Used Vehicle Bargains

About us

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We have some hints and tips for buyers and soon sellers listed on the right side of this page.

Our regular business is advertising used vehcicles. Right now we have some for Houston TX. Maybe later folks will want to get exposure into other marketplaces.

Our online advertising service is more than a listing on a website. We place a full description on our site with as many pictures as you wish.

Plus, we list the vehicle on Craigs List, Kijiji, and Vast. These selected free listings get some of the best coverage on the internet.

We will also (starting this month) create links from our social networks as well.

All of this for a really low price.

For a bit extra, we will also come to you and take the pictures (Houston area). Other places, we will arrange to have someone take the pictures if you can't.

Visit us a Used Vehicle Bargain.

Buying Summary

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If you are buying a vehicle from a private party, you have to make sure that payment is made and the title and registration are properly transferred. You also need to make sure you have insurance for the vehicle you just bought before you drive it away.

When you buy a vehicle from a private party, you will probably be asked to pay with a cashier's check or in cash. But before money changes hands, request the title (sometimes called the "pink slip") and have it signed over to you. Rules governing vehicle registration and licensing vary from state to state. Check with the DMV in your state (much of this information is now available on DMV Web sites).

You should inspect the vehicle before you take possession of it. If any repair work is required, and has been promised by the dealer, get it in writing in a "Due Bill." Make sure the temporary registration has been put in the proper place.

If you are at a dealership, you still have to go through the finance and insurance (F&I) process. Also, the F&I person will probably try to sell you a number of additional items: an extended warranty, alarms or anti-theft services such as LoJack, prepaid service plans, fabric protection, rust proofing and emergency roadside kits.

Some people swear by extended warranties, so this is something you might want to consider (unless your used vehicle is certified or still under the manufacturer's warranty). However, the other items typically sold in the F&I room are expensive and hold little value for you.

The F&I person may seem like a financial advisor, but he or she is really an experienced salesperson. Some F&I people can become very persistent trying to sell these items. Be firm. Say, "I'm not interested in any aftermarket extras, thank you. I just want the vehicle."

Once the contract is ready, review it thoroughly. In most states, it will contain the cost of the vehicle, a documentation fee, a smog fee, a small charge for a smog certificate, sales tax and license fees (also known as DMV fees). Make sure you understand the charges and question the appearance of any significant, sudden additions to the contract.

Once all of the paperwork is complete, it is finally time to relax and begin enjoying your new purchase: a good used vehicle.

Buying Sources for Used Cars

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Consider all cars in the class you have chosen (compact sedan, SUV, station wagon, etc.) Look up new cars on the internet to see who makes your dream vehicle. Look up the vehicle on the internet to check its reliability and consumer reviews. Then search the internet to find a used one. Look up the vehicle on the internet to compare the price with other vehicles in the same class within your area.
The three most common places to buy a used vehicle are:

Private parties
New vehicle dealerships
Used vehicle lots

Of these sources, private parties usually have the most reasonable prices. It is also a more relaxed transaction to buy a used vehicle from a private party rather than to face a salesman at a dealership.

Still, there are advantages to buying a used vehicle from a new vehicle dealership. Many used cars, on new vehicle lots, are trade-ins. Dealerships usually get these cars at rock-bottom prices. If you make a low offer — but one that gives them some profit — you just might get a great deal. Furthermore, many dealerships offer certified used cars that have been thoroughly inspected and are backed by attractive warranties.

Search for your vehicle by using Internet sites such as this one, used vehicle listings, or the on-line classifieds of your local newspaper. In some cases you can search the used vehicle inventory of new vehicle dealerships through their Web site.

While the Internet is an amazing resource, you should still try the conventional sources. Ask friends and relatives if they are selling a used vehicle. Keep your eyes peeled for cars with "For Sale" signs in the window. Scan the bulletin boards at supermarkets or in local schools and colleges. Finally, don't forget old faithful — the newspaper classifieds, particularly on Saturday and Sunday.

A lot of time can be saved by calling the party selling the vehicle before you go to see the vehicle. In this way, you can eliminate cars that have problems such as excessive mileage or a salvage title.

After talking to the seller, set up an appointment for a test drive. If possible, make this appointment during the day so you can more accurately determine the car's condition.

Buying Reports

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One vital step to getting a great used vehicle deal is to run a vehicle history report on the used vehicle you are considering buying.

Some companies sell these reports, which are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN): Carfax and AutoCheck are two. You will find out a lot of vital information about the used vehicle.

Anyone selling a car, van, or truck will have its VIN number and should freely offer it to you. We show them as part of our ads.

Buying Negotiating

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Whether you are buying a used vehicle from a dealer or a private party, let them know you have the cash in hand (or financing arranged) to make a deal on the spot. Preface your offer with a statement like, "I'm ready to make a deal now. I can give you cash (or a cashier's check) now. But we need to talk about the price."

At this point, you need to have a persuasive argument about why the price is too high. So let's talk about pricing. The foundation of successful negotiation is information. This is particularly true when buying a used vehicle. And yet, the condition of used cars means prices will vary widely.

Dealers have lots of experience negotiating. Most private parties do not. Therefore, buying a used vehicle from a dealer or a private party will be two very different experiences. But there is one overriding similarity — they both want to sell the vehicle. In fact, the incentive to sell the vehicle might be greater to the dealer than to the private party owner.

You should, however, follow these guidelines when negotiating:

Only enter into negotiations with a salesperson you feel comfortable with
Make an opening offer that is low, but in the ballpark
Decide ahead of time how high you will go and leave when your limit's reached
Walk out — this is your strongest negotiating tool
Be patient — plan to spend an hour or more negotiating
Leave the dealership if you get tired or hungry
Don't be distracted by pitches for related items such as extended warranties or anti-theft devices

At a dealership expect a "closer" (another salesman you've haven't previously dealt with) to try to improve the deal before you reach a final price.

