Buy a Used Car on AutoTrader.com
The old saying of "buyer beware" cannot be more appropriate than when buying a used car. That is definitely the case when you buy a used car on AutoTrader.com. You need to peruse the AutoTrader.com ads, but stay aware of the possible problems of the pre-owned car.
Contents
Steps
- Find the car you want on Auto Trader online with the help of the user-friendly search engine. You simply determine the distance you are willing to travel to see the car, then walk through the make, model and price boxes.
- Identify the type of seller you buy the car from. Sellers range from a private individual to a new car dealer that is selling a trade-in received from another sale.
- Beware of a third category of seller. That is the individual who buys a vehicle at an auto auction, performs minimum repairs and then sells the vehicle from his house.
- This semi-unofficial dealer often sells a car with a reconditioned title, although you can get a good buy by being cautious.
- A car that mechanics have determined as unsafe often holds a reconditioned title. This new title was given to the car by an insurance agency after a wreck totaled the vehicle. Perhaps the previous owner abandoned the vehicle due to its problems and sold it in public auction for storage fees. Again, buyer beware.
- Keep the following information in mind during your search.
- Do your homework and know which vehicle you want. Know the ins and outs of the vehicle you are looking for to help make or break the deal.
- All vehicles have a lifespan with some ending at {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}}. Certain vehicles can last up to {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} if you take good care of them. Knowing this will tell you if the miles on the vehicle detracts from the asking price.
- There are services available that can inspect a classic or antique vehicle you find. They can also advise on purchasing, negotiate and arrange for transportation back to you.
- Do a thorough inspection that includes a test drive if you handle things yourself. Find a local mechanic to run a diagnostic check on the vehicle before purchase.
- Research the documentation that your state requires to transfer an auto title to show you as the owner.
- Take the vehicle to the local Department of Public Safety to verify that it was not previously stolen, particularly if you transfer a vehicle from one state to another. Make sure before making the deal that the title VIN numbers match the ones on the vehicle.
- Do not make the deal if the seller cannot provide the necessary documentation. You cannot register it for road use without a legitimate title.
Tips
- Take along a friend when you look at the car. He should be able to note issues with the vehicle that you may not see.
- There are many books, magazines and DVDs as well as online sources that walk you through the process of buying a used car.
- It is well worth the extra expense to check the vehicle's Carfax http://www.carfax.com
