Repo’s Money Saving Tips On Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car is serious business. A lot of money is on the line and we want to make sure that you don’t get ripped off on the transaction. By following these simple tips, you will minimize your risk and drive home a happy used car owner.

1. Purpose:  Be very honest on what purpose you will be using the car for? Are you using the car for long commutes or off-road? What about passengers? Do you need a vehicle that can fit five comfortably? Maybe a two-seater will do. Answering this question now will save a lot of time and clear up the selection process on the type of car you need, not want.
2. Top 3:  Now that you’ve chosen the type of car for the purpose needed, its time to pick three vehicles that fit the mold. The reason why is because having 3 similar models gives us more option when its time to research and buy a vehicle. More options mean better selection and more selection means higher negotiation power.
3. Research:  The great thing about buying a used car is that all of the kinks and recalls have usually been ironed out.  Auto forums online will educate you about the vehicles strengths and weaknesses. What’s that? You read an online forum that a Toyhonsan Camza’s transmission has been crapping out after 60,000 miles? Avoid avoid avoid…aren’t you glad you did some research? You’re welcome.
4. Phone call/Carfax:  Give the owner a call and ask a few questions about the vehicle. Does he have all the records? Title in hand? Accidents? Ask if the owner is a smoker or if he owns pets. Buy a month of Carfax research and get the history report of the prospected vehicle. Knowing the history of the vehicle is crucial to the buying process.
5. Set up a meeting:  Make sure that the location is a public place for your safety. Do a quick look around and pop the hood. Is the engine bay clean or dirty? How about the fluids and belts? Are they filled and not frayed? Now go inside the car? Push every button on the vehicle and make sure everything works. Once you’re satisfied take the car out for a quick test drive. Keep the music off. Listen for every little noise and vibration and take a mental note. A big sign to look out for is the alignment and braking. Drive on a non busy, straight road and let go of the wheel. If the car veers to the left of right, it needs an alignment. Once finished with the drive, decide whether or not the vehicle is worth buying. If the answer is yes, ask the owner if he’s willing to bring it to a mechanic of your choice for a vehicle inspection. If the owner says no, run away. The owner must be hiding something.
6. Mechanic:  If the car passed the meeting phase above, have the mechanic do a thorough inspection of the vehicle. Once finished, the mechanic should give you thumbs up for perfect car or a checklist listing the problems of the car. The paper should have estimates of how much each job would cost. I call that paper “the golden ticket.”
7. Negotiate:  Remember that when negotiating, you are not dealing with a professional car salesman. The seller probably just wants to get rid of their vehicle to make some cash or need to sell the car based on life circumstances. Additionally, sellers will always try to sell the vehicle for more than its worth. Don’t let that discourage you. Always go by the three amigos average. KBB, Edmunds and EBay are the three amigos to research the car’s worth. Remember that magic ticket? Minus everything off what’s needed to get the car in excellent or good condition and be flexible. We’re all humans here and in the end we just want a fair deal all around.
8. Walk away:  If the seller is not flexible with the price, walk away. There are plenty of vehicles to choose from out there. Take your time. If it’s meant to be, it will happen.