Saturday, April 21, 2012

How to safely buy a used car.


where to buy used cars

Best Place To Buy Used Cars Is Where You Are Treated Like Royalty

The best dealership to buy a used car at is one that believes it is all about you - the client.
I know that probably sounds like an oxymoron!
Most of us have had experiences buying a new car where you left feeling like you were stupid and a low life.
I'm here to tell you that it doesn't have to be that way anymore!
There are dealerships available in your area, dealerships that have a whole new way of buying and selling used cars.
It is called and auto consultant or auto broker, depending on what part of the country you live in.
These people are the experts and will take away the burden of buying a used car. They will handle all the details from finding the perfect car to finding the best financing available so that you save money as well as time.
Ah...
Sounds terrific, right?
But how do you know a dealership is going to treat you like royalty?
That answer is really quite simple. Most of us have had the confrontational car buying experience, so you want to find a dealership that makes you feel the opposite of that.
Let's face it...
Buying a new car is supposed to be an exciting time in your life! For most of us, it is the second largest purchase we will ever own and it should be fun.
I suggest you visit a few different dealerships in your area that classify themselves as auto consultants or auto brokers.
Pay attention to how you are greeted. Does it feel like you are taking part in a sneak attack, or are you able to casually walk into the building to speak with someone?
Obviously, the second scenario would be the most comfortable.
Remember, just because you walked through the doors of a dealership doesn't mean that you are obligated to buy from them. And, if it doesn't feel good, turn around and walk the other way.
If it feels like you just walked into a friend's house, stay awhile and chat with one of the brokers.
Now, watch to see if the dealer asks you questions about what it is you are looking for. Compare this to someone who tells you they have the perfect car for you before you have even told them what you are interested in.
Ask them if they don't have the vehicle you are looking for can they locate the vehicle you want? Ask them what resources they use to find cars.
Most auto consultants/brokers have many resources from which they purchase vehicles as well as the buying power to negotiate the best possible price.
Allow them to treat you like royalty by doing the finding and the haggling for the best price. Royalty hires others to do the work for them and you deserve this too!
By the way it usually doesn't cost you any more to use a broker's services.
Ask about the financing they have available. Again, because of their buying power most brokers have vast resources at their fingertips that will finance the best possible terms for your auto loan.
This is more work you don't have to do.
It really is possible!
The best place to buy used cars is a dealership that cares about you and treats you like royalty.
It's time to get excited and really have fun buying your next vehicle.
When the car buying process gets to be this easy, it's all about you and the things you love about your next set of wheels.
To learn more, I suggest you check this out: This Boise Used Car Dealer Caught The Competition Napping.
Or maybe you don't believe there is a better way to purchasing a car in Colorado, and you truly believe that all used car dealers are the same!
If so, then check this out: The Big Question?
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

HOW TO BUY A USED POWERSTROKE DIESEL TRUCK - 4 of 4


where to buy used cars

Where to Get and Buy Used Cars?

There are several places that we can source cars if we either want to trade in them or we just want for our personal use. Every source however has its own gain and loses and it is therefore important to look at the advantages and disadvantage that each source has to offer before we choose which way to go. Some of such sources include new car dealer source, used car dealers, stores of new and used cars, private individuals, auctioneers, manufacturers and others. Here, we analyze a few of the sources that we buy used cars from.
New Cars dealers:
This is an important source especially when we buy the automobile to resell them. This is because variety is important factor when you are selecting vehicle for our customers. Nevertheless, it is a good place that we buy automobiles for our personal use since we have a wide field for selection what we can use on personal basis. In fact, when we want to buy vehicles with a specific kind of make or model, we buy automobiles from these dealers because they always have a habit of keeping their best selection on display and this offers us a chance to know what the market situation is like or where the demand in the market is heading to. Another advantage we gain when we buy from this source is that the dealer can recondition the automobile to our satisfaction at an affordable price using the residence maintenance team. Another point is that we will be able to negotiate the terms of payment schemes even financing from other sources like bank cheques and even on credit basis. Lastly, this kind of dealer can provide warranty coverage, but you have to be keen and make comparison with other sources.
Another source where we buy cars is Used Car Dealerships:
Such dealers may have car lots that can range from as few as 5 to as many as 100 used automobiles. These are secondhand automobiles that are sold by previous owners due to several reasons, but they are in a usable state. The dealer may have bought them in a wreckage state and made some repairs on them. The main advantage we gain by buying from such sources is that the prices are always less than new automobiles. Another point is that the prices of the automobiles are always negotiable and the fact that they are used automobiles makes it even easier to use the weakness of the automobile and hence bring down the price during negotiation conversations. However, when we consider quality as a nothing of compromise, we will rather buy automobiles from elsewhere, but not this source. In addition, warranty from such source is not a guarantee.
Auctions:
In the previous years, auctions have been restricted to a few licensed dealers only. However, this has been changed and public auctions have been the norm of the day. We buy from these sources whenever an opportunity arises. This is because of an opportunity to bid and compete with the rest on a fair level playing field. Here too, there is a sense of variety as each auctioneer may present several kinds of vehicles up for grabs. When we buy automobiles from auction, the place of auction is wide enough such that we can see a variety of vehicles and this makes it easier to make comparison side by side. Also, we buy form auctioneers since the prices may be even lower than dealerships. Since the final price will all depend on bidding prices, the highest price bid, however small it might be, will be the selling price for the car.

Used car buyers
There are a few points and tips that one has to keep in mind when going to car junkyard. People sell car for cash normally when it gives the problems like losing the value in the market and cannot be repaired.
Click here for Car buyers
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

How To Buy a Used Car

where to buy used cars

Buying Used Cars - A Guide on Why, Where and What to Buy

Here is a guide to take you through the process of buying used cars that are in reasonably good condition. You might want to buy a used car instead of a new one for various reasons. Whichever it is, you want to make sure your money works for you, even if you are paying for a second hand car. Using this guide, you can make informed decisions on 'why, where and what' of buying second hand cars.

