Used car buying tips and tricks

SavageUrge · **Posted:** Sun Feb 24, 2013 3:03 pm

Does anybody here have any tips or tricks about buying a used car? If you worked at a dealer before, that would be great! I've never bought used before so I don't know anything about typical markup or percentage given for trades versus KBB or NADA. I know they never meet KBB for trade-ins, then parade that value in front of you because it's the highest value estimate out there. I'm not against the dealer making a profit; that's why they're in business; I just don't want to get ripped off, since this is new to me, no pun intended... :roll:

Thanks very much for any help! If this works out, I might be rolling in a 2008 JK Sahara shortly after my refund check arrives!

lfhoward · **Posted:** Sun Feb 24, 2013 3:33 pm

http://www.compnine.com/vid.php?

This VIN decoder site was helpful to me when I found specific vehicles I thought I was interested in. It'll give you an instant build sheet for all the options installed at the factory on a specific vehicle. Many online ads don't give you that sort of detailed info (like whether the Jeep has SelecTrac or Command Trac, or whether it comes with a full size spare and the tow package, for example) but they do give you the VIN. So, you can cut and paste it here. The site has a limit to how often you can use it, so it's helpful to have a good idea of the VINs you want to look up before using the decoder site. Good luck with your search! :JEEPIN:

SavageUrge · **Posted:** Mon Feb 25, 2013 11:55 am

Good info @lfhoward, thank you! Do you have any advice regarding haggling or typical "wiggle room" on price? I've done plenty of online research, but practical experience is what I'm lacking as far as used cars go. Thanks again!

gottorque · **Joined:** Fri Sep 23, 2011 1:03 am **Posts:** 100

Know the vehicle your interested in and when you are checking out the vehicle, keep any flaws in mind that you find during the inspection and test drive. You can use these as possible grounds to bring the price down. Also, read the fine print. Is it sold as is or is there some sort of implied limited warantee. All good things to know before you buy

Sent from a rock

lfhoward · **Posted:** Mon Feb 25, 2013 3:54 pm

SavageUrge wrote:

Good info @lfhoward, thank you! Do you have any advice regarding haggling or typical "wiggle room" on price? I've done plenty of online research, but practical experience is what I'm lacking as far as used cars go. Thanks again!

I would say that your willingness to walk away is your best ally with the used car salesman. They will try to convince you that you couldn't get a better deal anywhere else. But you know, there are a lot of used Liberties out there. When I got mine in 2011, a lot of '08s had just come off of 3 year leases, so the market was flooded with them. That might mean that the '10 Libby might be pretty available as an option for you this year, and if supply is greater than demand (which it is for SUVs with gas prices the way they are now), the salesman will need to be a bit flexible. If you are willing to walk away, he will need to come down in price. Use Kelly Blue Book and know what you're looking for, and you should be able to find a fair deal.

lfhoward · **Posted:** Mon Feb 25, 2013 3:57 pm

SavageUrge wrote:

Good info @lfhoward, thank you! Do you have any advice regarding haggling or typical "wiggle room" on price? I've done plenty of online research, but practical experience is what I'm lacking as far as used cars go. Thanks again!

Some other tips: ask for a complimentary CarFax from the seller to see if there have been any accidents. Also, take an extended test drive that includes a trip to a trusted mechanic. If there are issues, you don't want to buy it. If the seller doesn't want you to take it to a mechanic, run. Fast.

Hope this helps!

SavageUrge · **Posted:** Tue Feb 26, 2013 11:47 am

Thanks for all the tips! I'm actually considering buying new now, since it seems that the 2013 Wranglers are starting at about the same prices at the 4 year old Saharas that I'm finding, but still withing my price range. I'm gonna start doing the math. I sort of enjoy messing with dealers; in a sick way, anyway! :mrgreen:

I can haggle the crap outta a new car and I typically buy well below "invoice". I think my dealer was a little pissed with me after we settled on a price for my Libby, since I put him on the phone with another dealer so they could work out who was gonna sell me the Lib :-)r

My wife started laughing hysterically as we drove away from the dealer after the paperwork was signed!

99_XC600 · **Posted:** Sat Mar 02, 2013 3:43 pm

The biggest thing to remember is don't get emotionally attached to the vehicle. Common sense goes out the window when you do. It's only a hunk of metal with 4 wheels. If the deal does not feel right, just walk away. There are a TON of Liberty's out there, just take your time and make sure the deal is right for yourself and not the dealer.

1. Don't go alone, take someone who is completely neutral in the purchase.
2. Go to CarMax to have your trade appraised, it's free and no hassle. Use that appraisal as a baseline.
3. Check your credit before you go.
4. Have financing already lined up if possible
5. Have fun with it, Make them work for the sale. Don't bite on the first offer. There is always room to negotiate.
6. Avoid any 3rd party warranties, they are useless anyway.
7. Avoid the "Second Sticker", this is the listing of dealer add on's (Paint treatment, Scotch Guard, Pep Boys Pin Striping)

Bmxer524 · **Posted:** Mon Mar 04, 2013 3:07 am

99_XC600 wrote:

7. Avoid the "Second Sticker", this is the listing of dealer add on's (Paint treatment, Scotch Guard, Pep Boys Pin Striping)

Funny that a dealer tried this on my friend. He's been working on cars for years and his brother even owns a shop, the 1st salesman was chill about it and honest, but when he was busy the next day the salesman gave him to a co-worker who spoke down to him like he didn't know Jeeps or cars. He laughed at her said have a nice day and walked out.

Also, it helps to pick a ball park price for what you want to pay and have a list of what you want and what you don't mind settling for if you have to. Like if you don't mind having to give up the nav radio for heated seats and power windows etc. Jeeps are pretty common especially Wranglers now. I know that when I get my Wrangler(eventually lol), I want a stick and power locks/windows and I don't mind giving up leather interior or some other things.

Used car buying tips and tricks

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