Car Shopping? Tips to Find Great Cars for Sale

Buying a car is an expensive commitment that not everyone is prepared for. But if you're determined to find the right car, it's worth the time and effort. A great car can last for years and will provide a dependable source of transportation for you.

Thus, it's necessary to do some research before you walk into a dealership and make a deposit towards purchasing a car. Here are tips to help you find high-quality cars that are worth the money:

1. Check out Reputation

It's always a good idea to check the dealership's reputation before visiting. You can do this by contacting the Better Business Bureau or reading online testimonials. 

Also, check out how long they have been in business and their turnover rate – "how many employees have worked there for more than one year," to quote one review site. 

Look at what past customers are saying about the dealership and its representatives. You can also read reviews on sites.

2. Get an Estimate

Before you walk into a dealership, ask for an estimate for a specific car model. An estimate includes all fees and taxes, so you will know exactly how much you owe at the end of the deal. You can also negotiate for a better deal, as your initial deposit will be smaller. 

Get different estimates for cars for sale in different areas. For example, you can get an estimate for the car in your area and compare the price to how much it will cost you to drive across town.

3. Research Interest Rates and Financing Options

It's also important to check financing options before walking into a dealership. Many dealerships have lower financing rates than your bank's interest rate. 

For example, "online car buying" sites will give you a pre-approved loan rate to help you find a car when shopping online. Additionally, some car dealerships offer low rates on trade-in cars or financing on vehicles that don't qualify for their finance department.

4. Read the Fine Print

Reading the small print in the sales contract and terms is also important. Check out the interest rates, balloon payments, and signer requirements (if a spouse is signing for the deal). 

It's always good to know what you're committing to! Signing a car contract is not a decision to be made lightly. This is an expense of the first magnitude, so it's important to know what you're getting into!

5. Test Drive the Car

After researching and negotiating with your dealer, test drive the car. You will want to get a sense of how it drives and how it handles traffic. 

Additionally, you'll want to test how comfortable it is to sit in and how easy (or difficult) it will be for you and your family members to get in, out of, and onto the vehicle.

Conclusion

A great car will last for years, so if you invest in a car that will last, you'll save yourself money in the long run. This is not an investment to be taken lightly, so it's important to do your research. 

Check out the reputation of the dealership and its employees, read online reviews about the dealership and its employees, and check out interest rates before signing any dotted line.

The Used Car Buyer's Checklist

In today’s financial climate everyone is after a good deal, but buying a used car can be a real minefield of potential hazards and problems, so by having your wits about you and by using this handy used car buyer’s checklist, you should be able to avoid buying a dud. Many of the typical problems people associate with used cars are easily dealt with. However, these hidden costs are often not taken into consideration when a motorists decides to buy, leaving them to overestimate the bargain they’ve received:

Tires

Not the most obvious thing to check, but tyres can actually be one of the most expensive parts to replace on any car. Making sure you buy a used car with good tyre depths left on all four wheels is essential – as having to replace four tyres will typically cost several hundred dollars. Couple that with the potential danger (and hence insurance costs) of driving a car which has bald tyres and it makes you realise why the rubber is so important!

Service history

The service history of any car is the only real way of making sure the car you’re buying has been looked after. Service intervals also show the car’s mileage, meaning you can check to see if it’s ever been clocked or if something is not quite right.

Remember, a service is essential to keep the car running smoothly. Don’t under-estimate the importance of a good service history.

Brakes

Chances are you’ll want to take the car out for a test-drive before you buy, but one of the things many people forget to check is the condition of the brakes. The best thing to do is try a few emergency stops to ensure that: 1. The ABS is in fully working order and, 2. that the brakes actually stop the car as they should. New brakes all-round can cost an absolute fortune, so it’s best to make sure you don’t get caught short.

VIN

The car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a very simple but often forgotten about way of confirming your car hasn’t been messed around with. If the VIN doesn’t match up to the number on the logbook, then walk away! There are too many horror stories to justify buying a car that doesn’t have matching VIN’s. 

Data check

An unbelievably simple way of finding out if the car has ever been stolen or written-off is the HPI data check. It takes 10 minutes and HPI will give you a detailed history report on that particular car – including information from the official sources like the Police and insurance companies. This is an absolute must do in today’s used car buying world!

Modifications

If you’re in the market for a small hatchback then be aware of the car with all the sparkly bits. Teenage drivers and ‘boy-racers’ enjoy modifying their cars and if you don’t have an eye for mods then you could end up buying a 1.2 Vauxhall Corsa with an 1100w sub in the boot – something not everyone will appreciate.

If you’re unsure on what an original and unmodified version of the car you’re looking at is, then just take a picture along with you of one that hasn’t been ruined and compare. Aftermarket spoilers and skirts tend to be a warning sign.

Oil check

Checking the condition and level of the oil in the car’s engine is a basic but effective way of checking that the engine is in good condition. The engine oil is the life-blood of the engine; without it, you’re not going anywhere, so make sure it has been well-looked after and has plenty of oil to keep it humming along.

If you’re a novice, all you need to do is find a rag, lift the dipstick, take it out of the engine, wipe clean, dip it back in and lift it out once more and check that the oil level is somewhere between minimum and maximum – if it’s not, then you need to think about your potential purchase and if it’s worth it.

George is a writer at Vcars.co.uk – check out their in depth guide to buying a used car for more tips (UK focus).