Why buy used cars?

Mostly the buyer has the answer to this question. However, for those who are still contemplating, we know new cars can cost a lot and getting it financed through a lender can be hassle. The monthly EMI or installments are very high for new cars compared to a car that is hardly 3 years old.

It is also a well-known fact that a brand new car loses 15% of its original price the moment it leaves the showroom. When you can get a car that looks great, runs smoothly and has no accident record for a lower price, who wouldn't buy it?

Best place to buy used cars

A 'used car only' dealership is the best place to buy a used car. You can negotiate and get the best deal for your dream car. These places will give the buyer wide range of options to choose from. If you are confused as to which model to buy, all you need to do is tell the salesperson your need and he or she will happily point out the exact model for you.

Advantage of choosing such a dealer is that apart from great deals and wide options, you will also get fantastic after-sales servicing and warranty. These guys will dig out the history of the car in and out, something that if you had to do on your own, would have taken a long time.

If you were to buy from a new and old car dealership, there is always a chance that you might have to pay extra. If you can afford it, good for you. On the other hand, if the car is bought from the original owner, you will have to buy without warranty.

Also, such dealerships can help you navigate through the insurance and legal proceedings after you buy a car. You just have to bring along few documents, a partner who would admire the car and a pen to sign the check!

What to buy?

Usually before buying a car, people have a fairly good idea on what type of vehicle they need, if not the exact make and model. If it is a college student, he or she might want a basic sedan; if the person has a family of 4 or 5, he or she might look for minivans and SUVs. Therefore, once you define your purpose, you can easily pin down the exact used car model. Even among those, there are certain companies whose vehicles are great even in used condition. You can take along an experienced mechanic to take a look at the car at the dealership and decide. Choose a model that has clean history, good reviews and, in general, a good on road durability.

Using this guidelines, buying Ottawa used cars will be a piece of cake!

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

How to buy a used Ferrari - What Car?

where to buy used cars

Where to Buy Used Police Cars For Sale

More people are finding out that buying used government vehicles is how you can get a reliable automobile for a very cheap price. Police cars that have been used and then sold to the public have been well maintained, have low mileage and the service records have been kept up to date on them. Sounds like the kind of car that everybody would want, so now I'll tell you where to buy used police cars for sale.

Used government vehicles including sheriff and police automobiles are sold mostly at auto auctions. Every state has many auctions in several different locations, so you're sure to be able to find one close to you. Some auctions are bigger than others and while they may have more vehicles for sale, there is also going to be more buyers that can run the bidding up. You may want to go to a smaller auction instead to get a better deal as most auctions will have hundreds of cars to choose from anyway.

To find these auctions you can look in your local paper, classified ads or even the yellow pages. Some auction services will also post flyers in and around stores to advertise the sale. Thanks to the world wide web, you can also hunt online for car auctions near you. This can sometimes take some patience on your part, because there are many listings that you will have to muddle through to actually get the results you are looking for.

Another popular way to buy used police vehicles is, thanks to the web again, online auctions. If you don't like traditional auctions you may find that online buying is more up your alley. There are hundreds of online auto auctions that sell government vehicles including automobiles used by the police that you can bid on. You will of course have to do a search online for those as well. However if you don't trust pictures and want to actually see the cars that you are interested in, online auctions probably won't do it for you.

So if you're interested in buying used police cars, you can find hundreds of them at auto auctions. Whether at a traditional auction or buying one online, now you know where to buy used police cars for sale.

Looking to buy a used police car? Check out Local Car Auctions for more information about the auction process and for auto auctions in your area.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Top 5 Used Car Buying Secrets

where to buy used cars

Where to Buy Used Cars Online

Here's the understatement of the decade: The Internet has really changed the way people buy and sell things. E-commerce is huge, and that's to say nothing of e-marketing. Just think of all the goods that have been bought and sold online; there was a news story not long ago about a man who tried to sell his soul on eBay, while Conan O'Brien famously attempted to sell The Tonight Show on Craigslist.

Naturally, trends in online shopping have infiltrated virtually every market, and that includes the buying and selling of pre-owned vehicles. The concept of buying a used car online strikes some as a real blessing a way to avoid the hassle of negotiation, the pushy salesmen, the mere inconvenience of having to spend an afternoon on a used automobile lot. For others, though, it's sheer terror. The concept of buying a car sight unseen, and without any physical contact with the seller sounds like a scam waiting to happen.

But of course, as with any scenario in which you're buying a used car, the chances of being scammed are significantly reduced through simply education. It is important to know the pros and cons of the different online sellers, and to adjust expectations and precautions accordingly.

One of the most popular destinations for buying a used car online, for instance, is Craigslist, but this is one of the sites the consumer should be most wary of. The major downside to Craigslist is that any seller can place an ad for free, which means it's the easiest venue for a scam artist to infiltrate. Craigslist has tried to remedy this problem by posting a variety of tips on its website, cautioning prospective buyers of how to avoid being duped. Careful observance of these tips is strongly encouraged.

By contrast, eBay another increasingly popular site for used car buying and selling has one major distinguishing characteristic, which could either be viewed as a pro or a con. The eBay difference, of course, is that you aren't just buying a car but bidding on it, which means that some negotiation with the price is allowed. If you're a bargain hunter, this might be a real boon. If you're seeking to avoid any and all haggling over price, however, eBay may not be the place for you.

Meanwhile, a few sites cater to used car buyers and sellers exclusively, and these are generally slightly safer and more stable than either eBay or Craigslist. Cars.com, for example, is a sort of online classified section focusing just on used vehicles; it's sponsored by five of the biggest, most reputable newspapers in the country. AutoTrader.com, meanwhile, is an aggregate used car market with a huge selection and a solid search capacity that makes it easy to locate a specific automobile.

Naturally, buying a used car from any of these venues is going to have drawbacks, and possibly even concerns; likewise, it is going to have real advantages, and, if the growing number of online car shoppers is any indication, you just might find some real bargains out there.

