When shopping for a car, the average American is about three times more likely to purchase a pre-owned automobile than a brand-new one. Typically much cheaper than unused autos, car salesmen can nonetheless earn a hefty profit by overcharging unsuspecting shoppers. To ensure that you make a wise investment, here are five tips you should always follow when shopping for used cars for sale. 1. Set a Budget The simplest way to ensure that you do not overspend on a secondhand auto is to know what you can afford to spend before you start shopping. Sounds simple, right? Unfortunately, many shoppers forego this fundamental step and go browsing without a firm budget. Our advice? Don't! Not only are you more likely to save dollars if you have a price in place, you can also shop and negotiate with more confidence. 2. Know What You Want As with any major purchase, you should come up with a short list of possible options. You can start by researching the brands and models that most interest you on independent auto websites. In addition to basic information about the vehicle, you should also find out what its retail price is and how much it sells for in the secondary market. This information should be relatively easy to ascertain, since most dealerships list the asking prices of used cars for sale on their websites. 3. Get an Insurance Quote Because the coverage rates vary by car brand, model, and age, it is always a good idea to get price quotes on the vehicles that interest you before you start shopping. It might not make a world of difference, but you could save yourself several hundred dollars a year on your auto insurance with a wise purchase. 4. Shop Around for Financing Although it is undoubtedly easier and more convenient to secure financing at the dealership, it will almost always end up costing you money. Why? Because dealerships essentially act as middlemen for lenders and charge a small fee for that service. As a result, you can almost always save money if you get the loan directly from the lender. It is also important to note that financing for used cars for sale is typically more expensive than for brand-new ones, which is yet another incentive to shop around for financing before you sign anything. 5. Talk Turkey Even if you are not a person who feels comfortable haggling over price, it is almost always possible to save money on a pre-owned auto if you negotiate for a better price. Because they bargain for a living, odds are the salesmen you deal with will have you beat in that department. But that doesn't mean he or she will be unwilling to come down a bit on the asking price. Simply saying that you would like a few hundred dollars off should be enough to secure a better price. We can't promise that it will be easy, but if you follow our simple advice, you will have a much better chance of getting the car you want at a price you can afford. To learn more about their options for used cars for sale, North Olmsted residents should visit http://www.ganleyhonda.com/index.htm.
Related Articles -
used, cars, for, sale, north, olmsted,
|