But it will also mean paying a lot more money in interest. Fewer new cars for sale has increased demand for used cars, pushing prices up more than 40 percent above normal levels this past summer. “With financial stakes so high, it’s more important than ever to do careful research,” says Jake Fisher, director of CR’s Auto Test Center.

  • Unless the seller has a no-haggle price guarantee, you can probably purchase the car for less if you know how to negotiate.
  • When you and the salesperson hit the road, take care to treat the car like you would if you owned it.
  • When in doubt, check the state’s registry website for more information.
  • It will also show things from out of state which will not show up on a DMV title search.

You’ll want to know if they have the title and that it’s clean , if they have maintenance records, and if they still owe money on the vehicle or if there is a lien on it. There you can input the make, model and condition of your vehicle, along with its features. That dent on the door may be character to you, but the next buyer won’t feel the same. From there you’ll get the Kelley Blue Book trade-in and private-party values.

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With a little more searching, you can find better used cars somewhere else. So think about features youdon’tneed your auto tirdzniecība car to have. Not just technology like in-dash GPS, Bluetooth connectivity and backup cameras—but the basics too.

Condition – Analysis of mileage on the odometer, positives and negatives about the vehicle’s features and condition, and other resources like theft record, recalls. If you have a problem with financing you got from the dealer, report it to the Federal Trade Commission . If the dealer offers you another deal, you do not have to accept it.

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The seller will be not be responsible for making any repairs whatsoever. If the seller makes any oral promises about doing any repairs to the car, those are not valid unless they are made in writing. After you’ve covered some miles on your test drive, hop out and take a good look around. Inspect the paint for chips or scratches, and give your nose a workout—inside the car, outside the car, and under the hood. Knowing about the incident history of a used vehicle is a question that should be addressed, and if the seller avoids it, that is a cause for concern. You should be informed of any accidents a vehicle has been in and if the repairs have been made or not.

The decision to buy a used car versus a new car usually comes down to cost. Since pre-owned vehicles are cheaper than new ones, comparatively speaking, they make more sense for shoppers on a budget as well as people who are simply shrewd spenders. Still, the basics of careful shopping remain the same. AutoCheckand is the best-known source for vehicle history reports. You’ll use the car’s vehicle identification number to get this information, and in some cases, all you need is the license plate number.

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According to Edmunds, it must be certified pre-owned. The mileage must be under 48,000 miles and the vehicle must be less than four years old. This is where the dealership will try to sell you extended warranties, tire protection plans, paint protection plans, something called gap insurance. A third of buyers roll over an average of $5,000 in debt from their last car into their new loan. We encourage considering a certified pre-owned vehicle. CPO cars have been put through rigorous examination by a dealership and must meet certain parameters such as mileage, age and condition.