Do you have teenagers in your household? If they're at or near driving age you're well aware that affordable auto insurance may seem nearly impossible to find. So before you buy or renew your coverage, compare rates and look for discounts to find that cheap car insurance for young drivers.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Car Auctions for Good Cheap Cars


Public auctions, Government auctions, Police Auctions, Repo auctions, and Salvage auctions
Car buyers who are looking for cheap cars often overlook public car auctions, or dismiss them because they think the auctions are only for car dealers. It's true that there are dealer-only auctions, but there are also many car auctions open to the public.
What kinds of car auctions are open to the public?
Public wholesale car auctions
Government surplus auctions
Police and law enforcement seized car auctions
Unclaimed and adandoned vehicle auctions
Repossessed vehicle auctions
Salvage vehicle auctions
Public wholesale auctions
Local auction companies and national companies such as Manheim conduct public wholesale car auctions all over the country on regular schedules. Use the Internet or your telephone directory to find companies located in your area. You'll need to find locations, schedules, and auction rules and procedures. All auction companies have different rules regarding participation, registration, bidding, and payment. It's best to attend a couple of auctions to get the feel of the process before you actually go to bid.
Government surplus auctions
Local, county, state, and federal government agencies frequently sell or auction surplus vehicles. These are vehicles that are being replaced by newer vehicles. For example, when a police department buys new patrol cars, the old ones go up for sale. Local auctions are usually announced in a local newspaper. Call newspaper offices to find out which one does it. State and federal auctions are usually announced in a national newspaper such as USA Today or The Wall Street Journal, or on U.S. government web sites such as USA.gov.
Police and law enforcement seized car auctions
Local and federal police agencies impound and sell property, including cars, seized from criminals and drug dealers. You can find everything from late model luxury vehicles to old junkers, and everything in between. Again, these auctions are announced to the pubic through newspapers on a particular schedule, say the third Friday of each month. Find out which newspapers in your area carry these announcements.
Get a directory of auctions
You can do the work yourself to locate auctions, but there are online services that have already compiled lists of auctions in all areas of the U.S., which can save you time and get better results. For a fee, they give you access to their database. There are a number of these auction "directory" services on the Internet. Some have good up-to-date information, while others have information that is incomplete and possibly out-of-date. So, if you decide to go with one of these services, make sure they offer a full money-back guarantee in case you find the information unsatisfactory.
Gov-Auctions.org is one of the companies providing an auction directory service. The site contains instructions and information on how to participate in the auctions, in addition to their comprehensive directory service. They show you exactly what to do before, during, and after the auction — step by step. Even if you don't use their service, the free instructions and tutorial are well worth a visit to the site.
Unclaimed and Abandoned Vehicle Auctions
Cars and other vehicles that have been towed, impounded, or abandoned are typically sold by a local government agency or by towing companies. The Philadelphia Parking Authority auction is one of the biggest and most known. Other cities have similar auctions, some conducted by professional auction companies. Since many of the vehicles have been abandoned by owners, expect to find a number of junkers. However, you might also find "jewels" in the mix.
Repossessed Car Sales and Auctions
Banks, credit unions, and other lending institutions frequently repossess cars from customers who are unable to make payments on their car loans. This is especially common during times of economic troubles and when people are losing jobs. Some small banks and credit unions may sell the cars directly by simply placing them in the front parking lot with a "for sale" sign in the window. Larger banks will use a professional auction company. Contact your local banks and credit unions to ask about repo auction locations and schedules. For more details, see How to Buy Cheap Cars at Repo Auctions
Salvage Car Auctions
Salvage car auctions are often called "insurance auctions" because the vehicles being sold are those that have been declared total losses ("totaled"). Some of these vehicles are wrecked and damaged beyond any hope of repair or restoration. However, others may have relatively little damage, or damage that can be repaired inexpensively. It can be a great source of cheap cars for people who like to work on cars, for project cars, or even for parts. Contact local insurance companies to ask about the auction company they use to sell their salvaged cars. For more details, see Salvage Car Auctions - Insurance Auctions.
How do I participate in auctions?
The key to being successful at public car auctions is know what you are doing. This means know how auctions work, know the rules of the specific auction you want to attend, know how to judge the condition of cars you see, and know used-car values.
You are usually allowed to inspect vehicles before an auction begins. You may be allowed to start the cars but you can't test-drive them. If you can't judge the condition of cars, you should bring someone with you who can do it for you.
Most seasoned auction attendees bring a used-car value guide with them, such as Kelley Blue Book or NADA Guide. Or you could use a portable computer or smartphone to look up values on the Internet on the web sites of the companies who publish value guides.
Before you get serious about buying, attend a few car auctions to learn how they work, and learn the rules and procedures.
If there is a "catch" to car auctions, it is that you will have other people bidding against you. If you expect to be successful, you'll have to learn how to control your emotions and not overbid for cars you want.
Summary
You can expect to find some outstanding car deals at public car auctions — if you know what you are doing, are willing to learn rules and procedures, are patient, and can manage your emotions — or take someone with you who can.

where to buy used cars

Repairable Salvage Cars and Project Cars


Salvage vehicles can be purchased and repaired or rebuilt for little money — great for low-cost project cars – here's how

Salvage and damaged vehicles are often easily and cheaply repaired for great daily-drivers and project cars. Learn how and where to find salvage cars.




Some salvage vehicles can be in relatively good condition or only lightly damaged. Others are junk. Some may only have water damage, others might be recovered theft vehicles with minor damages (removed equipment that can be easily replaced), and others might only have been part of a mass declaration of loss. For example, a dealer's new cars were all damaged in a hail storm and all declared total losses, regardless of actual damage.

Not all wrecked and damaged cars are salvages. Some are simply cars with repairable damages that the previous owner decided not to fix before selling.
Where to find repairable salvaged and damaged vehicles

Most unrepaired cars are found at salvage auctions or at salvage sales companies. Some states do not allow individuals to purchase salvage cars directly. However, in those states, you can purchase already-repaired cars for bargain prices.

