Need Reliable Transportation? The Used Car Classifieds Are Where To Look! Personally, for me there's perhaps nothing more irritating than a broken car! Being a mechanical idiot, a car that refuses to do its job is a discouraging event indeed. There are some things that go wrong with cars that don't require signing over your first born to fix and remain just a huge irritation. However, sooner or later, in every car's life, the vehicle becomes too unreliable and you know it's time to go shopping for a car. With new car prices no longer passing the laugh test and an uncertain future of how tomorrow's car will be powered, it makes sense that a used car is the way to go, for now. The trouble is, when buying any used car, you don't want to trade one set of troubles for another. Here's how to use the used car classifieds to your advantage, getting the best vehicle for the best price. You might wonder why you'd want to go through the used car classifieds, rather than just making a one-stop shopping trip to a used car lot. For one thing, most used car lots do not offer a significant warranty. In fact, a 90-day warranty is about the best you can expect. Unless you enjoy wrangling with car salesmen over price, you'll find it a far more reasonable and rational experience to deal with an owner you turned up in the used car classifieds. Car dealers generally ask far more than the car is worth. You may only be able to negotiate down to what the car is actually worth. Another problem is that car dealers may not agree to having your mechanic look the car over thoroughly before you buy. Can you say lemon? On the other hand, going through the used car classifieds can turn up some gems, vehicles with really good value and not overpriced. Before you start shopping, read consumer reports on various vehicles that will suit your purpose. Establish your priorities as to what you want out of this purchase. Certainly reliability and good fuel economy are important. If you're in a sales job, chances are you'll want a nice looking car that conveys an impression of success. If you're a student and just need reliable transportation to work and school, maybe this isn't so important. If you're a Mom, constantly loading up the car with groceries and kids, a station wagon or SUV may be a necessity. Once you've settled on two or three vehicles that will fill the bill, be sure you check out the Kelly Blue Book(TM) value, especially if you'll be financing. If you plan to pay cash, establish a maximum price you're willing to pay. Now you're ready to sit down and go through today's used car classifieds. The Sunday paper has the most advertisers, particularly if the seller knows he's offering a good value on a desirable car. Get the paper as soon as it's available, because the truly good deals go fast. The very best candidate is the vehicle advertised as a one owner car, well maintained (with maintenance records) and with low miles. The proverbial little old lady who bought her car new, using it only to go shopping and run errands, is the seller you're looking for in the used car classifieds. This seller profile also usually comes with a fair market value price. Besides, you'll know the blue book value, so this is easy to assess before you ever take a look at the car. So what's the description of an undesirable vehicle? Look for statements like 'new paint'. Here, you have the potential of buying a car that's recently been in an accident. Advertising in the used car classifieds is not inexpensive if the seller needs to advertise for a couple of weeks. The seller is going to write the ad promoting the most salable virtues. An entry like 'new engine' is not a very good recommendation. If the car has a new engine, why is the seller selling? The likely answer is that, after installing a new engine, he learned the transmission is about to go. You don't want that sort of trouble! As you go through the used car classifieds, try to find that ideal seller profile. If you're in immediate need of transportation, look for a happy medium. If the seller states, 'in excellent condition, needs new tires', chances are good the car is being fairly represented. Try to use the tires as a negotiating point. With cash in hand, you can probably make an equitable deal. In any case, always have a mechanic check the car out before you hand over the cash! Summary You may only be able to negotiate down to what the car is actually worth. Another problem is that car dealers may not agree to having your mechanic look the car over thoroughly before you buy. Can you say lemon? On the other hand, going through the used car classifieds can turn up some gems, vehicles with really good value and not overpriced. Related Articles Establishing Auto Values Buying A Used Car Finding Affordable Used Cars Related Sites