Car Buying Tips

One of my passions over the years has been the art of automotive science. Over my lifetime I have researched, studied, kept up on the latest automotive know-how with a vengeance. My buddies & I used to play the "name that automobile make & model game" as they drove down the various roads all over the USA. It was a competitive game between us to see who could correctly identify the make/model of a automobile that was approaching us before the other man, all for bragging rights. This game may appear trivial to some folks but to any of you auto buffs it makes ideal sense. So I thought I'd write a quick post & share a few tips about what I have learned over the years of buying & selling lots of cars.

So you have made the decision to trade in that elderly clunker that is served you & your relatives so well. With so lots of choices in today's automotive world where does start? Regrettably from my personal experience there's over a few automobile dealerships that still play the high pressure games. Although with the advent of the net most well armed buyers have over resources to level the playing field between them & the automobile dealership.

Hopefully by the time it comes to look for your new ride you have some idea of what type/make/model of automobile you are looking for. In case you require assistance with this there's some great sites you can utilize. Edmonds.com is a great resource to help you research different makes & models & also has a consumer ratings/feedback section where you can read other automobile owners reviews of that particular vehicle.

One time you have narrowed it down to the particular make & model, I would recommend using a top online auto classified site like Autotrader.com, Autotrader is of the best sites out there from my personal experience, although there's definitely other nice sites I would start with them as they appear to have the broadest stock of new & used vehicles of any site I have researched. word of caution, unless you have a burning desire to be the first butt to warm the leather... save yourself lots of money & but slightly used! Automobiles are NOT a nice investment & they depreciate up to 50% with in a few years of possession. I would recommend purchasing a pre-owned automobile that is to years elderly & has under 30,000 miles on the odometer.

You may ask why to years elderly and under 30k miles? Nice query, most manufacturers have a bumper to bumper warranty that covers any defects or issues for years or 50k miles whatever comes first. By purchasing your automobile with 30k or less miles and to years elderly, you still have of a cushion to drive your new ride and still be protected. In case you buy your new automobile from a used automobile dealer they may even certify that particular automobile for up to a 100k mile warranty but that does add to the retail cost of the automobile.

Now that you have found a automobile you like and are willing to drive for the foreseeable future its time to negotiate a cost. With the advent of the world wide web can search nationwide to find the automobile of your dreams. I have personally bought cars all over the country and had them shipped to my residence with great success. Shipping to most parts of the country costs between $500 to $1000 depending on the distance.

Automobile pricing can vary greatly from section of the country to the other and whether the automobile is being offered through a dealer or a private party. I would recommend using a site like Kelly Blue Book or KBB.com, you can look up the exact pricing for your automobile based on the year, make, and particular model. KBB will then give you a estimated cost range based on pricing levels; wholesale or trade-in, private party, and retail dealer pricing.

In case you choose to buy from a dealer, I would stay away from the "our best price" model some dealers employ. Usually with a small negotiating you can find that same automobile for a bit less some where else. I always negotiate the cost I require to pay using the KBB wholesale pricing. Its a great way to always low ball the dealer/private party and who knows, possibly they are motivated to sell you the automobile at a wholesale cost.

Below is a summary to a smart automobile purchasing experience:

1. If you can, purchase a slightly used or pre-owned vehicle and save a TON of money!
2. If your not sure of your next horseless carriage, utilize a nice automobile research/review site.
3. Utilize a nice automobile classified service to search nationwide as prices/inventory vary across the country. Look for cars that are 2-3 years elderly and have under 30k miles on the odometer.
4. Look for cars that are 2-3 years elderly and have under 30k miles on the odometer.
5. Negotiate the cost utilizing a automobile pricing guideline service and start by using the wholesale cost.
6. Before you buy your next bucket of bolts, make sure it is not! Use a automobile research service to review its history or you may be sorry.
7. Do not be afraid to buy your next automobile from anyone out of state. Shipping is comparatively painless and straightforward to set up.

Another important aspect to purchasing a pre-owned automobile, receive a research document on the vehicle before committing! Carfax.com and Autocheck.com are of the top automobile history reporting services. They will run you a document that details its whole history so you will have peace of mind concerning any accidents, title discrepancies, flood/hail destroy, salvage title, service history on that particular automobile.