How To Shop a Used Car Lot

Deciding to buy a used car is a smart decision.  When you buy a new car the minute you drive it away you lose equity in that car immediately.  There are many deals to be found when you shop for a car on a used car lot.  It may take a bit of time to find the exact make and model that you are looking for, but with some persistence you should be able to find a fantastic deal.

Before making the decision to shop for a car on a used car lot do your research.  The Internet provides a wealth of information on what the value of a used car is. 

• Check out online websites like Kelly Blue Book.  This will give you what the value of the car is worth.  It will also tell you what the current value of your car is if you plan on using your car for a trade in.


• Go to websites such as autotrader.com or vehix.com.  If you know a specific year, make, and model of a car that you are searching for these websites will let you know what used car lots in your area have them in stock.


• Know your budget and stick with it.  If you have a certain price that you can afford do not go over that price because you found a car that you like better.


• Get your financing in place before you go to the used car lot.  Often times you can get better interest rates from your local bank or credit union than you would get from the used car lot.  Find out how much you qualify for and bring that with you before you begin shopping.


• Print off any car listings that you might have found while doing your online research and bring those listings with you.  Often times the prices that they have at the used car lot are different from the sticker price on the car.


• Arrive with confidence and tell the used car salesman what you are there to purchase.


• Take the cars that you are interested in for a test drive.


• Sit down and negotiate the price that you are willing to pay. Explain to them that you already have your financing in place so that they do not try to play the "numbers" game with you.


• Feel confident in the purchase you are going to make before signing any contracts.  If you feel this is the best deal you can get, sign the contract, deliver the check and drive away in your "new" to you used car.