Shopping for a used car is the best way to save money on a new vehicle. If you do your research and you are diligent, you can find a used car that will last you just as long as many new cars.
Knowing where to shop is one of the best ways to find a good deal on a used car, and learning how to negotiate can help you lower the price even further. Here are a few ways to find the best deal on a used car:
Shop the Local Classifieds
The local classifieds are the best place to find a deal on a used car. At a dealership, prices are padded to make room for profits. Cars for sale in the classifieds are priced by individuals, who only want to make what they can on what may well be their most valuable possession. You’ll find prices hundreds or even thousands below what you would find at a dealership.
Shopping in the local classifieds will also give you access to a wider variety of vehicles. The larger the city where you live, the larger the selection will be. You can even find rare, older vehicles in the classifieds.
Ask for Referrals
Some of the best deals are never published. You might have a friend who has a friend who’s selling a car for a steal. That person might ask friends to spread the word instead of publishing it in the classifieds or an auto trader magazine.
If you want to take advantage of these deals, you’ll need to get in the know. The only way to do that is to put out feelers when you are ready to buy a car. Ask your friends, family, co-workers and other acquaintances if they are selling a car or if they know someone who is. On top of the already low price, you may be able to get the “friend discount,” helping you to save even more.
Be Persistent
The market isn’t just flooded with rock-bottom deals on cars. If you don’t spot a good deal on a car you love right away, just hang in there. Persistency will lead you to finding the right deal on the right car.
Starting with the classifieds is the best way to get a deal on a used car. But persistence and asking for referrals can help you get what you need, as well.