You have options today when buying a used car or truck.
There are newspaper classifieds, online classifieds and Craigslist. We’ve even
seen cars lined up from individual owners in a big box store parking lot with
for sale signs in the windshields.
Then of course there are used car dealers, some who even
offer buy here pay here options.
Where to Start
Your starting point is deciding your current situation, and
where you want to be by the end of any transaction.
What is your budget? Can you get financing? What payments
can you afford? Do you want a car to just get around in or do you want
something with a little style? Do you have a car to trade in?
You’ll also want a least an idea of the type of vehicle you
want to end up. Two doors? Mini-van? SUV?
Once you assess your situation, you have three general
choices.
The “Do-it-yourself” Approach
Buying a vehicle from a previously unknown individual
carries a lot of risks. Other than a short test drive, you probably have
minimal knowledge of the vehicle’s true mechanical condition. “Oh, he SAID he
changed the oil every 3,000 miles” isn’t going to get much sympathy from your
mechanic when he has to replace the engine.
Buying a car from a blind ad is like stepping out in the old
west. There are people who are willing to take advantage so buyer beware.
No warranty. No vehicle history. No relationship. You may
end up with a successful transaction, but buying a vehicle is usually a
significant transaction. Why take the risk?
Buying a Used Car from a New Car Dealer
While many new car dealers have a good selection of used
cars, the salespeople spend the vast majority of their time learning about the
details of their new car lines. In some cases they may be no more familiar with
a particular used car on the lot than you are. They buy used cars in bulk with
profit margin as their main focus.
While they have reputations to uphold, the sheer volume of
sales makes an individual customer just a little less valuable. Most new car
dealers are big business, and the business is moving cars.
Buying From a Used Car Dealer
The days of the fast talking, sunglass wearing, plaid
suit-coat wearing used car salesman are long gone. Ok, mostly.
You’ll find used car dealers today who support fundraising
efforts in their communities, serve on local school boards, and spend money at
other local businesses. Many are owned by hands-on, hardworking individuals and
families who take pride in building their business.
What this means is that a used car dealer can care
about you not just as a customer, but as an individual. They want to do
business with you again. The cars on their lot are likely individually selected
by them…hand chosen so to speak because of their mechanical reliability.
A used car dealer will generally offer some type
of warranty, and buy-here-pay-here dealer’s offer financing for those who may
not qualify otherwise. This allows for payments that can allow a buyer to get
into a much newer vehicle than previously thought. It many cases the down payment
is also small.
If you are in the market for a previously owned vehicle,
consider the benefits of buying from a used car dealer, and even one that
offers buy here pay here options.
Auto Masters of Smyrna
56 S Lowry St
Smyrna, TN 37167
(615) 625-7200
http://www.usedcarssmyrnatn.com/
Auto Masters of Smyrna
56 S Lowry St
Smyrna, TN 37167
(615) 625-7200
http://www.usedcarssmyrnatn.com/
