The used-car market is enjoying an enormous surge, thanks in large part to the glut of vehicles coming off short-term leases. The market has also witnessed an evolution in consumer-friendly financing and leasing options for both new and used car buyers. This section explores the world of used vehicle finance (both purchase and leasing) and gives suggestions on how to best leverage your used-car dollars. Read More »
Maintaining A Used Car
Whether buying an almost-new or truly-used car, it is important to take good care of the vehicle. According to Brickman, there are basically two maintenance theories: do-it-yourself and let-someone-else-do-it. This article details what is necessary for each to do. Read More »
Buying Cars To Collect
It's been just over one hundred years since the automobile came into existence. In that time, cars have been built in practically every conceivable configuration, shape, and color. Many people want a piece of automotive history to call their own. Before rushing out to buy an emotion-laced dream car, the authors urge taking some time to discover needs, wants and expectations. This article contains words of advice from a couple who's been there, done that, and are still married! Read More »
Used Car Buying Help From The Internet
Despite the World Wide Web being a relatively new medium, it is absolutely the richest information environment available to consumers. Nearly all the information needed to make used-car purchasing decisions is online and available for use free of charge. This article lists the resources online for used-car shopping. Read More »
Used Car Buying Help From The Internet
Despite the World Wide Web being a relatively new medium, it is absolutely the richest information environment available to consumers. Nearly all the information needed to make used-car purchasing decisions is online and available for use free of charge. This article lists the resources online for used-car shopping. Read More »
The Process of Buying a Used Car in a New Era
There aren't many "used cars" anymore. There are "previously-owned," "near-new" or "gently-used" vehicles. Not only do used cars have new names, they have shiny new images, thanks mainly to the off-lease vehicles flooding the used-car marketplace and new-car-like offerings, such as warranties. Yet buying a previously-owned vehicle can be a major undertaking. Good preparation is the best insurance for a good outcome. This article offers nine steps to help provide a successful used-car buying experience in a new era. Read More »
Buying Used Versus New
Storck, purchaser of over 400 cars during his lifetime (99 percent purchased used), says only a handful of his buys turned out to be disappointments and "those were ones where I let emotion and enthusiasm overcome good sense." This article has good, sensible advice on deciding between buying used and new -- offering benefits and drawbacks to each. Read More »
The Cost Of Used Car Ownership
It may not come as a big surprise that the price of a used car is only the beginning of the monetary outlay. This article deals with the extra money items to consider when buying a used car, like sales tax, license and anticipated repair costs. There is also a good explanation of how to figure annual operating costs including fuel, oil maintenance, tires and insurance. Read More »
Selecting The Correct Make And Model
Selecting a vehicle can be a daunting process. Whether choosing from the crowd of new-vehicle models featured in slick print ads and enticing television commercials or tediously circling dozens of used-car ads in the classified section of the daily paper, the task involves extensive research and a commitment to a rational decision. This article serves as a guide through the process of determining the model that fits your lifestyle and the features needed to make it a desirable purchase. Read More »
Evaluating A Used Car: Finding A Sound Vehicle
The evaluation process begins by determining how a car fits your image and lifestyle, then considers features and security needs. This article helps answer: Will the car be reliable and cost effective to maintain? Is the car in good enough shape to buy? Has the car been in an accident? Has the odometer been changed? There are also hints on finding a reliable mechanic before you need one, a discussion of test driving, and a detailed look at the actual buying process including determining the right price to pay, negotiating the buy and what should be in the sales agreement. Read More »