Salvage vehicles can be found all over the country and Canada. Some are local companies such as Alpine Auto Gallery (www.alpinerebuildablecars.com) in Paterson, NJ who specialize in salvage rebuildable vehicles and have a web site on which you can view listings, vehicle descriptions, photos, and prices.

Others are large national (U.S. and Canada) companies with multiple locations around the country. One such company is Insurance Auto Auction (IAA) who specializes in auctions of repairable cars as well as theft-recovered vehicles, and parts cars. Their web site (www.iaai.com) show all branch locations, auctions schedules, registration requirements, and procedures. You can even search for specific vehicles by make, model, and year. Motorcycles too.




Manheim is also a large national auction company which holds auctions almost every day somewhere in the country. Each auction specializes in a certain type of sale, such as repossessed (repo) vehicles. Not all are salvage auctions and not all are open to the public. Check their web site for locations and auctions near you.

Salvage auctions can also be found in your area by looking in the telephone Yellow Pages or searching online.
What to expect

If you plan to participate in automobile salvage auctions, you should become familiar with the rules and procedures of each auction company. No two companies have exactly the same rules. Plan to attend at least a couple of actual auctions before you get serious about bidding. Some mechanical knowledge would also be helpful because you may be having to judge the value and repair costs for vehicles by simply inspecting them. If you don't have the necessary knowledge, take someone with you who does.
Know the law

State laws regarding salvage and repairable vehicles vary considerably from state to state. Some states have very strict laws about the definition of salvage and repairable, and have rigid regulations for getting a repaired car approved and titled. Other states laws and procedures are much more relaxed. You should become familiar with the laws in your state. Most states have government web sites which include salvage vehicle regulations. For example, if we Google "Nevada salvage vehicles" we get this Nevada state page.
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Repossessed Cars - Buy Cheap Cars at Repo Auctions


Repossessed Cars - Buy Cheap Cars at Repo Auctions
Is it possible to get good prices at repo car sales?

When the economy is bad and people are having financial troubles, automobile repossessions increase. It's an unfortunate situation for those whose vehicles are being repoed when they can no longer afford the monthly payments. However repo car auctions present an opportunity for other buyers who are looking for cheap cars — if you know how it works and what to do.
How it happens





When a car owner fails to make payments or voluntarily returns his car to his loan company, he becomes "in default" on his loan. Sometimes it is possible to work out deferred payments or other arrangements to prevent a repossession.

Otherwise, the loan company or bank can recover the car and sell it at auction to recoup some or all of the amount remaining on the loan. Repossessions, even if voluntary, should be avoided if possible because the effects are serious and long-lasting.

However, in many cases, a repo is unavoidable. The vehicle is picked up (or voluntarily returned) and sold at a repo auction, usually by a professional auction company, or sold from the parking lot of the bank ("bank sale").
How it works

Repo car auctions are much like any other auction. Most are live and are conducted regularly in announced locations in both large and small cities around the country. Some repo auctions have web sites and allow Internet bids.

However, it is recommended that you attend live auctions where you are able to inspect the cars and possibly start them up. You will not be able to test-drive them however.

Therefore, you should know something about cars (or take someone with you who does) and bring a used-car pricing guide such as those from NADA Guides or Kelley Blue Book.

The cars at repo auctions are sold “as is." However, there is normally an inspection period prior to the auction, which can take place a day or two or even a few hours before the auction starts. You should take advantage of the inspection period to see what is being offered and get an idea of the vehicles' conditions.

You should also attend a couple of car auctions before you become serious about buying. That way, you learn the rules and procedures of the auction. All auctions are a little different and may have different rules.
Are repo cars good to buy?




Certainly. Repossessed cars can come in a wide variety of makes, models, ages, mileages, and conditions just like any other used cars. Some are almost new, in excellent condition, and could have come from some unfortunate owner who took good care of his cars, but just lost his job and could no longer afford the monthly payments.

Other repo cars are just average cars, in average condition, with average miles. The owners could have suffered an illness, a divorce, or had other financial troubles. There is nothing wrong with the cars.

We sometimes hear other people giving misinformed advice about buying repo cars saying that the cars have been abused when the owner realized he was going to be returning his vehicle. There may be cases like that but, in general, it is simply not true. That is not say that there are no junk cars at repo auctions. There are. But part of being successful at buying repossessed vehicles is knowing how to recognize the junkers.
What's the catch?

There is no catch except that you might have competition when bidding at a repo auction – like any car auction. Some of the other bidders may be used car dealers. If a particular car being bid on is an attractive, clean, low-mileage car, there might be a number of bidders who want the car and might bid the price up. The secret to successful auction buying is knowing when to stop bidding. Know your car values (from your price books) going into the auction and pay no more than a car is worth.

Of course, if there are few other bidders, or no other bidders, on a particular car, you have the opportunity for getting a real deal. These are the opportunities that make car auctions so exciting.
Where to find repossessed car auctions




There are national, regional, and local independent car auctions companies that sell repo vehicles. Nationwide companies such as Manheim hold regular auctions all over the country. Some are private dealer auctions and some are public. You can check their web site for schedules.

Other auction companies are regional, such as Sierra Auctions in Arizona, or local, such as Charity Car Auctions in Arlington, Texas.

Look in local newspapers for car auction announcements, locations, and schedules. Also check in the free "autotrader" magazines found in local supermarkets and auto parts stores. Search the Internet.

You can also call local banks, credit unions, and loan companies to find out how and where they sell their repossessed cars. Some small banks simply put "for sale" signs in the windows of their repo cars and display them in their front parking lots.
What should I expect to pay at a repo car auction?

There is no good answer to that question. It depends on the condition of the cars, the mileage, the popularity of the make and model, and if there are other bidders.

