Quote:
Originally Posted by dippin
1- use carfax
2- if it is from a dealership, look around online if there are many reports of people unsatisfied with their used cars. If it is from a private seller, take it to a trusted mechanic.
3- check the web for the durability of the particular make and type.
4- Look at Kelly's blue book for your area to get a sense if you are getting a good deal.
5- Beware of deals too good to be true.
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Good advice.
---------- Post added at 04:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:03 AM ----------
Quote:
Originally Posted by Willravel
I dunno about buying from a dealership. Sure you get the option of a warrantee, but the cars are marked up so high. I took my grandmother around to dealerships to look for basic transportation and the best deal I could find was a 99 Nissan Altima for what would have ended up as about $8000. I can find the same car on Craigslist for $3000.
I'd suggest using craigslist, but in order to protect yourself use carfax (dippin said it before, but it bears repeating) and also take it to your mechanic (also, as dippin said). Jeez, dippin, you kinda said it all.
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I'm not real found of dealers either and usually buy used when I can. My last vehicle, a Ford F150, I ended dealing with the dealer simply because I really wanted "newer" and due to the rebates available I found it cheaper at the dealer then through private ads.
When dealing with the dealers don't take any of the add on crap, under coating, extended warranties are crap IMO. And deal, deal, deal. I found what I was looking for at several dealers and told them what I'd pay. Everyone said "no way." I left my card and walked. Within a few days the phone was ringing. After several days of calls one dealer called me up and said "good news Mr. Tully! My manger's almost to your price. I think we..." I cut him off and said "Hey that is good news, tell you what call be back when he gets all the way there." And basically hung up. About 10min later the phone rang again and the voice on the other end said "Come get your truck."
While signing papers and the check they sent the "manager" in to tell me about the great add-ons I "needed." Went through warranties, fabric protection, under coating etc... When he got to some paint protection thing I was getting tried of the dog and pony show and pushed all the papers away and said "wait a minute is there something wrong with the paint on this truck?" "No, why?" "Well you're making it sound like without this "protection" the paints going to fall off in a few years, maybe I don't want this truck." He kind of sighed and said "enjoy your truck" and left the room. End bull shit.
---------- Post added at 04:20 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:18 AM ----------
Quote:
Originally Posted by JStrider
If your unemployed/ dont have a lot money, you should probably keep your old car... and just drive it into the ground, or until you are in a better financial situation
at least just pay cash for the new one.
you should pick several vehicles that your interested in and call your insurance company and ask for estimates on what the insurance rates will be for those vehicles, thats something to factor in...
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Absolute best advice on the subject ever.