Cheap, New & Used Cars Forum

In the modern Internet enabled world finding cheap used autos is easier than it’s ever been. With private listings, auction sites like eBay and live auction listings, used car superstores, dealerships listing used cars online, and all sorts of other options it’s a snap to find used cars for cheap, even under $1,000, compare their features and prices and even complete the purchase. With a few simple tips in mind the smart consumer can also avoid lemons and unscrupulous sales.

The first thing to remember is that just because something is online doesn’t mean it’s true. Sometimes people put too much trust in the Internet, just as they put too much trust in a book or the media. Just because something is written in a newspaper or mentioned on the radio doesn’t mean it’s 100% true. The Internet is no different. People can write anything, promise anything, and with some of the tools available they can even create convincing photos and video out of thin air. The same predators that run shady used car lots can get onto the Internet. But now the buyer can’t see their cheap suit, smell their cheap cologne, or get a glimpse of the bad condition of the cars or the facility. Programs such as Photoshop allow dings and dents to be taken out of car images. And all too often people purchase really cheap used cars online, as is, without taking any of the usual used car buying precautions. It doesn’t mean everyone is lying or that every deal is a bad one, but don’t go in with closed eyes.

Always have a used car inspected by a good mechanic. That means driving the car to a garage. If it’s an online listing where no contact is expected, hire a garage to inspect the car for you. There are plenty of independent garages that will perform vehicle inspections. There’s no need to rely on the seller’s inspection or garage. Get a look from someone not involved in the sale. For under $50 you can avoid problems that could cost thousands, including the money spent on the cheap used autos purchase price.
Purchase the used cars for cheap on price, not on payments. If the dealer is pushing payment amounts - “I can get you in this really cheap uses cars for $x a month” – demand to know the purchase price. Do not use the dealers’ finance company, either, because that’s another way for them to add in extra that pushes up the real price of the cheap used autos. Go in with your own financing or better yet save up to pay cash for the really cheap used cars. And when you pay cash, demand a discount.

Cheap used autos are a reality. There are a lot of modern tools to aid in their purchase. But it’s true for used cars for cheap just as it is for anything, if a deal looks too good to be true it is.