Helping simplify your Used Car Search Process

Valerie Raskovic

Sep 21, 2023

Share:

It can be difficult navigating through the pit falls and obstacles of used car shoppingin the ever-changing used car market. Having easy accessibility to a vast number of online used car models listings does not make the car shopping process any easier. 

In fact, having so many options on where to buy and what vehicle to buy can sometimes overwhelm buyers, making it harder to choose the right car.  Additionally, the abundance of listings may lead to information overload, making the process of used car hunting more challenging as buyers sift through an array of data and conflicting details to find a trustworthy purchase.

We have boiled down the used car buying process by braking into 3 simple parts. 

Research and Budget

Before you head out on your used car journey you must first ask yourself 3 simple questions:

1.    How much car can I afford? 
Begin by factoring all of the costs related to the purchase, such as cost of the vehicle, registration fees, taxes, insurance, maintenance. If your intent on financing or leasing the vehicle be sure that your car payments do not exceed 10% of your monthly take home pay.  

2.    How do I want to pay?
Determine if you want to pay for the car in full or if you see any benefits of getting a loan or leasing the vehicle. Weigh all the pros and cons as they relate to each option.  

3.    What is the year, make and model of the car you wish to buy?
Consider all the factors such as average selling price of comparable models, fuel efficiency, size, body style and other specific features. Easy way of determining what vehicle best suits your wants and needs is by making a list of features and options that you may want and things you cannot live without and selecting the make and model that has the features and options you are looking for while trying to fit it into your budget. 

Get on the hunt. 

Once you've narrowed down your choices to certain years, makes and models of vehicles, you can now start searching for that one vehicle that you are going to call yours. The car you are looking for maybe offered up for sale by both dealers and private parties. So, you must keep in mind there are pros and const to both options. 

Buying a used car from a private party typically offers lower prices than of a comparable vehicle on the dealer lot but it tends to carry higher risks due to a higher potential of hidden issues, the absence of warranties as well as all the risks associated with exchanging a large sum of money to a non-business entity. Used car dealers typically provide a safer and more professional shopping environment and sell cars with pre-existing or extended warranties but come with higher prices and potential sales pressure. Your choice depends on your budget, risk tolerance, and preference for convenience.

Here are few popular places to find used cars for sale on the internet:

•    Autotrader: Autotrader is a widely recognized online marketplace for buying and selling new and used cars.

•    Cars.com: Cars.com is another popular website offering a vast inventory of new and used cars, along with tools for researching and comparing vehicles.

•    Craigslist: Craigslist can be a valuable resource for finding local used cars. The sellers on this platform are comprised of private owners and dealers. Exercise caution and thoroughly vet sellers to avoid potential scams.

•    Facebook Marketplace: Facebook Marketplace has become a popular platform for buying and selling used cars locally. The used car listings include the user profiles and reviews, which can enhance safety.

•    TrueCar: TrueCar is not only a good platform to search for used cars it is also an invaluable research tool. By offering pricing transparency TrueCar allows you to see what others in your area paid for the same vehicle, helping you gauge a fair price.

•    eBay Motors: eBay Motors is a trusted platform for buying and selling vehicles. eBay helps facilitate the purchase by clearly displaying seller reviews and providing additional support when needed.  

•    Autotempest: The benefit of using autotempest is that it allows you to brows vehicle listings from most popular used car sites and platforms such as: ebay, cars.com, TrueCar, Carvana, Hemmings, Cars&Bids and CarSoup.com

Inspection & Negotiation Process

Vehicle inspection and negotiation go hand in hand. A thorough inspection can uncover hidden issues or wear and tear items that might not be immediately apparent, giving you valuable leverage during negotiations. Identifying such condition-related issues not only provides a basis for price reduction but can also lead to more favorable terms in the deal. It's a critical step ensuring that you're getting a fair deal and a vehicle that meets your expectations both in terms of condition and cost.

It is strongly advised that you seek the assistance of a trusted mechanic in order to inspect the car before finalizing the purchase. Do not be afraid to walk away from the deal if the seller appears dishonest or unwilling to address your concerns about the vehicle's condition.It's often a red flag that the transaction may not be in your best interest. Similarly, if the cost of necessary repairs exceeds your budget, it's a prudent decision to step away from the deal to avoid potential financial strain down the road. Recognizing these signs and being prepared to walk away demonstrates your commitment to making a wise and informed purchase ensuring that you invest your money in a vehicle that aligns with your needs and financial means.

It is not advised to commit to buy a pre-owned vehicle without a test drive. However, if for some reason you are unable to view and test drive the vehicle in person prior to purchase be sure the car is inspected by an independent professional mechanic not associated with the seller. Remember to exercise extreme caution and conduct due diligence when buying a used car online,sight unseen.  Always verify the information provided in listings, request the seller to provide proof of ownership documents, a vehicle history report to check for any accidents, title issues and consider other options.  Additionally, be wary of online deals that seem too good to be true, as they might be potential scams.

In conclusion, the use of online tools and used car listings can make the used car buying process more accessible and transparent. With a degree of caution and self-control, you can use these tools to find the preowned vehicle that meets your requirements while staying within your target budget.