Used cars and trucks can save a buyer a ton of money. Your savings in the short run will be on the cost of the vehicle the taxes and depending on locality tabs and licensing. In the long run you will save on insurance and if you buy a vehicle with good ratings and a good resale value it will probably retain that value over the years and it all depends on the model or make of the vehicle.



When searching through classified ads or want ads the best car deals seem to be gone as soon as you make the call or it is already sold or has a deposit on it. It is best to get the paper as soon as it hits the newsstands and this could be in the early morning hours before most people are awake.

When searching for a vehicle it is a good idea to have a book value so you know what a fair market value is. Very few vehicles appreciate unless they are collectibles or antiques. If you know what the fair market value is you have a better position to bargain from. Many sellers when they advertise a car for sale already know what the value is. It is your responsibility as a buyer buying that used car to know the booked price. These prices can be found on the Internet or online databases or publications or books that specialize in market values of vehicles. Just visit you local book store or magazine stand. If you are really hard pressed for a book value you can always cal your bank and often they can give you a price.

When out at used car dealer lots or checking out private sales it is best to have either a personal loan or know what your loan options are available. It can take the reassure off from a high pressure sales pitch as your signing paper work and a contract with a dealer. It pays to shop around on financing first instead of waiting to your only option and possibly ending up paying much higher interest rates on a loan. If your paying cash then the pressure is off and you also have a better bargaining position to negotiate a better deal on used cars.

When negotiating a price always start at about 25% less than the asking price or sticker price. If you know your book values or better yet have a publication with values and the seller scoffs then you have something to reference too. Things that can reduce the price of used trucks or cars are mileage, paint condition, cracked windshield, door dings and pain scratches. Funny engine noises should not be ignored. Strange smells in the car can indicate other problems such as water leaks. These are flaws or issues that can be used to reduce the price of used cars or trucks. Usually with a large laundry list a seller may be willing to reduce or come down to your price. If not just be firm and let them know that you are shopping give them your phone number and let them know that if they should change their mind within the next 24 hours to give you a call.

When searching for that special deal there are other sources to consider. Police auctions or government auctions can be a great source of cheap used cars, truck, SUV's, motorcycles and much more. May of these vehicles are procured by confiscation, recovery, surplus or have even just been abandoned. Bank reposes ions can be another cheap source your bank may even list these online or in a monthly newsletter.

There are advantages to buying a used car from a dealer or a private party. A reputable dealer will often inspect used cars and trucks and if they do not pass they are then sent off to auction or a bargain lot across town. Also with a dealer you may be able to negotiate a used extended car warranty at dealer cost into the deal. With a used car dealer though you will pay a little more for a vehicle in excellent condition as oppose to a private sale. Regardless of who buy a used car or truck form you should try to have a mechanic do an engine check or diagnostic test if time permits before you make that purchase. Your best deals though do not always allow you this freedom so if you know what to look for and what questions to ask you should increase you chances of getting an excellent used car deal.