In the modern Internet enabled world finding cheap used cars is easier than it’s ever been. With private listings, auction sites like eBay and live auction listings, used car superstores, dealerships listing used cars online, and all sorts of other options it’s a snap to find cheap used cars, compare their features and prices and even complete the purchase. With a few simple tips in mind the smart consumer can also avoid lemons and unscrupulous sales.
The first thing to remember is that just because something is online doesn’t mean it’s true. People trust newspapers too much, and the same goes for the web. Just because something is written in a newspaper or mentioned on the radio doesn’t mean it’s 100% true. The Internet isn’t an exception. It’s all too easy to create a convincing lie online, even faked images and movie proof. Unscrupulous individuals flock to the web. The snake oil smiles and slicked back hair can’t be seen during a remote negotiation. Photoshop lets people air brush out defects like bad paint. “As is” is still the rule on the net, but people ignore common sense. Not everyone is dishonest, but be careful.
Always have a used car inspected by a good mechanic. That means driving the car to a garage. If it’s an online listing where no contact is expected, hire a garage to inspect the car for you. There are plenty of independent garages that will perform vehicle inspections. There’s no need to rely on the seller’s inspection or garage. Get a look from someone not involved in the sale. For under $50 you can avoid problems that could cost thousands, including the money spent on the cheap used car purchase price.
Purchase the used car on price, not on payments. Even if the salesman keeps telling you about low monthly payments, ask for the price. Dealers often use the financing to add a few dollars to the price, so don’t use their finance company. Go in with your own financing or better yet save up to pay cash for the used car. And when you pay cash, demand a discount.
Cheap used cars are a reality. There are a lot of modern tools to aid in their purchase. But it’s true for used cars just as it is for anything, if a deal looks too good to be true it is.
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