If there are used-car dealers at the auction, they will be bidding no more than wholesale (trade-in) value. If you bid slightly higher, you might still get a good deal — a price that is a little higher than wholesale but much less than retail. Your best opportunity for a good deal will be on cars that have no other bidders, or only a couple of other bidders who may not be serious.
Summary

Buying cars at repossessed car auctions offer the chance to get great deals, if you know what you are doing and take care not to over-bid. Repo vehicles can be the answer to your search for cheap cars.
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Best Car for Teenagers



Ask a teenager what car they want and then ask their parents what car they prefer for their child. You can get some pretty different answers. However, you just might get some surprising agreements too.

We hear teens asking the same questions over and over again. "Which is the best car for me?", "What car should I get?", "What is the best car for a first-time buyer?", and "Which car has the best reliability-safety-style-performance-gas mileage-cost?" We will try to help answer those questions here in this article.



What teenagers want in a car

Generally, teenagers and first-time car buyers tend to want the following:
style (look cool or cute)
small size (easy to manage, easy on gas)
room for friends (no two-seaters)
performance (go fast)
accessorizability (look cooler and go faster)
cost (must fit in budget)
What parents of teens want in a car

Parents of driving teenagers, on the other hand, place importance on the following:
safety (protect kids as much as possible even if driving unsafely)
economy (kids drive a LOT of miles, and have little money)
reliability (kids and parents don't have time or money for repairs)
insurance cost (rates are outrageous for kids anyway)
sensible (is it practical and useful)

Fortunately, the characteristics that teens want and those that parents want are not necessarily conflicting. A number of car makes and models satisfy both parties, possibly with some amount of compromise.
Which make and model cars are best for teens?

Before we start, it should be mentioned that some of the vehicle makes/models we mention here are new and some are older models that may be no longer in production, but still available as used cars. We discuss the merits of buying new versus used later in this article.


Most Popular of All
The Honda Civic is the hands-down favorite car for teenagers— and parents. The Civic is small but easily holds four people, economical to buy and operate, extremely reliable, has nice styling and performance, and ranks very high on safety ratings. For those who want to customize its looks or performance, there are hundreds of companies who offer products and parts for the Civic. Insurance costs are relatively low for the Civic, even for teenage drivers.

Other Popular Models
Other favorites of teens that are also parent-friendly are Mazda3, Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, and Mitsubishi Lancer. These vehicles are fuel efficient and economical to operate, as well as being safe. Prices on new models are relatively low, especially for base trims.

Small Economical Models
For teens who prefer even smaller, more economical cars, we recommend the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, and Toyota Yaris. These vehicles are great for first-time drivers. They are easy to handle, more fuel efficient that many hybrids, and cheap to insure.

More Expensive Models
For teens fortunately enough to have more money, some luxury or near-luxury models to consider are the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes C-Class, Audi A4, Acura TL, and the Lexus IS.

All these car models are also available as used cars on UsedCars.com at already discounted prices. You can select location, make, model, type, price range, and more. The cars are at nearby dealers where you can go see them and drive them, which is an advantage over buying through online sites such as Autotrader and Craigslist where scams and long-distance buying problems are common.




Older used models of the following cars are favored by teens, but less by parents (for good reason) : Ford Mustang (V8), Chevrolet Camaro (no longer manufactured), Pontiac Firebird or TransAm (no longer manufactured), and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo. These tend to be faster, higher performance cars that have lower safety ratings and high insurance costs for young drivers. Generally, small sporty 2-door coupes with large engines are the most expensive to insure — because they are wrecked more often by young drivers.

Older used models that are preferred more by parents than their teenagers include the Honda Accord, Ford Taurus, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Maxima. These models are a little larger, a bit safer (because they are larger), reliable, economical, and enjoy reasonable insurance rates.


Used models of these vehicles are available on UsedCars.com at a variety of prices. Prices have already been discounted, but further price negotiation is recommended.

A number of manufacturers promote small SUVs to teenagers and young adults. These include the Chevrolet Tracker, Ford Escape, Honda Element, Mazda Tribute, Pontiac Vibe, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Xterra, and Toyota Scion. However, many parents are concerned about the safety of these small vehicles. The primary concern with SUVs for teenagers is a greater tendency to roll over in high speed maneuvers due to a higher center of gravity. Inexperienced drivers tend to react to emergency situations with sudden moves that SUVs can't handle well.

If your teenager absolutely must have an SUV, opt for a stability control system for added safety and peace of mind. It is available as standard equipment on many vehicles, and as an option on others. Its job is to help avoid having accidents in adverse conditions. This relatively new safety feature is being touted as the most important way to save lives since the seat belt.
Should teens buy new or used?

Cost is usually a big consideration in buying a car for a teenager. This tends to sway the decision toward buying a used car, which can offer more value for the money. Other costs, such as insurance, maintenance, and taxes, can also be lower. However, there may be good reasons to buy new.

New cars offer the latest styling, hottest accessories such as audio systems, better gas mileage, and better safety equipment. Some makes/models of new cars can actually cost less than used cars of the same make/model if manufacturers are offering promotional incentives and rebates, which are very common now. See this web site for current deals: Best New Car Deals - Incentives and Rebates.

You can get free price quotes on any new car make or model at CarsDirect and Edmunds.com. The price quotes will include any manufacturer rebates and dealer discounts. Get as many quotes as possible so that you have a good comparison.




Used cars: An excellent source for used cars online is UsedCars.com. The site has thousands used cars of all makes and models and in every price range.

If you are looking for a cheap car, here is a list of a number of other good sources for used cars: Where to Find Cheap Cars.
Financing a car for teens

It is often difficult or impossible for teens to get a car loan when buying their first car. Options might include paying cash, getting a family member to co-sign with them as a co-borrower, or getting a loan from family or friends.
If you need a used car loan and have no credit, or poor credit, we recommend CarsDirect as one of the best companies specializing in sub-prime car loans. Another reputable company we can recommend is Auto Credit Express, one of the largest car loan companies in the country for credit-challenged people.
How about auto insurance for teen drivers?

