 Home SV Blog Terms of Service |
|
|
|
A Guide to Buying a Used CarMany car buyers are often unprepared when they are purchasing used cars, and they end up getting cars that have serious mechanical problems. Those who do not know the market values of used cars may purchase cars that are far less valuable than their selling prices. To ensure that they get the best deal possible, car buyers should take these things into consideration: Payment Options There are two ways to pay for a used car, namely, full payment and financing. Most people will choose to get financing because they do not have enough funds to pay the full amount. Nevertheless, those who get a loan will end up paying more, because they are required to pay interests and other costs related to the loan. Loan terms vary from one lender or dealer to another, and car buyers should shop around and compare deals before they decide to get financing from any particular lender. Make sure that the terms of the loan are fully understood before closing the financing deal and always read the fine print.
Dealer Sales It is important for car buyers to find a reputable dealer when buying a used car. To find out if a certain dealer has a good reputation, call the Better Business Bureau or local consumer protection agency. Before making a purchase, find out about the dealer’s return policy and ask for the vehicle’s buyer’s guide. The buyer’s guide will provide useful information such as: the repair costs, the warranty, the car’s mechanical system, inspection, and others.
Warranties When a car is offered “as is”, it means that the buyer will not get any type of warranty except those which must be provided by law. Warranties come in the forms of implied warranties and unexpired manufacturer’s warranty. There are two types of implied warranties, namely, the warranty of merchantability, with which the seller assures that the car will be able to perform its basic functions, and the warranty of fitness for a particular purpose, which is based on the seller’s promise that the car is suitable for a specified purpose. An unexpired manufacturer’s warranty is usually available when purchasing a relatively new used car. Meaning the manufacturer has the obligation to fix any defect for as long as the warranty is still valid.
Service Contracts A service contract is somewhat similar to a warranty, and it covers maintenance and repair for a certain period of time: it is not included in the cost of the car, and it is sold separately. Car buyers should know exactly the extent of coverage that is offered by the service contract. Also, make sure the contract comes from a reputable company or dealer.
Spoken Promises It is advisable that buyers refrain from making agreements with dealers based on spoken promises. In the case of a dispute, no evidence can be presented to the court to show that the promises were made. The best thing to do is to get all promises documented in the buyer’s guide.
Pre-Purchase Independent Inspection Car buyers should get an independent mechanic to check the used cars they plan to buy. Even if the dealer claims tha the car has gone through inspection, it is still a good idea to have your own mechanic inspect it. A mechanic can evaluate the overall condition of the car, and they can let the buyer know if the car is worth buying, many times they can provide you with an estimated value of the vehicle as well.
Private Sales Another popular way to buy a used car is to buy from a private seller. Private sellers do not provide a buyer’s guide, and they usually offer their cars “as is”. It is important to get your mechanic to inspect the car. Advertisements for private sales are mostly found in newspapers, on the Internet, on the cars, or on bulletin boards.
© 2003-2012 Auto Classics, Inc. and its affiliates. All rights reserved. |
| Home SV Blog Terms of Service |
|
|
|
