Getting ready to buy my first car . . .

[backstept]

and frankly I'm terrified . . .

I found a good insurance quote (haven't bought it yet), and I got pre-approved for a loan from my CU

haven't found a car though . . . I don't know whether to search the classifieds, craigslist, ebay, or go to one of the several used dealerships in my city . . . I've found several online that I like, but that's a far cry from actually finding a car

anyone have any advice, or stories about buying a used car and hopefully put my mind at ease to keep from stressing out?

 

[auntiehill]

Never buy a car without test driving it and getting some type of warranty and/or guarantee IN WRITING. You need to do research---mileage, reliability, repair costs, etc. Check Consumer's Reports, for a start. If you have a family member or friend who is a)not the least bit interested in what car you buy and b)somewhat knowlegeable about cars, take that person with you. You may want an objective perspective to consult.

Test drive, test drive, test drive. You must comparison shop!

We bought a used Toyota from CarMax--a large, used car dealership that provides a guarantee and a warranty. We've been pretty happy with it.

 

[Smiley]

Take somebody with you when you visit the seller, whether it's an individual or a dealership. Two sets of eyes and ears are better than one, and the intimidation factor is a lot less.

Decide what is important to you before you begin looking.

Know what you can afford, and shop within that budget. There's no shame in getting a budget car while working toward a luxury car.

Make sure you test drive before you buy.

If you're buying used, get a Carfax report, and consider having the car inspected by a third party.

That's about all the advice I have without knowing more specifics of your situation.

 

[Sheliak]

Certified Toyota

You get what you pay for.

 

[apostle83]

I would say buy from a private person and have an expert mechanic inspect it (have seller drive it to mechanic). If you spend $300 having a mechanic look at it, it will be some of the best money you can spend.

I'm talking top to bottom, looking everything over.

 

[Brolan]

The best used cars are sold by new car dealers, but they are more expensive. These cars are usually in excellent shape. New car dealers only keep the best because they don't want their reputation damaged.

The cars that new car dealers get in trade (but are too junky for them to sell) make it to the auto auction. The auto auction is where many used car dealers get their cars. Insurance wrecks that have been fixed up also go the auction. You likely don't want these cars.

Private parties are the cheapest source of new cars. You need to watch out for the guys that fix up old wrecks and sell them directly. They usually have a large shop building on their property and/or a number of cars for sale.

Just remember the private party is likely selling a car they fear will have some kind of major repair, otherwise they wouldn't be selling it. You need to figure out what the issue is.

My best advice is is buy new and take care of your car. That's worked out the best for me. I've had problems with every used car I've bought. Very few with cars I bought new.

 

[zephramc]

While a Carfax report is generally a good idea, it may or may not be accurate. Carfax checks with the DMV, some insurance companies and maybe a few other entities. If the car was involved in a collision it may have not been reported to the insurance company if the repairs were paid by the owner, therefore Carfax would never be aware of it.

My advice is to ask the seller if you can take the car to an automotive business (independent mechanic or another car dealer) for an inspection. These typically cost around $50. If you know a reputable mechanic, bring it to him/her. If not, any major dealer will be happy to take your money. For instance, if you're buying a Honda Civic from the Honda dealer, take the car to the other Honda dealer across town, or in the next city (provided it's within a reasonable distance), or to the Toyota dealership provided they're not owned by the same person/company.

If the seller says yes go ahead and have the car inspected, you can feel safe that the seller has nothing to hide. If they say no, walk away. Do not try to negotiate, or anything, just walk away.

Second piece of advice. Don't buy on the same day you look/test drive the car. Look at the car and test drive it on say Sunday, then take a day or two to think about it. Look/testdrive again if you feel like it. Finally if you decide that this is the car you want, then go and negotiate.

Third piece of advice is to know the average price of the car you intend to buy. Use edmunds.com and autotrader.com to get a price range for the car you're interested in (Compare cars with similar options and mileage).

Fourth piece of advice. Assuming you're buying from a dealer, buy during the middle of the week at the end of the month. Dealers are typically trying to unload as many cars as they can during month end and the middle of the week is the slowest time (as opposed to the weekends). Eat an early dinner then come into the dealership at around 4:30PM - 5:00PM. Spend all evening dealing on the car if necessary. He/she probably have will not have had a chance to eat, and will be eager to complete a sale and and get the "hell out of there". Car salesmen are human too.