The absolute best way to find the cheapest car insurance for teenage drivers is to get multiple rate quotes online and compare for the best deals. If you use a broker service such as NetQuote.com you fill out one form and immediately get rates quotes from different companies that have been matched to your qualifications and requirements. NetQuote is the oldest and largest of such services and works with over 100 different insurers. Their service is free.

After you've selected car accident insurance, and you have a used car more than 3 years old, make sure you are also covered against expensive breakdowns and repairs after your new-car warranty has expired.. We recommend Warranty Direct®, the largest and oldest provider of direct-to-consumer automobile warranties.
How about leasing a new car?

Leasing a new car is a way to cut monthly payment expenses, but is often not a good idea for teenagers. Leasing requires a commitment to stick out the lease until the end. Since teens' tastes change quickly, terminating a lease early to satisfy their desire to move to another car can be very costly. Leasing also limits the number of driven miles allowed, and the amount of wear-and-tear allowed. These can be problems for teen drivers.
Additional information for teenage first-time drivers

The following web site is written specifically for teen drivers who are dealing with the complexities of choosing, buying, financing, insuring, and maintaining their first car: First Car Guide. This guide can help any teenager find the best car for them.
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Cheap car tips



To some people, a good cheap car is one that costs less than $10,000. To others, an inexpensive used car may be one that costs $2000 or less. We'll tell you how and where to find the car you need, at the price you want.
Cheap car tips




Usually, but not always, finding a cheap car means finding an older used car– a second hand car – possibly with high mileage. Unfortunately, the older a car, the greater the possibility for problems and expenses that were not anticipated. Exceptions can be found of course and with a little effort, good "oldies" can be found at bargain prices.

Most used cars are sold "as is" and come with no warranties or guarantees. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly inspect any car you intend to buy, and not take the word of the seller about the car's condition. Also get a CarFax or AutoCheck® vehicle history report. If problems are found after the sale, you will not be able to return the car and get your money back, even if the seller deceived you.
What is a cheap car?

People who want a cheap or inexpensive second hand car typically only think about price. However, other factors also contribute to the cost of owning a car. A cheap car to buy is not necessarily a cheap car to own and operate.

Insurance is one of the most significant costs of car ownership. Gas mileage is important, and so is repair cost. Luxury brands are more expensive to maintain and have higher insurance costs. Small cars usually have lower repair and maintenance costs than larger cars. However small 2-door sports coupes or convertibles with oversized engines are expensive to insure, especially for young drivers.

Choosing the right car can save hundreds of dollars in auto insurance premiums. See our article, Cheap Car Insurance, for tips on finding low cost auto insurance. Learn which cars have the lowest insurance rates.
Where to find cheap cars

Independent dealer lots are the most common place to find inexpensive used cars for low prices. Don't expect to always find the car you want on new-car dealers' used car lots. Most new-car dealers only sell relatively new, more expensive, used cars. One type of independent used-car dealer, "buy-here-pay-here", are a source of cars for people with bad credit but be aware that their vehicles are often overpriced and loan interest rates are very high.
Consignment lots offer cars for sale by individuals who pay the consignment lot owner to display their vehicles. It's like a used car dealer lot except the cars are still owned and priced by individuals. You can find the location of consignment lots in your area in your telephone book yellow pages.
Used car web sites such as UsedCars.com. are an excellent and easy way to search for used cars in your area. You simply plug in your ZIP code and specify the kind of car you want, and you get back a detailed list of local cars and prices. For more information about web sites with cars from private individual sellers, see our article, Best Used Car Web Sites.
eBay Motors sells more used cars online than any other site or car dealer. You can find cars from dealers as well as cars from private sellers, who are often desperate to sell and offer good prices.
Newspaper classifieds often have a "less than $4000" section, or something similar. Used-car dealer ads frequently have a "low-price vehicles" section as well. Watch out for relatively new cars at "too-good-to-be-true" prices. Your local newspaper probably has a web site that contains online cars-for-sale classifieds. Read this article if you'll be buying a car from an individual private party seller.
Local "auto trader" magazines found free at supermarkets and auto parts stores are also a good source of cheap used cars being sold by individuals and dealers. In many cases, dealer advertisers have web sites listed with their ads.
Lease takeover - Get a late model car with the lowest monthly payments and no down payment by taking over someone else's lease. Online companies such as Swapalease.com list thousands of cars and help arrange the transfer of the lease. Pay a small transfer fee and the car is yours. This is by far the cheapest way to get a late model car with no down payment and low monthly payments.
Public auto auctions are another place to find inexpensive used cars. There are public wholesale auctions, government auctions, police seized vehicle auctions, repossessed vehicle auctions, unclaimed vehicle auctions, theft-recovered car auctions, and salvage auctions. This is a great way to get good car deals. See the following article: Public Car Auctions.
Brand New Cars - Cheap - Yes, it is very possible to buy brand new cars cheaper than relatively new used cars. The reason? Because car manufacturers are extremely desperate to sell cars in this bad economy. They are offering big rebates and discounts so large that, in many cases, new cars are selling for less than used cars. See this web site for current deals: Best New Car Deals - Incentives and Rebates
Repossessed cars are sold by banks and loan companies at Repo Car Auctions when borrowers' cars are taken back when they can no longer make payments. When the economy is bad, these cars can make good buys because the banks only want to recover what is owed to them. The cars are sold at repo car auctions for wholesale prices, or less.
Government and police seized-car auctions are another kind of auction that is a potential source of good deals on used vehicles. Surplus, seized, or impounded vehicles of all types are auctioned. These may be conducted by a professional auction agency, local police department, a state agency, or a federal organization. This article, Government Seized and Surplus Car Auctions, provides more details. Salvage vehicles are often a good source for cheap cars. Insurance companies auction off cars that have been totaled in accidents or weather disasters. Many of these vehicles have repairable damage and can be inexpensively restored. See the article, Repairable Salvage Vehicles, for more details. eBay Motors is another source of salvage vehicles being auctioned by individuals.
Buying a cheap car




Second hand cars are sold "as-is" which means there are no guarantees, no warranties, and no right to return the car after the sale, even if you find out the seller lied to you about the car's condition. There is no 3-day return right, as is commonly thought, and Lemon Laws don't apply to used cars.

