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Mar 12, 2024 · Private seller. Buying from a private seller can provide you with a more reasonable price than a dealership, and if you have a specific vehicle in mind, you may have more luck buying that...
Jul 18, 2024 · Why does a car's weight matter? The weight of a car matters for several reasons, ranging from performance to safety. Understanding the benefits and downsides of having a heavy vehicle...
Apr 16, 2024 · What is the benefit of buying a car from a private seller? The main benefit is cost. You should pay less for a used car sold by a private seller than you would pay for that exact model from a dealer. What are the drawbacks of buying a used car from a private seller?
Dec 11, 2023 · If you’re considering a car from a private seller, you’ll likely need to buy the report yourself, for about $47. (Learn more about the differences between buying from dealers and private...
- Test Drive For Comfort
- Shop During The Day
- Prepare For Your Purchase
- Prepare For Repairs
- Understand The Cost to Own
- Cargo Considerations
- Features Matter
- Bonus Tips
Test driving a car before purchase helps you to assess the vehicle’s performance and handling. “It sounds overly simple,” said Andy Bornhop, Senior Vehicle Reviews Editor, “but don’t buy a car without actually sitting in it first.” He says the test drive is your chance to check out the car’s technology and convenience features and make sure the veh...
Andy also advises against buying a used car at night or in the rain: “It hides any shoddy paint or bodywork that may have been done on the car,” he explains. Even if you bring a flashlight or other lighting accessory, you may need more to assess the car’s condition accurately. Avoid nighttime shopping if you’re in the market for a used vehicle. Onc...
Trevor has one big purchase tip: Know your budget. “If you’ve saved $10,000 to buy a used car, you shouldn’t look at cars costing more than $8,000. When purchasing a $10,000 vehicle, the dealer fees, sales tax, vehicle registration, and vehicle inspection can easily be more than $1,000, meaning the $10K vehicle just became $11K before performing an...
Insurance and repairexpenses usually can’t be avoided, but there are ways to keep the costs down. “If the repair is slightly higher than your insurance deductible, pay it out of pocket. Don’t use your ‘accident forgiveness’ on a minor claim because a major accident could be around the corner. Only use insurance for significant losses. Otherwise, yo...
The team has a few key tips regarding ownership costs. Danielle Rohe, Senior Data Program Manager for Kelley Blue Book, reminds buyers to be aware of registration and tax requirements. “As a Kentucky resident,” Danielle said, “I wish I was better prepared for vehicle property taxes.” Different states have different annual property and use tax rates...
Adequate storage spaceis essential whether you plan to take frequent road trips, haul equipment, or simply transport groceries. “Everyone needs a truck, or a friend with a truck. If you’re young and shopping for your first car, consider not getting a car. Get the smallest reliable pickup you can get your hands on. People move often in their 20s. A ...
The little details can make a big difference. Renee Valdes, Lead Advice Editor, recommends buyers look for easy connectivity: “Know how your car connects to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Is a cord necessary? Play with the buttons. Remember to test out all the controls. Are they accessible, easy to use, etc.? Can you get to them in a pinch? Can you...
Sean has a fun piece of advice: Don’t be afraid to buy something weird that delights you. “I once bought a bright orange car with a thick black stripe, not because I wanted it, but because it was the only thing on the lot with a stick and a great stereo. I wanted those. I thought I’d live with the weird color. A year in, you know what I loved best ...
Aug 23, 2024 · Much depends on option packages, trim levels, and engine choices. Calculate how much you need to tow before you buy, and make sure the vehicle you’re choosing will be up to the task. Check...
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The questions you need to ask in order to buy a used car with confidence. Here's a list of questions you should ask the seller before you commit to buying.