When you find yourself in the market for a used car, you have quite a few options. A used car dealership is the most obvious choice, and you can visit both local dealerships or large chains like CarMax. Most new car lots also sell the used cars that they acquire both on trade-ins and at the end of clients’ lease agreements. You might also peruse some of the Websites that specialize in used cars in addition to Craigslist and your local classified ads and trading post. There are as many individual sellers as there are dealers advertising on the Web and in the classifieds. Whichever route you choose, there are a few extra steps you can take that will help ensure you will get a good deal on a quality vehicle.

First, take any car you are considering buying to your mechanic and have him check for evidence of water damage, previous accidents, or shoddy repair work. You should also look online for a history report at a site like CarFax.com. For a small fee you will be able to learn if the car has been repossessed, totaled, if the odometer has been tampered with, if it has failed any inspections, and if there has been a factory recall. You should also walk away if anyone asks you to sign an “as is” agreement.

Read all the paperwork thoroughly, even though it is mind numbing. You don’t want the dealer to pull a fast one on you. In general, you will have thirty days to return the car if there are any problems; if you sign an “as is” agreement, you sacrifice this right. You will also de well to make financing plans outside of the dealership. If you approach you own bank for an auto loan, you will more than likely get a better interest rate, and you will have one less thing to worry about during the buying process. This is a good plan if you’re buying a new car as well.

If you are unsure about what you should pay for your used car, do some homework. Search the make and model of the car you are considering online and see what individual sellers and dealerships are asking. Keep in mind differing options packages: power windows, a sunroof, and even automatic transmission will affect the asking price of any car. You may also want to check the different dealerships in your area for competitive pricing on similar cars. Finally, there are several reference guides you can consult to avoid paying too much for a car. The National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA), Consumer Reports, and Kelley Blue Book are all good places to assess the cost of a given vehicle.

These guides base their prices on the notion that the car is in good running condition with an acceptable mileage reading. If the car you are considering has damage or a high odometer reading, you should demand a lower price or keep shopping.

www.ConklinFangman.com is the leading car dealer in Kansas City MO. Visit our website for special deals and great incentives on a large inventory.

http://www.ConklinFangman.com is the leading car dealer in Kansas City MO. Visit our website for special deals and great incentives on a large inventory.

Author Bio: www.ConklinFangman.com is the leading car dealer in Kansas City MO. Visit our website for special deals and great incentives on a large inventory.

Category: Automotive
Keywords: consumer, automotive, money saving