How to Save Money When Buying a Used Car

So you’re buying a used car. Whatever the reason, there are a few tactics that will save you money when buying a used car that are tried and true.

Educate yourself

Before you make your first scouting expedition, or spend one moment scanning the used car ads or shopping online, get access to a Blue Book. There are subscriptions available on the web, but If you don’t want to invest in ownership, contact your car insurance agent. If you’re really nice, they will be happy to look up car values for you. They need to know what your used car is worth anyway to insure it, so typically they’re very helpful even when you’re just shopping.

Be Flexible

You may not want to shop at a dealer, or you may only want to shop at a dealer. However, in order to find the right car at the best price, you will need to shop around. Your neighbor might just have the perfect vehicle with a for-sale sign sitting in his driveway. Or, your local dealer might have just received your dream car as a trade-in.

Prepare your Trade-in

If you want to use a dealer, and have a trade-in, there is opportunity to maximize its value as part of your transaction. Take your trade-in to your mechanic to have him give it the once over. Small maintenance items that have been neglected will affect your trade-in value. Assuming you’ve properly maintained your current car, take all your maintenance records with you, they provide proof of the maintenance history. Finally, get the car detailed. You’d be amazed at how appearance can affect an appraisal. A clean car also gives the perception that it’s been well cared for, which is the point you want to make.

Ask lots of questions

The more you know about the history of a used car, the more likely that you will pay an appropriate price and, more importantly, the more likely you will get a good car.

Purchase a Used Car History Report

This step alone can end up saving you thousands of dollars by ensuring you are not buying a car that has been in a serious accident, floor or fire. This step can not only save you money, it can save you from purchasing a car that has safety or maintenance issues that could cost you far more dearly down the road.