It’s easier than at any other time in history to find
cheap used cars by owner, thanks to the World Wide Web. 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, 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. People trust newspapers too much, and the same goes for the web. Not everything on the radio or television is true. It’s the same online. 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. Unscrupulous individuals flock to the web. The snake oil smiles and slicked back hair can’t be seen during a remote negotiation. Scratches and dents can be edited out by anyone with an image software. And all too often people purchase 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 cheap used autos 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 used car purchase price.
Purchase the used car on price, not on payments. If the dealer is pushing payment amounts - I can get you in this car 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 used car. Pay cash or find your own loan. The price should be discounted for a cash buy.
Cheap used cars aren’t impossible. There is a lot of help for buyers. But it’s true for used cars just as it is for anything, if a deal looks too good to be true it is.