what to look for when buying a used car from a dealership

Top 10 Tips On Buying A Used Car From a Dealer.

• Research: Do your research on the car or truck that you are interested in. ...
• Investigate: Investigate the vehicle thoroughly – Look at more than just the price. ...
• Maintenance History: Look at the maintenance history. ...
• Dealership Reputation: ...
• Dealership Policies: ...
• Is the Vehicle Certified?: ...
• Financing: ...
• The Test Drive:

1. What do I need to know when buying a used car from a dealer?
2. Is it better to buy a used car from a dealership?
3. Do dealerships negotiate on used cars?
4. What should I be careful for when buying a used car?
5. How much will a dealer come down on a used car?
6. What should you not say to a car salesman?
7. Is CarMax cheaper than a dealer?
8. Is it better to buy private or dealer?
9. What mileage do cars start having problems?
10. Why you should never pay cash for a car?
11. How do you negotiate with a used car dealer?
12. How much should you offer on a used car?

What do I need to know when buying a used car from a dealer?

10 Things You Need To Know When Buying A Used Car From A Dealer

1. 1 Get the paperwork right.
2. 2 Always negotiate. ...
3. 3 Check the warranty. ...
4. 4 Get the car checked by a trusted mechanic. ...
5. 5 Do a thorough inspection. ...
6. 6 Always do a test drive. ...
7. 7 Get the vehicle history report. ...
8. 8 Do factor in additional costs. ...

Is it better to buy a used car from a dealership?

a dealer: the price. Buying used is obviously cheaper than buying a new car. ... Dealers have more overhead costs they need to cover, so they need to make a profit on the cars they sell. Private sellers, on the other hand, are usually more willing to negotiate and get the vehicle off their hands.

Do dealerships negotiate on used cars?

Buying a used vehicle from a private seller may be an option if you plan to pay cash. But consider how much a private seller is likely to charge for a vehicle versus a dealership. Depending on the seller, it's possible that you may be able to negotiate them down on the price if they have a fairly urgent need to sell.

What should I be careful for when buying a used car?

7 Things You Must Do Before Buying a Used Car

1. Define what you want and do your research. Before anything else, take some time to write down what you want from a car: How many people does it need to sit? ...
2. Set your budget. ...
3. Consider all of your financing options.
4. Run a Carfax report. ...
5. Do a test drive. ...
6. Get the car inspected. ...
7. Be prepared to walk away.

How much will a dealer come down on a used car?

According to iSeeCars.com, used car dealers cut the price on the average vehicle between one and six times over that 31.5 day listing period. The first price drop is significant -- the firm says that the price drops, on average, by 5% the first time the dealer rips the old sticker off the car and pops a new on.

What should you not say to a car salesman?

10 Things You Should Never Say to a Car Salesman

• “I really love this car”
• “I don't know that much about cars”
• “My trade-in is outside”
• “I don't want to get taken to the cleaners”
• “My credit isn't that good”
• “I'm paying cash”
• “I need to buy a car today”
• “I need a monthly payment under $350”

Is CarMax cheaper than a dealer?

CarMax's business models take the user-friendly approach to buying a used car. ... One drawback is that CarMax offers a “no-haggle” buying experience, which means that the price is the price. And most of the time, the price is $1,000-$2,000 over the retail value. This is how they make a profit.

Is it better to buy private or dealer?

There's more than one way to buy a used car. For most car shoppers, the choice boils down to dealer vs. private seller. Buying a used car from a dealer means you'll get a wider selection, better financing options, and all-around peace of mind while buying a used car from a private seller can be riskier.

What mileage do cars start having problems?

It can be somewhat risky to buy a vehicle that has racked up more than 100,000 miles. Even if it's well-maintained and has about 100,000 miles left in it, such a car is already past its prime. Generally, vehicles are likely to start experiencing problems after the 100,000-mile mark.

Why you should never pay cash for a car?

NEVER tell them you're paying cash!

If they keep hounding you, tell them you're interested in financing but that you want to agree on the price of the car first. If you tell them you're paying cash, they will automatically calculate a lower profit and thus will be less likely to negotiate a lower price for you.

How do you negotiate with a used car dealer?

1. Get the numbers: Look up the car's current market value.
2. Make the right opening offer: Keep your offer low, but realistic.
3. Make a counteroffer: Sweeten the deal, but not too much.
4. Getting to “yes”: Review the numbers and all the terms before you shake hands.

How much should you offer on a used car?

Based on your pricing homework, you should have a good idea of how much you're willing to pay. Begin by making an offer that is realistic but 15 to 25 percent lower than this figure. Name your offer and wait until the person you're negotiating with responds.