Best Used Car Deals - How To Find Them?

If you ask your local car dealer, the best used car deals are just around the corner - on his car lot. Nothing new, really. Expect the same answer everywhere you ask. The used cars business runs partially on half-truths, exaggerations, hard selling, empty promises and occasional deception. But, there are also used cars sellers who pride themselves on the quality and price. The question is where are they?

Amongst thousands of used cars offered for sale daily, there are truly great buys. Cars between 3-5 years old, with a low mileage of 20-30,000. Some of them will be in a show room like condition. Owned by the same owner, garaged, driven carefully, and serviced according to the manufacturer’s instructions. These cars were often bought as family’s second or third car. In most cases, the driver got bored and wants to buy the current model. Here is your chance…

However, the great majority of used automobiles are far from deserving the description of the best used cars. They had multiple owners. Each previous one wanted to get rid of it as soon as possible, for the car was riddled with problems that were only discovered after the sale was made. Some of these vehicles will be outright dangerous to drive; many will have persistent mechanical problems, like excessive oil consumption, leaking radiator, intermittent electrical faults, uneven steering, rampant rust, etc.

Yet while people are looking for the best used car deal, these wrecks are traded openly, and change hands every hour in many places across America. Regrettably, most of the transactions are done by the licensed dealers operating from accredited car yards and dealerships. The remaining few car sales are made directly by their owners, privately. Although the state and federal laws are targeted to eliminate bad practices in buying and selling second hand cars, there’s much to be done to stop dishonest sellers from taking advantage of the unaware buyers.

So, how do you protect yourself from becoming a victim of an unscrupulous car salesman? Here are some practical tips to help you win the battle that rages in used carslots across America:

- Don’t buy in a hurry. There’s always another day, and another opportunity.

- When buying privately, ask for the fully documented service history, and the ownership title.

- Think twice before dealing with establishments that have been in existence for a short period of time.

- Take your friendly mechanic with you. He can inspect the car and advise you as to its condition, and if any further repairs will be necessary.

- Try to buy a car with a single owner.

- Best used car deals are usually found during public auctions. Before you bid, find as much info about the vehicle as possible.

Ultimately, when it comes to getting the best used car deal, it’s all about being educated and acting responsibly. Don’t fall a victim of the sleek sales pitch; reject emotions and invite a cool head. Spend only what you can afford, avoid accepting long term hire purchase terms. And before you venture out, do some basic research and get informed. Only then, you’ll place yourself in a winnable position.