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How to Get the Best Deals on a Used Car. Don't be taken in by smooth-talking used car salesmen.
Find the best deal without paying for a bunch of extras you don't want or need. You will
need Internet access Car trader magazines Test drive Mechanic Tow truck driver Financing
Trade-in car Vehicle history report Negotiation skills and documentation and license fee.
Step 1. Research online, in newspapers, and car trader magazines to get a an idea of what's
available in your price range. If you're buying from a private owner, insist on driving the
car first, and have a mechanic check it out. Step 2. Determine what make, year, and model
is best for you. Ask an auto mechanic or a local tow truck driver about the kinds of
cars they see the least so you can go after something reliable. Step 3. Eliminate needless
haggling and delays with a private seller or car lot salesperson by finding out beforehand
how much financing your bank or credit union will extend for a car. Step 4. Create wiggle
room in the negotiation price for a used car at a dealership by determining a fair value
for a trade-in car ahead of time. Remember that the Kelley Blue Book is only an estimated
listing of what dealer prices average, not necessarily what the dealer will accept. Step
5. Evaluate dealership discounts, such as low finance charges or cash-back incentives.
Carefully calculating and choosing between a zero percent payback and an attractive rebate
can reduce the total spent on a used car. Step 6. Make a low offer to invite the salesperson
to reject it and justify their asking price. Come up on the offer incrementally, but only
as high as you originally intended to pay, and always be ready to walk away. Step 7.
Check the fine print before making a deal. An extended warranty might not be worth it.
Pay a documentation and license fee, with sales taxes and stipulated repairs to be done
before signing. Did you know With nearly 700,000 clunkers traded in, the $3 billion "Cash for
Clunkers" program was an unprecedented success.