Do not rely on a seller's assurance that his car is in good condition. It might not be. A seller might not be aware of hidden problems or he might "forget" to mention them.

A pre-purchase inspection is very important when buying a used car. A professional inspection might cost $75-$150 but can prevent costly mistakes.

While you wouldn't need to check a relatively new car's engine compression or timing belt, for example, these should be on the "must check" list for an older car. Otherwise, you could be replacing the engine in a short time — at great expense.

Other important items on your inspection checklist should be tires, bearings, brakes, seals, hoses, belts, timing chain, transmission, differential, shocks, radiator, alternator, and fuel injectors (or carburetor). Has the car ever been wrecked and repaired? Are the air bags intact? Has the car been properly maintained and serviced?

Check for oil leaks, oil sludge, rust under the wheel wells, uneven tire wear, windshield chips or cracks, missing parts, signs of having been repainted, and dent repairs. Will the car pass emission and safety inspection required in your state and county?
Test-drive before you buy

You should test-drive any car you are considering buying. Some potentially serious problems will not reveal themselves until the car has been warmed up and driven for a few miles. Listen for unusual sounds. Try to feel for any vibrations, shaking, or steering difficulty. Drive at highway speeds as well as low speeds. Work the brakes.

Just be aware that, when you buy a used car, especially an older one, you may be buying someone else's problems. It's your job to find out what those problems are, and to decide if you want to fix them or live with them — or turn down the deal. Don't accept a seller's offer to fix problems after the sale — it probably won't happen.
Cash or finance?

Most people use a used-car pricing guide to help them determine a fair price to pay. Then it's a matter of the form of payment, which is usually cash or a used-car loan. Even if you buy from an individual private party, you can get a loan from a bank, credit union, or get a person-to-person loan from an online loan company such as Auto Credit Express.
Bad credit?

If you have bad credit, your options are more limited. To get a loan, you'll have to have a co-signer or buy from a dealer who does his own financing.
If you need a used car loan and have no credit, or poor credit, we recommend CarsDirect and Auto Credit Express as two of the best companies specializing in sub-prime car loans.

For more information about buying a car with bad credit, see the following article: Can I get a auto loan with bad credit?
Another cheap car option - take over a lease




Another way to drive a car inexpensively is to take over (assume) someone else's car lease. This is a way to drive a good reliable used car that is almost new, for a low monthly payment and no down payment – and get cash back in some cases.

You can take advantage of the fact that someone wants out of their lease and is willing to give up their deal to another party who can pick up the payments. Some of the deals are outstanding because the original lessee made a large down payment at the beginning of the lease, which resulted in a low monthly payment. You get the benefit of that low payment, with no down payment. The best place to look for these lease transfer deals is online at Swapalease.
Yet another option - drive a free car

You may be able to get paid to drive your own car or receive a free car to drive if you qualify with one of the many companies who "wrap" vehicles as a kind of rolling advertisement billboard. This is the ultimate "cheap" car. See this article for more details - Free Car - Scam or Real Deal?
Do you need car repair insurance?

If you buy a used car with no remaining factory warranty, you should consider buying car repair insurance, otherwise known as extended warranty coveage, which protects you from the high cost of breakdowns, repairs, and parts replacements. See our article, Car Repair Insurance for more details.
How about accident and liability insurance?

Regardless of the cost of your car, you must have auto insurance. It's the law. The absolute best and easiest way to find low car insurance rates is to go to an online insurance broker site such as NetQuote.com. Fill out one form and immediately get multiple rate quotes from insurers who have been matched to your qualifications and requirements for the lowest cost. Their service is free.
Used car questions and answers

We've compiled a set of frequently-asked questions and answers about buying used cars that you might find helpful. Here is the list of questions: Used Car FAQs.
One final word

Be very careful with buying an older used car — a cheap car. Even though there are many good inexpensive second hand cars out there, they are not always easy to find. Furthermore, there are risks that you'll be cheated or buy hidden problems. So take care, please, and spend extra time to make sure you're getting a car and a deal that you'll be happy with.
where to buy used cars

Best Used Car Web Sites



Craigslist - Craigslist.com is one of the best known of all independent national classified-ad sites. They list ads for automobiles and thousands of other types of goods and services. It's free to sellers and buyers. You can search for cars in most major city areas in the U.S. and around the world. Craigslist is a very basic web site with no bells and whistles and does not offer any help with researching cars, researching prices, nor does it have any kind of buyer protection plan. In fact, scams by fraudulent sellers are very common on this site (see Car Seller Scam) and unless you can find a car being sold locally, you should take extreme caution when buying on this web site.

AutoTrader - AutoTrader.com is a popular used car web site and is an online version of the free magazine found in supermarkets and auto parts stores. Although they have thousands of cars, their emphasis is primarily on new cars, and dealer cars. Sellers must pay a fee. It's a little cluttered and difficult to navigate through all the ads and levels if you only want to see cars from private sellers. They have some basic research tools. Carfax reports are offered but are not free. Watch out for the possibility of scams as described in our article Car Seller Scam. The site provides no buyer protection.

eBay Motors - eBay Motors is a very popular site for buying and selling cars. The site is very large and can sometimes become overwhelming. Although the majority of it's cars are from dealers, you can choose to only see those from private sellers. Most are sold through the eBay auction process, many have a minimum hidden reserve price, and some as sold with a "buy now" set price. If you participate in a car auction, understand that you are buying a car without being able to see it, inspect it, or drive it. The site doesn't have a pricing guide, so you are on your own to check market values and make sure you don't overpay. If it's long distance, you may have to pay for shipping. eBay has some good buyer protection features — some are free, some you must pay for. AutoCheck® vehicle history reports are offered but are not free.

