Best Buys In Nearly New Cars

Written by David M. Grice    Friday, 13 February 2009

Three out of every four car buyers choose used cars over new ones for a simple reason: At an average cost of $11,500, they're about half the price. Of course, there's some risk For every carefully maintained, gently driven car on the market, there's a dud someone's hoping to unload on an unsuspecting buyer. Shopping carefully can mean the difference between getting a good deal and getting robbed, says Jack Gillis, author of The Car Book. Here, from safest to riskiest, Gillis explains the options: USED CAR SUPERSTORE CHAINS, such as AutoNation USA and CarMax, are the newest source for top quality one to six year old vehicles, many fresh off short term leases. A buyer uses a computer terminal to identify the vehicle she wants based on price and desired features, then looks at the numerous choices on the lot. Superstores offer an enormous selection of all makes and colors, a noncommissioned sales team, and "no haggle" pricing. Cars are thoroughly inspected fluids and filters are chanced, damaged items are repaired, and many worn parts are replaced. They come with warranties good for about one to three months. And you can return the car for a full refund within five to seven days. The nonnegotiable prices are on the high side, however. NEW CAR DEALERSHIPS also have a good selection of two to three year old models. Dealers have copied the superstores by reconditioning their used cars and offering warranties (be sure to get one in writing). Your best bet is to buy the same brand of used car that the dealership sells new because it can't get parts as easily or inexpensively for cars from other manufacturers. Prices are typically mid to high end so it pays to shop around and haggle over the price. TRUSTED FRIENDS, COWORKERS, OR RELATIVES are your best bets for a good price. Even if you pay more than a dealer would offer for a trade in, you'll still pay less than you would elsewhere by avoiding dealer overhead. Carefully examine the car's maintenance repair history, and have a mechanic check out the vehicle ($50 to $100) before buying. The drawbacks: No reconditioning or extended warranty, and if your friend or relative does foist a lemon on you, you have little recourse (and you may lose a friend). RENTAL CAR COMPANIES are another source of one to two year old cars. They usually carry a wide selection of makes and models that have been well maintained. On the downside, however, the vehicles generally have high mileage and haven't been coddled by drivers. These cars also tend to be loaded with options that raise the price and one more catch there's no price negotiation. CLASSIFIEDS AND BULLETIN BOARDS are risky. While good deals can be had, you need to exercise caution. Watch out for used car dealers masquerading as private sellers (known as curbstoners). Look for clues: more than one car listed in an ad or the name on the car's title not matching the name of the seller. Call ahead and ask how long the owner has had the car, whether the car was new when she bought it, the mileage, what kind of major work has been performed on it, and why she is selling. Always have a mechanic check out the vehicle before buying. USED CAR DEALERS offer low prices but lack repair facilities and sell models "as is." Even if a used car dealer offers a warranty, you'll likely find it seldom covers most repair costs. Look for a dealership that has been in business for at least five years, which increases your chances of getting help should a problem arise. AUTOMOBILE AUCTIONS are only for the pros. Every model on the block is sold "as is," and your risk of getting a problem car is high. Shop elsewhere. Once you find a car you like, determine what it's worth before making an offer by checking with the N.A.D.A. (National Automobile Dealers Association) Official Used Car Guide (found at bookstores and libraries), which lists the market value of used cars. Also, check the asking prices for similar cars listed in the classifieds.

Last Updated ( Friday, 13 February 2009 )