking us to wait another minute, while they talk to the manager...we got a really good deal that I am totally happy with.
I know you are in a bind, and a rush, but don't let the salespeople know that. If you act like you are in control of the situation, you will do much much better than if they know how badly you need a car. It is great that you have financing, be sure to let them know that. (Turned out the dealer matched the financing we got from the Credit Union.)
Good luck!

 

[puffkin]

Here are my tips for buying a new or used car:

1. Cars are not real estate. They literally are a dime a dozen. Most used car lots are overstocked, so you should have lots of wiggle room.

2. Try to look for models that have general features, not very specific things. It will give you more to choose from.

3. Never, ever buy a car from the sales person. You should at least get through to the Manager. They have the authorization to make better deals.

4. Do not be afraid to walk. Usually they will come running after you or call you with a better deal.

5. Do not take any of the extras they offer. Look into warranties closely to see if they are worth the extra money. Things like fabric coating, tinting, undercarriage rust proofing are generally not worth the money.

6. If you have a trade, do not even mention it until you have settled on a good price for the car. Then start negotiating a good trade.

7. Do not let them run a credit check on you unless you are ready to buy the car. Know if your credit is good before you go.

8. Mention the pre approval for the loan. They will know that you definitely are ready to buy, so if you walk, chances are you are going somewhere else. They might then sweeten the deal.

9. Do research on the type of car you want and have a rough idea of what that type of car is worth. The books at bookstores or the internet are good sources.

Just remember to be courteous and nice, but firm. You have a right as a buyer to get the car for a good price and they have a right to sell it for what they want. A good salesperson will appreciate a good negotiator.

 

[LindaG4458]

As far as Camrys are concerned, 2002 was a change in body style. They are roomier for your husband who needs more space. We have a 2003 and love it!