Other sites - There are many other web sites that list used cars for sale. Enthusiast sites for particular car makes/models often have a "for sale" section for members. Local newspapers frequently have web sites that contain used-car classified ads. Small towns sometimes have web sites with local ads. Google can help you find local dealers if you include the name of your city in the search, e.g. used car Phoenix. Communities and large neighborhoods can have web sites on which members and guests can post car ads. Hemmings.com lists classic and collector cars.
Web Sites with Cars from Dealers




Although there are hundreds of web sites that sell dealer-owned used cars, only a few stand out.


UsedCars.com - UsedCars.com is the top used car web site with already-discounted cars from dealers around the country. They have been online since 1994 and have the largest inventory of cars. Most of their cars are priced below KBB (Kelley Blue Book) value. You can even check the KBB value right on the site. They show you their "Best Value" cars for each market. And you get a free CarFax report on every car — something that no other used car web site provides. You can also get an instant look at dealers' inventories of used cars — a great feature that few other sites provide. The site has plenty of research tools and is easy to navigate to find what you want. If you find a car you like, you can make your deal online. We highly recommend this site.

Dealer sites - Most larger used-car dealers have web sites of their own. This includes new-car dealers who have used-car lots and independent used car dealers. They often list a complete inventory of available cars and show promotional "specials" with prices. Find dealer web sites in your area by searching online. Many dealers advertise in local newspapers and list the web site address in the ads. Others can be found in free "autotrader" magazines found in supermarkets and auto parts stores.

Other web sites - There are literally hundreds of other web sites that primarily list used cars being sold by dealers. Some of the best known are Edmunds.com, Yahoo Autos, Cars.com, Automotive.com, Vehix.com, and CarsDirect.com. Most of these sites are very similar to each other and are unexceptional, generally have some good research features, offer no special pricing, but can be otherwise helpful in searching for dealer cars in your area.
New-Car Web Sites

Although this article is about used cars, if you are looking for a late model used car, don't automatically assume you'll pay less than for a brand new car. With all the discounts, rebates, cash-back, low interest deals now being offered by desperate new-car manufacturers, it's very possible to get a better deal on a brand new car than on a late model used car of the same make and model. It sounds crazy, but it's true. You owe it to yourself to make the comparison before you make your decision. See Best Car Deals for the latest manufacturer-sponsored new-car incentives and deals.

You can get free discounted price quotes from Edmunds.com and TrueCar for any new-car make and model. Get multiple quotes and compare. You are not obligated to accept any of the quotes.
where to buy used cars

Leasing used cars explained




Leasing a used vehicle can be an attractive deal in many ways, no least
getting you into that luxury model or SUV, for lower monthly payments than
a brand new one. Be prepared, however, to do some more homework to dissect
a good deal.

As with new car-leasing, your price research should focus on the key
figures that are the initial market value and the estimated residual value
of the used car. This is harder to predict since there is no factory-set
sticker price on used cars, and the residual percentage is very much pegged
to a subjective current retail value. Use different sources to get a rough
idea of the value of the used car: your local dealerships, internet
car-evaluating tools, such as Edmunds.com and Cars.com, to name but a few.
Another way to pin down a good estimate is to compare the lease on your
given car to a lease on a new-car with the same make and model. This should
give you a better picture of the difference between leasing new and going
for used. Just like leasing a new car, used vehicle leasing is more
attractive when residual values depreciate the least. You stand a better
chance of finding a bargain in the high-end, luxury vehicles that keep
their values better as used cars.

Next, you need to check the initial mileage and the overall vehicle
condition. The maximum mileage on a used car should be no more than 12,000
miles a year. A 3-years old car with 50,000 miles on the clock is very
unlikely to make a good used-vehicle lease. Check for signs of excessive
use, like worn seat fabric, worn pedal pads and dirty engine, which might
indicate that the odometer has been rolled back. If the car is not
certified, you need to get it thoroughly inspected. Ask your dealer for a
manufacturer-sponsored certification program or have your car certified by
a qualified mechanic or inspection service.

Most used-car deals don’t come with gap coverage. This is a special type
of coverage, normally offered on a new auto-lease, to cover the consumer if
the leased vehicle is lost, stolen or damaged. Typically, auto-insurance
policies cover only what your car is worth at the time of loss, not what
you still owe on the lease. The difference could run into thousands of
dollars. For peace of mind, do not enter into any used-car lease without
gap-coverage. Arrange it separately with either the lease dealer or your
auto-insurance company.
where to buy used cars

Used Cars For Sale

Selling a used car is not what it used to be. There were times when your only choice was to find a dealer that would take your old car as a trade in on your new car or to sell to a friend. Today, when you have an older car or truck that you want to get rid of, you have more ways that you probably realize to get the word out there and to sell your vehicle. There are many ways people advertise used cars for sale, and one of those is bound to help you sell your car quickly.

There are some that put used cars for sale in their yards, and that can work rather well. However, it does depend on where you live. If you live on a road that has a lot of traffic each day, you have a better chance of the right person seeing your vehicle and taking an interested in buying it. On the other hand, if you live on a road that sees very little traffic, this is not one of the ways to sell used cars that will work for you. Unless you have someone on a high traffic road willing to allow your car to sit in their yard, you should think about other venues.

There are many great ways to reach people who would never drive by your home. The are many new websites online that are specifically build to advertise used cars for sale. You may have to pay a fee, but some will take one fee and allow your car to be on the site until it is sold. Others might have a low monthly fee that will be well worth the exposure you get this way. You can also advertise used cars for sale in local classifieds, and also your communities classifieds that are online. Not all towns have this, but many are now doing it.

Before you put your used cars for sale up on any site or out to buy, make sure you have washed it and topped off or changed fluids. Think about the true condition of the vehicle before you set a price. Though you want the most you can get out of it, honestly is always the best policy. Clean out the interior and get rid of any strange smells that might linger inside. When someone approaches you about your car, your honestly will pay off. They may not like that something is wrong, but they are more willing to buy if they know what they will have to repair.
where to buy used cars