Buying Inspecting the Vehicle

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Used vehicle shopping will involve inspecting the vehicle to determine its condition. This process is simplified if you buy a certified used vehicle that has passed a thorough inspection and is backed by a manufacturer's warranty. But while buying a certified used vehicle removes a lot of the guesswork about the vehicle's mechanical condition, you pay for this service.

Most new cars are sold with a three-year/36,000-mile warranty. Therefore, if you buy a vehicle that is from one to three years old, with less than 36,000 miles on the odometer, it will still be under the factory warranty. If anything goes wrong with the vehicle you just bought, the problem will be fixed for free. (Warranties vary from one manufacturer to the next. Always read the restrictions of the warranty before buying the vehicle.)

If you are serious about buying a used vehicle but have doubts about its condition, take it to a mechanic you trust. A private party will probably allow you to do this without much resistance. But at a dealership, it might be more difficult.

Once you get behind the wheel, your first impression will be the way the vehicle feels when you sit in it. Is it a good fit? Does it offer enough headroom? Legroom? Are the gauges and controls conveniently positioned?

Try to arrange your test drive so that you start the engine when it is completely cold. Some cars are harder to start when they are dead cold and, when doing so, will reveal chronic problems. Turn off the radio before you begin driving — you want to hear the engine and concentrate on the driving experience.

On the test drive, evaluate these additional points:

Acceleration from a stop
Visibility (Check for blind spots)
Engine noise
Passing acceleration (Does it downshift quickly and smoothly?)
Hill-climbing power
Braking
Cornering
Suspension (How does it ride?)
Rattles and squeaks
Cargo space

On the test drive, take your time and be sure to simulate the conditions of your normal driving patterns. If you do a lot of highway driving, be sure to go on the highway and take the vehicle up to 65 mph. Test the vehicle on a steep slope like an onramp to one of our freeways. You don't want to find out — after you've bought the vehicle — that it doesn't perform as needed.

After the test drive, ask the owner if you can see the service records and if receipts are available. If so, note whether the vehicle has had oil changes at regular intervals.

Buying Financing

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You have three ways to pay for your used vehicle:

Cash. Need we say more? Money talks — you-know-what walks.

Financing through the dealer. This can work for some people depending on their credit scores and the current interest rates offered. Also, by prearranging financing through an independent source, the dealer may sometimes offer to beat the rate with a low-interest loan.

Financing through a bank, on-line lender or credit union. If not using your cash, we recommend this route because it will usually save money and give the consumer the most control over the transaction. (See more below.)

Keeps negotiations simple in the dealership
Allows you to shop competitive interest rates ahead of time
Removes dependency on dealership financing
Encourages you to stick to your budgeted amount
Loans can be arranged online through places like Up2Drive.com or realcarloanok.com

The smart shopper will consider how to finance the vehicle at the beginning of the shopping process. This will avoid unpleasant surprises later in the game and help you make an unemotional decision that fits your budget.

You will need to estimate three figures that will guide you as you go shopping:

Monthly payment. If you are going to take out a loan, how much can you afford to pay each month?

Down payment. How much cash can you put down to reduce your monthly payments?

Purchase price of the vehicle. Answering the first two questions will help you determine a realistic price range for your used vehicle.

The cost of a used vehicle is based on its condition, mileage, reliability, performance and popularity. Of course, you want a vehicle that is reliable and performs well. But do you want the same used vehicle everyone else wants? If so, you will pay a premium for it. In some cases, the only difference is the nameplate.

A difference in price frequently separates good-but-popular cars from the good-but-overlooked counterparts, sometimes as much as $3,000.

Buying Benefits

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If you've decided to buy a used vehicle, you've already made a smart decision. You can get a vehicle that's sometimes as good or better than a brand-new one, without suffering the depreciation that wallops new vehicle buyers as soon as they drive the vehicle off the lot. Even used vehicles that are only one year old are 20 to 30 percent cheaper than new ones.

But there are other good reasons to buy a used vehicle:

Buying a used vehicle means you can afford a model with more luxury/performance.
You'll save money on insurance.
The glut of vehicles coming off lease makes finding a near-new vehicle, or "cream puff," easy.
Bigger bargains are possible for the smart used vehicle shopper.

Furthermore, the classic reasons to avoid used vehicles — lack of reliability and the expense of repairs — are less of an issue. Consider these related thoughts:

Used vehicles are more reliable today than ever before.
Many newer used cars are still under the factory warranty.
Most new vehicle makers now sell certified used vehicles, which include warranties.
The history of a used car can easily be traced using the VIN number.
Financing rates for used vehicles have dropped in recent years.
If you buy from a private party, the negotiation process is less stressful.

Buying Checklist

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Buying A Used Vehicle
The following information has been gathered from experts within the used vehicle industry including dealers, advertising media, researchers, writers, and a little common sense.

Checklist

Decide how you are going to pay for your vehicle. If you are going through a bank, on-line lender or credit union, obtain loan approval before you start shopping.
Determine what kind of vehicle you feel would be right for you and your family.
Contact the seller to verify the pertinent information and to arrange a visit time with them.
Test drive the vehicle under your normal driving conditions.
Inspect the vehicle for unacceptable dents, dings and scratches.
Inspect the vehicle moulding and rubber parts for excess wear.
Take the vehicle to your mechanic if it is not covered by a comprehensive warranty.
Negotiate your best deal.
Read the contract carefully before signing.