Used Cars: Pitfalls To Avoid |
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Jaromto Twinds
19 October 2012
Gone are the days when folks looking for used cars started lengthy tours in search for used vehicles that were available at specialized sites, usually outside big cities. Today, to buy a used car you may need 30 minutes. Sure, buying second hand vehicles in haste is risky, but the fact remains the same - all you need to do is to visit a few car sale sites, pick a vehicle you like, contact a seller, pay for the car and enjoy your new four wheeled friend.
That is the theory. In reality, such car sale sites are crammed with dealers who dream of cheating rookies. What can a typical housewife know about cars? Nothing! Is it easy to persuade an office clerk who has problems using a kettle in his kitchen that the particular vehicle is actually the car of his dreams? Sure, it is, especially if the seller is a subtle psychologist (believe me, they all are subtle psychologists since this is how they make money). Here's a list of most common mistakes inexperienced drivers and vehicle buyers tend to make.
· "I am an expert in cars since I used to own a vehicle two years ago," this is what most people with absolutely no automotive knowledge think. Forget about any deals unless you are a car expert. If you are not, let professional mechanics decide for you. Yes, you may be obsessed with how the chosen car looks. You may get carried away with its comfortable seats. However, after 2,000 miles your beloved vehicle will stop, quite possibly forever. Spare parts are expensive, so it may be more expensive to fix a used car than to buy a new one. Never purchase vehicles from car dealers who offer no warranty. As mentioned above, there are lots of cheaters among them. Do not let them rip you off.
· Do not buy cars with insane mileage or vehicles made in the last century. Yes, the price can be delicious - 1,500$ for a vehicle sounds great! However, you will have to spend 3,000$ during the next year to keep that wreck alive. It is better to save some more money and buy a relatively fresh car.
· Avoid buying expensive foreign cars. I mean they are comfortable and luxurious. However, you are in a trouble as soon as you start looking for spare parts. So, a used Ford is better than Rolls Royce.
· Avoid buying cars that consume much gas. With current gas prices, looking for fuel efficient autos is a good idea. Why buy a huge SUV just to commute to work? Whom do you want to impress? Live a life you can afford to avoid financial troubles.