There are tons of warning signs and red flags to look for when shopping for a used car, and you can't count on that golden-tongued, earring wearing, slick-haired salesman to tell you what they are.1 – If you have any doubt or hesitation at all during the test drive, walk away. Don't believe things like "gas cap problem" or "normal vibration". If you sense the problem, it's bigger than you can ever imagine.
2 – If the car doesn't have a 100,000 mile column, as many older Fords don't, assume it has 150,000 miles rather than 50,000. Check the brake pedal for wear, and if it's even partly bald, assume it's got that extra hundred thousand.
3 – If the salesman disagrees with you, count that proof-positive you can't trust these people.
4 – Know the value of the car you're buying. If you can't get the salesman to show you the Kelly Blue Book, assume they're lying and not trustworthy.
5 – Never pay more than Blue Book, but ideally don't even pay the "low blue book" for it.
6 – Know the value of your trade-in and get it. Every last penny of it. If they won't give it to you, tell them you'll have to go home and think about it, and they'll buckle on the spot, period.
7 – Most of all, don't flex, don't compromise and don't waiver. Used car salesmen are notoriously greedy and pushy, and if you give them an inch you'll end up with payments of $500 for a late model Ford Tempo.
Automobile Blog May Archive
Favorite Posts: • 500 Used Car Cheap • The Cars of Transformer • Scams and Dealing with •
