How To Buy a Used Car Online

Buying a car is always a carefully considered process. Buying a used car should be approached with even greater care. There are many essential facts you should consider before buying a used car online.

Find Quality Used Cars

First, search online used car classifieds and your local newspaper. Try one of the many used car website for your area and across the globe. Also be sure to run a used car history search like the Autocheck 90 Day Unlimited Vehicle History Report on the VIN # before considering a particular car strongly. The Autocheck Report on a used car verifies that there was no previous branding of the title, flooding of the car, odometer rollback, salvaged title, or that is was reported stolen.

Determine Your Price Range for a Used Car

Another important point to consider is what type of used car will fit into your price range. Also, you’ll want to think about buying a reliable make of car like a used Honda Civic. For example, a 2004 used Honda Civic may be more reliable than a newer model car of a different brand. You should also spend time researching the suggested resell price of the car models you’re interested in. Websites such as Edmunds.com can help you in this area.

Begin Used Car Negotiations

Once you find the car you want, you will need to negotiate with the seller. There’s lots of data you need before you can properly negotiate the price of the car, so when you talk to the seller, ask these basic questions:

- Why are you selling the car? If they hesitate, they have something to hide. The usual reasons a person sells a car is because they bought a new one or they can no longer afford the car payment.

- How many miles are on the car? The standard is 12,000 a year. If there’s more than that, the price should be considerably reduced.

- Do they have all the maintenance records, proof of tune ups, and oil change receipts? They probably won’t have all the paperwork, but ask for it anyway.

- Have them describe the interior of the car. Ask about the seats, dash, paint, tires, A/C compressor, if the A/C runs cool or cold. Are there any known issues or needed repairs that you should know about?

Check for Problems with the Used Car

If you visit the seller to test drive the car and they don’t let you drive it, leave immediately. Not allowing you to drive the car tells you that there is something very wrong with it.

Check the pavement underneath the car for signs of fluid leaks. Rust colored stains indicate a leaking radiator. Black or brown stains may mean there’s an oil leak. Purple stains indicate transmission fluid leaks.

Finalize the Used Car Sale

Once you’ve agreed on the price, make sure to get it in writing. Do not pay the seller until the title is in your hands. It is best to get a bank draft with the name of the seller listed as payee. With a bank draft, you have a record that you paid the seller in case there are any problems later.

Easy Step By Step

• Find sources of quality used cars in your area
• Research cars and check for known issues
• Determine the price you’re willing to pay
• Speak to the seller
• Inspect the car
• Negotiate a sale

Warnings, Advice, and Suggestions

Before you buy, be sure:

- The 17 digit VIN# on the door, hood, dashboard and engine match exactly.
- The title doesn’t still show a lien holder with no stamp on it. This means they still owe the bank.
- The seller has no title or registration. The car could be stolen.

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