Buying a used car

Discussion in Auto & Moto started by Gelsemium • Mar 6, 2014.

  1. Gelsemium

    GelsemiumWell-Known Member

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    Sometimes we buy a used car to save and we buy a car that is not working correctly and we end up losing our money. I can advise always taking a mechanic when buying and used car so that we don't get many surprises... What other advice can you give?
     
  2. lindbergh

    lindberghWell-Known Member

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    Before I bought my second hand car, I brought my dad with my, a friend who's an expert with cars, and our trusted mechanic. This way, each of them could give an opinion on what they think of the car - if it's still in good condition, if it's worth the price, etc. Also, make sure that you have extra cash stored away for additional repairs that the car would need - probably a change in the timing belt, some tubes, change oil, and the like.
     
  3. Gelsemium

    GelsemiumWell-Known Member

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    Yep, that's what I did, I once took a friend of my dad and the other time I paid a mechanic. It's a good investment because we might get lucky or we might get deceived, so nothing like taking someone who understand from the business. Above all we need luck, but we need to do our share of the work as well.
     
  4. costin

    costinActive Member

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    This is an adventure, starting with the idea and ending with the transaction itself.
    I can tell you from my own experience that any used car, no matter its glamorous appearance, has to be tested by a mechanic. He will find the flaws underneath the glamour;)
     
  5. Hedonologist

    HedonologistActive Member

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    Well one that has been MOT tested recently will be the least likely to have fault. A car with 11 months remaining is better than one with 3 months, not only because you won't have to pay again for a while, but the first will have been tested very recently and is unlikely to have gained significant new faults within the month. Also ask to see the certificate as that will contain the advisory items.
     
  6. LindaKay

    LindaKayActive Member

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    I've always had used cars until now. Now I have a 2014 Kia Forte. If you can get approved for a new car, I suggest it over making payments on a used one. My payments through a buy here, pay here dealership were about $320 a month for a vehicle that was 8 years old. Now, I pay $400 a month for a brand new vehicle with an excellent warranty.
     
  7. Gelsemium

    GelsemiumWell-Known Member

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    Congratulations on the new car Linda! :)

    I must be misunderstanding, you were paying $320 for an used car and now you're paying $400 for a new one? Just different periods to pay right or else those numbers just don't add up.
     
  8. mythman

    mythmanActive Member

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    The advice my godfather gave my cousin when she mentioned she was looking for a car---the best used car you can buy is a Ford Taurus from between 2000 & 2005. He said they were known as 'dealer cars' (or 'seller cars'), and were really built to last.
     
  9. Gelsemium

    GelsemiumWell-Known Member

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    Wow, a Ford Taurus from 2000 & 2005? Really? That is something really specific, what if someone wants another brand? We can follow general specifications, but my nº1 tip is to get the car seen by a specialist you trust in before you buy it.
     
  10. MrsJones

    MrsJonesActive Member

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    I've never owned a new car. The best tip that I can give is going to a reputable used car dealership may be one suggested by a current or previous satisfied customer. I used to work at a dealership that sold new and used cars that had a very good reputation and had returning customers for the seven years I worked there. Any trade that was not worth putting on their lot was towed away to an auction.
     
  11. Gelsemium

    GelsemiumWell-Known Member

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    Not all the time by doing that you will get the best deal MrsJones because many times a reputable used car dealership will have higher prices and not necessarily the best car. The best advice is to ask around a lot and see different cars, we will get a hang of what's the best deal that way.
     
  12. mythman

    mythmanActive Member

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    ooh-ooh-ooh! Going to TrueCar.com, right?
     
  13. lindbergh

    lindberghWell-Known Member

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    Oh, and I would also like to recommend that if possible, you purchase a used car from a person you know. If you purchase a used car from someone you know, it would be easier to contact them in case there's trouble with the car that you have bought. You'll also have more confidence in the car if you purchase it from someone you know.
     
  14. Gelsemium

    GelsemiumWell-Known Member

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    lol, never heard of that to be honest, don't forget I am in Portugal, so we have different sites. The main site here is StandVirtual, a really complete site with a lot of offers.
     
  15. isabbbela

    isabbbelaWell-Known Member

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    I work at the automotive industry and to be honest I bought my current car new but plan to buy my next one used... I'm not sure how taxes and costs for new X used cars are where you live, but where I live it's currently more cost efficient to buy a car used because you don't have as much costs.
     
  16. XLS

    XLSMember

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    I have always owned used cars. For the first time I am venturing for a used car all on my own. I do not know any mechanics but have complete I'm faith in my experience with cars. Im looking to spend less than $1000- I hear that either way I am taking a risk. The only way that I am not taking a risk is if I know who is selling. Now a days in my book it doesn't matter if it is used or new- your always in line to deal with risks.
     
  17. mythman

    mythmanActive Member

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    carfax.com I guess ;)