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If you're going to buy a car, you could buy a new car or
a used car. According to Edmunds, in 2006 the average new car
costs $27,800, while the average used car costs $13,900.
What's good about buying a used car?
- The first owner has already taken the largest loss of value (depreciation).
- Used cars cost less to insure.
- Late-model, low-mileage cars are plentiful because there are so many leased cars.
- Cars today are built well enough to go many miles for many years.
- Dealers sell "certified" used cars with an added manufacturer's warranty.
What's the downside about a used car?
- The cost of a used car might not be sufficiently lower than the cost of a new car in the same model.
- You miss out on the new-car warranty.
- A used car won't have the very latest safety features.
- A used car won't have the very latest technology.
Do Some Car Research
The majority of cars sold are used cars, and there are many places to shop. You can check the prices of cars that interest you on the Internet. All of the car manufacturers have Web sites. There are many car sites that will provide you with very helpful information about and comparisons of all makes and models of used cars, as well as current prices. Three of these sites are:
- Edmunds
- National Automobile Dealers'
Association site
- Automobile Association of America
These organizations publish the same information in printed form, as guides. You can find them at your local bookstore or library.
With so much information available, you can determine the reliability of the makes and models and the availability and the cost of the cars sold in your area. Compare these best deals to the new cars you have considered.
Car locators
You can find a used car by using the online locators in the Web sites listed above. The locators will ask for your zip code and find cars you want in your area. You'll then you have a list of used cars at new-car dealer lots, used-car lots, or private car ads.
When you find a car you would like to buy, it's up to you to check it out to make sure it's all you really want. If you are buying a low-mileage, previously leased car, ask that the dealer certify the car and extend the manufacturer's warranty.
The three Web sites listed above, plus http://www.carfax.com,
will let you enter the VIN (vehicle identification number)
to get information on the car's history.
Bring the car to a mechanic and pay for a thorough inspection. If the seller shows any reluctance to your having the car inspected, walk away from the deal
Do your own inspection. You can find checkpoint lists on the auto information sites. Be sure to test drive the car in less-than-ideal conditions-at night, in the rain, and so on.
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