There are many sources for finding the perfect used car, but there is one source that over that past decade has made car shopping much easier: the internet. Today just about everyone advertises their car for sale on the web. Whether its a private sale on Ebay or a franchised dealership with a complete inventory, you can find almost any make or model you may be looking for. Furthermore, many sites offer side to side comparison between models, as well as consumer reviews, and expert reviews. It is important to search for a used car that has been well maintained and has never gone through an accident or other major problems. You're more likely to find a well maintained car through a dealership because previous owners have taken care of their car very well because they value it, and the dealership is more than likely to be particularly about the condition the car is in to ensure it has a high quality. Overall, the Internet is an effective tool you can use to find out what is on the market in terms of availability, production year and price. It will give you the most up-to-date information compared to other sources, you may still have to visit the dealership for a test drive, but the majority of your work can easily be done online.
Internet Search Engine Research
Research is one of the most important steps in the used car buying process. Show up to the dealership knowledgeable about your model, and the experience will be much better. With the web research has never gotten easier. From consumer reviews, to reviews from the industry, safety organizations, and sites that specializing in giving you the best information about various models and comparing them side by side the web has just about everything to know about a car.
Narrowing the Vehicle
Before you can search online, you have to know what to search for; typing in 'Used Cars' may give an overwhelming or unhelpful result. So you must first narrow down to a general category. Here are some questions to ask yourself about what type of used car you are looking for:
Fuel Economy:
With fluctuating fuel prices, mileage has become a key concern while
making a car purchase decision. Visit various online car portals to
find out what the estimated mileage of the type of cars you are looking
at is. Assume that the car will give slightly less than the estimated
mileage shown on the Internet.
What are your Needs: It is essential that you know what "type" of car you are looking for and what are the basic needs that you want your four-wheeler to fulfill for you. Decide on whether you want a family sedan that fits 4 to 5 easily, a sporty SUV to commute long distances or travel a lot, a small car that fits 4 and gives great mileage and is best for city-driving, and so on. Other than the type of car, it is also important that you decide on whether you are more comfortable with a petrol or diesel engine.
Budget Constraints: Your budget is the first thing that you should take into consideration before making a purchase decision. Choose to look at only those used cars that fall into your pre-estimated budget. Sometimes the price quoted may be a few thousand more than what the seller is expecting, so you can select accordingly. In case you are looking at EMI options, then use online resources that help you calculate your monthly EMI based on the amount of loan your budget can handle.
Targeting the Search
Once you know what you are looking for it can begin the search. Many car manufacturers have their own departments of used car business. You can directly contact the dealers of these manufacturers for your car purchase via the Internet or their contact info on their websites. You can even contact used car dealers that are not associated with any specific brand. Your search will likely start broad, for the simple reason of finding out more details such as model features and pricing. With this initial search you may use a phrase such as 'used Dodge' or '2008 Dodge review.' Once you have basic information and have your eye on a certain model you can refine your search. If you are interested in, say, a 2008 Dodge Caravan and live in Florida you may type in a related search phrase such as 'used Dodge Caravan FL', or '2008 Dodge in Florida'
Car History is Key
One of the most important aspects that you need to inquire into after finalizing on the cars you want to buy is to check car history. There are a few good sources online that charge a small fee and, as long as you have the used car's VIN number, they will give you a complete history of the particular car, including whether its suffered flood damage, has been recalled, or has been in an accident. Some of the factors that you need to look into before making a used car purchase is as follows:
Original Papers: Check the car insurance papers and vehicle history report. These documents reveal details related to the corresponding car and its road history, such as if the car has been in any accidents or if it has seen any recurring technical faults. Also ensure that the car owner has the original Registration Certificate (RC). An original copy of the vehicle warranty and maintenance certificate is also an essential component that the seller should be able to show you while selling the car.
Odometer: Check the distance the car has traveled till date. A petrol car should average a distance of 12000 km/year, while a diesel car should average about 15000 km/year. You can relax these figures by 10% based on the condition and maintenance of the car or the price of the car as quoted. However, if a car has traveled more than these indicated distances on a yearly basis, then it is advisable that you not buy the car. If a car has covered more than 50,000 km in 3 years, then do not purchase the car, unless of course it is available dirt cheap!
Number of Owners: A used car is a good purchase if it is owned by a single owner but if multiple owners have already driven the car, the performance and mileage may be considerably low. Therefore, it is preferable to stick to a car that has a single ownership history.
Contacting the Dealer
When you narrow your search phrase down to a specific model and a specific location, you will be able to view used cars at specific dealerships. Many dealerships will have contact forms to fill out online to request more information. You can usually request more details and pricing about the specific used car you are interested in. The dealership will respond and answer any questions. If interested you would take the final steps to your next used car: a trip down to the dealership is inevitable in most cases, but with all the preparations you have done online just think how much easier and more prepared you will be for the dealership visit!
