by Donna Thacker

Created on: July 09, 2010

The biggest mistake you can make when buying a used car is to get in a hurry and make a rushed purchase. A used car is an investment and should last you a long time. If you are going to have the car a long time, take the time to be sure it is the right one for you.

Research the Used Car Market

Another mistake people make when buying a used car is not knowing the current market value of used cars. This is especially true if you are buying the used car from a private seller. You are quoted the price the owner wants for the used car. That is not necessarily what the car is worth.

Take the time to look around at what used cars are selling for in car lots, or even in the newspaper. Carry a Kelly Blue Book in your pocket or purse. This handy little book will give you a suggested price for the car by determining if it is in fair, good or excellent condition.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions about the used car

Some people never ask such things as: 1. Are there service records on the used car? 2. Has the used car ever been wrecked? 3. Has the used car been driven hard? 4. Can I take it for a test drive? (Yes, really! People have purchased used cars without ever driving them.)

Of course, if you are buying from a private owner, or a less than honest dealer, you may not get an honest answer to any of your questions. At least you will have asked them and can hope that the used car owner or dealer is being straight with you.

Get a Second Opinion on the Used Car’s Condition

In less you are buying the used car from a friend and know the car’s history, you have no guarantee that the car is in good mechanical shape. Not asking to take the car to their own mechanic is a mistake that many people make.

If the car is really in as good of shape as the owner claims, they should have no problem with the mechanic checking it out for you. If the car owner declines to allow your mechanic to look at the used car, it would be a mistake to continue trying to purchase it!

Appearing over Eager is a Costly Mistake

Appearing to be in a big hurry to complete the purchase is a mistake that will cost used car buyer’s money. Most used cars are listed at a slightly higher price than the owner or dealer actually expects to get. If the buyer appears to be eager, and over zealous about the purchase of the used car, getting a reduced price will likely be impossible.

Used car prices are open for negotiation. Don’t make the mistake of just accepting the first price you are quoted. Even if you absolutely love the car and believe it is a fair price, do not make the mistake of allowing that to show! Once the buyer sees that you really want this car, they will stick firm on the higher price.

Know What Repairs Will Cost

A used car at a bargain price is no bargain if you have to immediately put more money into it. A big mistake that car buyers make is not being aware of the fact that the used car needs tires that will cost half as much as the purchase price!

Your mechanic can give you a fair assessment of exactly what the used car will need to put it into safe running condition. Remember that tires, exhaust and electrical problems can be quite expensive. Add this to the price of the used car and you might have made a big mistake!

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