Saving Money When Buying a Vehicle
A vehicle is probably one of the biggest purchases you will ever make. Cars depreciate quickly, and many financial gurus suggest that buying used is the better option for most people, especially if you plan to use financing. Buying from a private seller can save you money, but it can also open you up to getting a bad deal.
The Benefits of Buying from a Private Seller:
- No up-selling
- No dealer fees
- More likely to close the deal quickly
The Drawbacks of Buying from a Private Seller:
- No warranties
- Obtaining proper documentation is your responsibility
- Unlike a dealership, the seller does not have a reputation to protect
A Great Deal or a Money Pit on Wheels?
Even though it usually makes financial sense to buy a car that is a couple years old, you may be hesitant to trust everything the seller tells you, whether you are buying from a dealership or a private seller. Doing your homework and knowing what to look for when you are purchasing a vehicle can spare you a lot of frustration (and expensive repairs) down the road.
Tips for Buying a Car
Do Your Research
While any vehicle can be a lemon, some vehicles are especially prone to problems. Once you have figured out what type of vehicle you want, identify the models with good reliability records before you begin shopping around. A third-party company such as consumer reports provides unbiased guidance on selecting a model that is reliable.
After You Have Selected a Car You Like
Ask Questions
Before money changes hands, find out why the seller is selling the car, what issues they have experienced with it and what parts are not original to the car. Ideally, the seller would also be able to show you service records.
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Get the Title
If the seller does not have the title in their hand, there’s no way to be sure that they own the car. There would also be no way to prove that you own the car after you purchase it. If they have lost the title, they can request a duplicate. Make sure the title is signed by everyone whose name is on it. If the seller cannot produce the title, do not buy the car.
Know the Fair Market Value
Online tools such as Kelley Blue Book and National Automobile Dealers Association Guides can help you be sure that you are being charged a fair market price based on the car’s year, model, condition ratings and mileage.
Get the Vehicle History Report
Check the VIN (vehicle identification number)
Checking the VIN can give you a lot of very important information about the vehicle you are about to purchase.
The vehicle’s history report includes information such as its previous owners, open recalls and damage, accidents, repairs, maintenance history, and odometer readings. If you are buying the vehicle from a dealership, then they will probably provide you with the report if you ask for it. If you are purchasing from a private seller, you may have to track this report down online through a website such as AutoCheck or Carfax. Verifying that the vehicle has not been labeled a “lemon”, been in any serious accidents that caused frame damage or had the airbags deploy, helps to ensure that it is in good condition before you move forward.
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Start The Car
May sound so simple, but don’t just start the car and immediately take it for a test drive. Turn the vehicle on and make sure that all the dashboard warning lights turn on. If they do not, or if they stay on, make sure that the issue is resolved before you purchase the vehicle. Did the car start easily (on the first crank) or did it take a few tries. Did you hear any noises (like whirring or buzzing), it could be a bad starter.
When the vehicle first starts, do you smell unusual odors or is there smoke coming from the exhaust? What was the engine temperature gauge at? By pre-warming a car (before you show up), an owner can hide some of these warning signs.
Let the Car Warm Up
As you are initially talking to the owner, stay outside next to the car and let the car idle for a while and warmup. Listen to the engine, is it running smoothly, or do the rpm’s seem to be inconsistent (slow down and then speed up)?
Inspect the Vehicle Yourself
You do not have to be a certified mechanic to spot signs of damage. Before you even take a test drive, look over the car and see if it passes a few of these simple tests.
Look at the vehicle’s exterior for signs of rust, dents or scratches. Keep an eye out for uneven panels and uneven paint. This could indicate that the car was damaged and not repaired properly. Open and close all the doors, trunk, and hood to make sure they function normally. Are there any cracks in the windshield or other windows? Check the tread on the tires, are the tires old with no tread left, or does the tread have an uneven wear pattern (which could mean the car needs an alignment or a more serious problem like worn shocks and struts).
Once you have checked over the exterior, sit inside the vehicle and look for rips or stains in the upholstery, headliner and dashboard. Do all the electronics work (radio, Bluetooth, backup cameras etc.). Pay attention to any musty smells or water stains, which could indicate a leak or prior water damage.
Go for a Test Drive
If you do not know the seller, ask to see a photo ID, take a picture of the ID and send it to a friend for safety reasons. If possible, test drive the vehicle on different types of roads (side roads and highway) and at different speeds. One trick an owner may use is stating that the car has no registration and no insurance, so it would be best to just drive locally around the neighborhood, or not drive it at all. Do not fall for this trick. You need to drive the car to see if it is worth the purchase price.
As you drive the car, verify that the windshield wipers (and fluid), air conditioning, power brakes, power steering, signals, lights, locks and cruise control work as they should. Are there any warning lights that are showing? When driving, briefly take your hands off the steering wheel to see if the vehicle pulls to the side. Upon heavy braking at higher speeds (exiting off the freeway), does the car pull to the left or right?
Slow Down + Speed Up + Listen!
As you drive the vehicle, take your time, don’t be rushed by the owner. Even though it may be 110 degrees outside, roll down all the windows and listen (turn off the radio and the air conditioning), do you hear any odd noises (grinding, squealing, creaking etc.) coming from the engine, brakes or suspension?
Pro Tip:
Try driving next to a large flat brick wall, it will reflect sounds back and make it easier to hear any noises coming from the car.
Protect Yourself From Fraud
Look at the car’s mileage and consider whether the level of wear is consistent with what you would expect. If the car’s mileage is low but you notice a lot of wear on the steering wheel, upholstery, gas and brake pedals, the seller may have illegally manipulated the odometer.
Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection
Have a trusted mechanic (that you, not the seller, chooses) look over the vehicle. Having an objective third party mechanic check out the vehicle before money changes hands can save you from serious trouble in the future. Book an appointment with a local mechanic and drive the vehicle there during the test drive to let them look it over. Even if the dealership has a free return policy, returning the car can be a hassle.
If the mechanic says the car is in good shape, consider buying it. If it is not, use that as leverage to lower the purchase price, or not purchase it at all. If the seller objects to having a mechanic look over the car, then you may want to find another vehicle.
Buying A Car Out Of State
Buying a car from a seller in your own town may be the most convenient option but, going out of state may be inevitable if you want something specific. Gathering as much information as possible and knowing state-specific rules can help the process go as smoothly as possible.
Know Your State’s Vehicle Inspection Requirements
In Nevada, only residents in Clark and Washoe Counties are required to have their vehicle inspected regularly for things such as safety and emissions. Other states such as California and Utah have more stringent requirements. To find out what is required where you live, check out your state’s Department of Motor Vehicle website.
Pay Taxes, Title and Registration Fees
When you purchase a vehicle out of state, you are required to pay the sales tax rate for the state you reside in. For example, if you live in Nevada and purchase a vehicle from Oregon, which does not have a sales tax, you still pay Nevada’s 8.1% sales tax before you register the vehicle. You are also required to pay for a new title and registration when you bring it back home.
Get Auto Insurance with Nevada Insurance Enrollment
Once you have purchased your new vehicle, it is important to make sure that you get the right auto insurance. It is important to purchase auto insurance as soon as possible to ensure your vehicle is covered. In most cases, your auto insurance policy goes into effect the day after you make the down payment. One of our agents can help you review your needs and obtain affordable coverage
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