Whether you are purchasing from a dealer or a private seller, you will likely be meeting with people you don’t know. This is more the case with a private seller, as these meetings are often conducted after hours or at an unfamiliar location. It is important to ask the seller about these details when making a purchase to help protect yourself.
The number of owners a vehicle has had is an important piece of information to have. This will tell you if there have been any accidents or major issues with the car. It also lets you know if the previous owners kept up with routine maintenance or not.
When determining which used cars are worth considering, it’s important to consider the total cost of ownership. The initial purchase price of a vehicle is only one part of the equation; the rest comes from ongoing costs such as fuel, repairs and insurance. You may be able to save money on the initial purchase price by buying through a certified pre-owned (CPO) program. These vehicles have usually undergone a strict inspection and come with a warranty.
No matter how good a deal you get on an initial purchase, it is important to think about the total cost of a vehicle. If a repair is unexpected or costly, it can quickly negate any savings that you may have made on the initial purchase price. Use all of the information you have gathered as ammo when haggling with the seller, and never go above what you feel is fair value for the vehicle.