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More than 40 million used cars are sold each year in America. That's more than double the number of new car purchases. Even so, buying mistakes are quite common. Here are five that could cost you some serious cash. Mistake 1: Not Doing Your Research From pricing to fuel economy and safety, nearly anything you want to know about any vehicle on the road can be found online. Reputable automotive sites can tell you how much to spend and what to expect from pre-owned models. You can even read the reviews from current owners to get a personal account of what it's like to drive the vehicle you are interested in on a daily basis. With all of this information at your fingertips, there is absolutely no excuse for not doing your homework. The knowledge you gain will help you negotiate a better price for used cars. Mistake 2: Choosing The Wrong Ride Because they are far less expensive when used, impractical vehicles sell well in the secondary market. Luxury models, convertibles, and SUVs often appeal to shoppers who are looking for a great deal. The only problem is that those vehicles may not suit their needs. So even if the price is right, an SUV is probably a bad choice if you have a long commute to work. You should always shop based on your needs, not the best deal you could get for an impractical automobile. Mistake 3: Taking A Short Test-Drive From squeaky brakes to engine noise, most used cars have their share of automotive issues. Uncovering these potentially serious problems can take time, attention, and care. A short spin around the corner or around the block simply will not suffice. Drivers should test-drive any vehicle they are interested in for at least 10 miles. The trip should include a number of different road surfaces, varying speeds, and several complete stops. Failure to perform a proper test-drive is the number one reason buyers end up regretting their purchases. Mistake 4: Accepting A Bad Offer Even if you don't like to haggle or negotiate over price, there is no reason why you can't get a good deal on used cars. As long as you do your research (see mistake #1), you should have a pretty good idea of how much similar models have sold for in your area. You can then make an offer based on recent sale prices. Because you have evidence to justify your reasonable request, the salesman will have to consider your offer. He may then ask for a bit more, but he won't be able to stray too far from the ballpark figure you helped establish with your research. Mistake 5: Going Over Budget Don't worry about getting the best deal. Worry about getting the right deal. To do so, you must stick to the budget you carefully calculated before you arrived at the dealership. As long as you follow that simple advice, you won't experience a raging case of buyer's remorse in the morning. Avoid these common buying mistakes to get the vehicle you need at a price you can afford. To learn more about their options for used cars, Springfield, IL residents should visit http://www.freedomautosonline.com/inventory.aspx?newused=U.
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