How will the car be used?
The first thing to do is to decide on a class of vehicle that best fits your lifestyle.
What are you looking for?
Create a checklist and stick to it. Figure out what your needs are and plan a budget. Know what you are looking for before you look at the first car.
Who will be driving the car? And where?
If you're concerned about taking your kids to soccer practice, you're probably going to need a car with lots of seating and storage capacity. If this is a first car for your son or daughter, you will want to make sure it is safe and reliable. If you're planning to use the car for commuting, gas mileage and comfort may be your biggest considerations.
What are some vehicle safety features you are looking for?
Are you interested in anti-lock brake systems, front and side airbags, integrated seat belt systems, head injury protection, or child protection equipment?
ONCE YOU'VE DECIDED ON TYPE
| After you narrow your search to a few makes and models, analyze the pros and cons for each. There are many excellent resources available to help you do your research, including web sites, dealerships, and your local library. Read Consumer Reports magazine -- online or hard copy -- for reliability and repair ratings as well as general advice. Check out the sources on the web that offer pricing information and comprehensive advice on buying a used car, such as Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book. In addition, refer to the list of web sites included in this publication. Look at individual used vehicles. Gather as much information as you can on the different makes and models. Check out the retail value, available options, performance, and track record for repairs. You can purchase your new, previously owned car from an independent used car lot, a new-car dealership, an auction, a used car superstore, or a private seller. Wherever you decide to buy your car, there are some important things you need to know. While your heart will play a big role in your decision, don't lose your head. Be willing to walk away from the car if the deal doesn't meet the criteria you laid out earlier in your checklist. Your ability to negotiate a great deal will increase by magnitudes. Always know the market value of any car you're considering and make your first offer lower.It's always easy to go up from your initial offer, but you probably won't be able to negotiate down from there. Several web sites offer pricing information to help you determine the value of the car. Compare the car you are considering to other cars that are similar to make the best assessment Most of us know it's a good idea to insist on test driving any car before buying. But what's the right way to test drive a car and what should you be looking for? You should first plan on spending as long as possible on your test drive. This will give you a chance to thoroughly examine the car. Take a look. Make sure the body parts line up, the paint matches, the doors open and close easily, and the tires show even wear. Lift the hood. Check under the hood for leaky hoses, worn belts, and dirty oil. Automatic transmission fluid should be clear and reddish, and not smell burned. Radiator water should have a light yellow or green color. Take a seat. Turn the ignition key to "accessory" and make sure all of the warning lights and gauges work. Start the car and check all lights and accessories and make sure no warning lights remain lit on the dashboard. Have the airbag checked. Pay close attention to the airbag indicator lights. If these lights fail to illuminate as you start the car, or stay lit after the car is running, it is a warning that the car's airbags are not functioning correctly. Since this is a problem that you may not be able to detect yourself, have a mechanic inspect the airbags for you. Poke around. Look for signs of water damage. For example, waterlines in the trunk or engine compartment; mud or dirt under the carpet; water or rust in the spare tire well; and frayed, loose, or brittle wires. Turn on the fan for the heater and air conditioning and see if the air smells musty or mildewy. Perform a safety check. Try on the seat belt and take a test drive to ensure that you are comfortable while driving the vehicle. Make sure head restraints, roof structures, and windshield designs do not interfere with your ability to see clearly. Test the vehicle at dusk or in the early evening to determine your comfort with the visibility provided by the headlamps. If you already have a child safety seat, install it to check for compatibility. Hit the road. Take the vehicle up to 35 to 40 mph. Make sure the shifting is smooth and the steering is straight. When braking, a pull to the left or the right could indicate a brake problem. The steering wheel should not shimmy at high speeds and cornering should be smooth. Check the sources. Buying through the classifieds? Check the name on the title and match it to the name on the seller's drivers license. Many individuals disguised as private sellers are actually unlicensed, unregulated curbstoners, who may pass problem cars on to unsuspecting buyers. Get a thorough inspection. It is a good idea to have a trusted mechanic inspect the car for problems that may not be easily identified. Specifically ask for the car to be put on a lift. This may cost a few bucks, but it could save you a lot of money by avoiding a car with hidden problems source: http://w.carfax.com/car_buying/used_car_guide.cfm |
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