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by
Courtney
Caldwell
 Do
Your Homework
Identify what you want before going to a dealership.
Since your choices may be limited by what you can afford, determine your monthly
costs before you do anything. Make a list of expenses to own the car including
insurance, maintenance, gas, and other associated costs. Does it fit into your
monthly budget?
 Go
With A Brand Name You Can Trust
Choose a brand name dealer that
offers quality certified used cars and backs their products with either a service
contract or warranty. Many people fear having a bad experience at a dealership.
While many indignities still prevail in some dealerships most brand name dealers
usually recognize the importance of treating customers with respect. It’s
your responsibility to find a dealer that will treat you with the respect you
deserve.
 Trust
Your Instincts
Trust your instincts and apply the years of shopping
experience and research skills you've honed from other purchases to the sale of
a car. You don't need to know how an engine ticks to buy a car. Trust your instincts
about the salesperson and dealership. 
Be Prepared To Walk Away
Have the car checked out by a reputable
mechanic. A reputable dealer will have no problem with you bringing in your own
mechanic to check out the car. They may not let you take it off the lot to do
so but most will let you bring someone to the lot. If they don’t, assume
something is wrong and walk away no matter how much you love the car.
Shop Around — Be Picky!
Once you identify what you want and can
afford, locate the dealers who carry the product. Make a list of questions like
the year of the car? Keep in mind that the higher the mileage the more worn the
car and its parts. Has it undergone any structural repairs? Has it ever been in
an accident? Are they willing to show you its historical maintenance records?
Don't' rush into anything — even if you think you've found the car of your dreams.
 Take
It For A Test Drive
Never buy a car without taking it for a test
drive. If they say no then walk away. Reputable dealers will allow you to go for
a test drive and will accompany you to answer questions. Take the vehicle for
a test drive on a route you normally take to work, for example, to get a good
feel of how it will handle over the roads you drive every day. One of the tricks
of used-car test drives is that sales people often choose a route that is quite
smooth making the car feel perfectly fine. So don’t settle for a test drive
around the block. (CONTINUE...)
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