Liz Allison Teams With AutoVantage: Shopping Smart For Used Cars On The Lot And Online With Tips Fro
Replacing or buying a new car is not a simple task. And with today's high prices (both fuel and
vehicles) many people are looking outside the new car lot for a reliable
used vehicle.
According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, 16.5 million
new cars were sold at dealerships in 2006. During that same period, 19
million used vehicles were sold.
"People are starting to realize the money-saving benefit of buying a
car that already has a few miles on its odometer," said Liz Allison,
AutoVantage spokesperson. "But finding the right vehicle can also be a
headache for the buyer."
There are many questions unique to buying used cars that are not always
easy to answer: What is the vehicle's history? Has it had any major
mechanical issues in the past? Is it safe to buy from online used car
sources? Should I buy a car sight unseen? How old is too old?
"The salesperson at the used car lot may seem very helpful in matching
you with the 'perfect car,' but at the end of the day what's most important
to him is making a sale," said Brad Eggleston, vice president of
AutoVantage. "Fortunately, with a few helpful tips, being able to
distinguish a stud from a dud is easier than you think."
So when it's time to buy your next vehicle, and if you decide used is
right for you, here are some tips to help you find a car that's right for
you:
— Know the pros and cons of your desired vehicle — Check out the vehicle
model's repair record, maintenance costs, and safety and mileage
ratings in consumer magazines or online. Safety-related recalls are
required by law to be publicized and the National Highway
Transportation Safety Administration's website is a good place to find
out if your car has any (http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov). The TSA also posts
consumer complaints and defect investigations – good information.
— Check out the vehicle's track record — A vehicle history report from
Experian Automotive (http://www.autocheck.com) is a cheap way to ensure that
your car is not the victim of odometer fraud, past fire, flood or
accident damage. All you need to access this information is the vehicle
identification number (VIN), $15 and about five minutes of wait time.
If you're not going the pre-certified route, this could save you lots
of money and aggravation down the road.
— Don't take their word, get it in writing — Dealers are required by the
Federal Trade Commission to post a Buyer's Guide in every used vehicle
offered for sale. This guide serves as your best friend in the world of
used car buying and provides a lot of important information, including
if the car has a warranty and what percentage of repair costs (if any)
the dealer is obligated to pay. The guide always overrules your sales
contract, so be sure any spoken agreements or negotiations are written
into both.
— Use online as a supplement — Shopping online can eliminate some of the
initial headache of determining what model vehicle you want, what
options are available and a general idea of a car's going price. At
online dealer sites specializing in used cars, such as Carmax.com, you
can easily browse an inventory and find your "dream car" from the
comfort of your home computer. But never purchase a car or pay a
transfer fee to purchase a vehicle sight unseen.
— Negotiate with confidence — The blue book has been the authority on
car value for more than 80 years. Consult the Kelley Blue Book before
going to the negotiating table, and be prepared to bargain for the best
deal on your car.
— Get the approval of your crew chief — Be sure to give the car a
thorough inspection, inside and out. And then hand it over to the pros
for the final stamp of approval. Visit a qualified mechanic for an
automotive diagnostic and a thorough inspection of the undercarriage.
Welding marks, dents and kinked structural parts on the car's
underbelly may tell a different story than the owner. Dealers should
have no problem lending you the car to have it inspected. If a private
owner is reluctant, offer to follow him to the shop to have it
inspected. And if you don't have a certified mechanic, the Car Care
Council, an organization that certifies U.S. diagnostic shops, has an
easy-to-use website searchable by zip code (http://www.carcarecouncil.org). A
thorough diagnostic will cost you about $120 and is well worth its
weight in steel and rubber.
— Put the vehicle to the test — Think of the test drive like your warm-
up lap. Don't just take the car for a leisurely Sunday drive around the
block — take a serious test run. Put some speed on the odometer and
give the brakes a workout. Make sure the steering wheel doesn't wander
from left to right or shake (this could just be a need for front-end
alignment or wheel balancing, but could also be the beginning of a much
more serious issue with the driveline, suspension or frame which could
be pricey repairs.) Drive up and down hills, down highways and through
stoplights. Remember, you're going to be spending lots of time in the
driver's seat of your new car. If you can view the area where the car
is parked overnight, check for oil or other fluid marks on the ground.
— Be savvy about your financing options — There are two ways to buy a
car: you can pay the full cost outright or finance over time. Being
able to pay in full is ideal because you avoid interest and other loan
costs, but for many of us, that's just not an option. Dealers and
lenders want your business, so they'll give you lots of loan options.
Beware of advertisements offering tempting deals to folks with bad
credit or first-time buyers, because they are usually loaded with high
interest rates. Get the facts on any loan before you sign the dotted
line. Find out the exact price you're paying for the vehicle, the
amount you're financing, the finance charge, the APR and how many
payments you're up against.
Liz Allison, a spokesperson for AutoVantage, is a NASCAR TV
personality, radio host and best-selling author. She has served as a racing
analyst for TNT, CNNSI, TNN, CNN, ESPN and ESPN2.