Fifth piece of advice. I understand you've already been approved for a loan by your bank, but sometimes the dealer will "shave a little off the price" if you finance through them. You can always refinance with your bank at a later time. Also, negotiate the price of the car, not the payments.

Last piece of advice. If you're not satified with the price offered by the dealer, leave. If you're offer was reasonable, the dealership will likely call you back within a day or two to see if you're still interested. If they do, round 2 begins.

Good luck.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

Check Consumer's Reports, for a start.

QFT.

Consumer Reports is excellent information for *any* major purchase. Especially things like cars, bigscreen TVs, etc. These people definitely know whereof they speak. They sure helped me in my search for a car.

 

[ed629]

While a Carfax report is generally a good idea, it may or may not be accurate. Carfax checks with the DMV, some insurance companies and maybe a few other entities. If the car was involved in a collision it may have not been reported to the insurance company if the repairs were paid by the owner, therefore Carfax would never be aware of it.

Also, the reports can vary. Example, had my truck hit on the door by a Corolla, the officer's report which made it to Carfax states moderate damage occurred. It can be repaired at a low cost, a few years later got hit by a semi, the damage this time is slight damage on Carfax, the cost to fix is twice the first hit.

 

[Surefire]

Certified Toyota

You get what you pay for.

Agreed.

I've had nothing but great results with Certified Toyota and Lexus.

Further, I would recommend getting the "Platinum Extra Care" extended warrantee for peace of mind.

I don't believe in buying new these days, some jackass will ding your door up within a week of buying a new car anyway.

I buy certified used with low miles, and if you time it at the right time of the year you'll get some great deals and financing.

 

[backstept]

I'm getting a 1993 Jeep Cherokee Sport
yes it's old, but it's in great shape and the price is right

 

[backstept]

finally bought the Jeep yesterday

 

[the_wildcard]

finally bought the Jeep yesterday

Congrats man. Now you've begun your journey in dreaming and anticipating for your next car! once you get the car you want, you soon start wishing which car you want next, lol. It['s just weird how that works out.

 

[backstept]

well I think the next one I get will be a Jeep also

 

[backstept]

one year later . . .

frame rot, bad U joint, fuel leak, pitman arm, mirrors, wipers, drums shoes calipers and rotors

I knew the jeep would need a lot of work when I got it, but I didn't think it would need so much
the above list is what's keeping it from passing inspection, and to fix would cost more than I bought the thing for . . .
so I'm getting ready to buy my second car

I'm going to go with a dealer this time, this particular dealer is in my opinion the best in CNY, and I know the owner and several other people there, so hopefully I'll get the best car I can afford.

 

[Cakes488]

and frankly I'm terrified . . .

I found a good insurance quote (haven't bought it yet), and I got pre-approved for a loan from my CU

haven't found a car though . . . I don't know whether to search the classifieds, craigslist, ebay, or go to one of the several used dealerships in my city . . . I've found several online that I like, but that's a far cry from actually finding a car

anyone have any advice, or stories about buying a used car and hopefully put my mind at ease to keep from stressing out?

Yes. Go to the library and take out books on how to beat these salespeople at their own game. It t'was very helpful to me when I purchased my car.

 

[Scout101]

Hopefully you got that jeep very cheaply if it's having that many problems in a year's time? That, or not so good on the 'inspecting the car' part of the purchase.

 

[CaptainStoner]

If you're doing it yourself, you want to check the condition of the fluids. It's stuff you need to know anyway.

Last car I purchased, the seller had washed the engine, but I didn't heed the dirty condition of the oil. It took many oil changes to get the oil to stay clean. Also had to flush every other fluid in the car. Normal maintainance neglected makes for a PITA.

 

[backstept]

Hopefully you got that jeep very cheaply if it's having that many problems in a year's time? That, or not so good on the 'inspecting the car' part of the purchase.

it's a 93 so I'm not exactly surprised it needs a lot of work

 

[Scout101]

no argument there, but you only bought it a year ago, so just hope you paid little to nothing for it, assuming it was on its last legs...