By average I am referring to any car priced between $10,000 to $20,000. Start it from cold and listen for any rattles. Step 1: Inspect the exterior of the car Check the condition of the body. Original new-car dealers usually keep the trade-ins that are in the best condition. Once the vehicles arrive, they’re the dealer’s property until they sell to consumers. The best way to start is to do your research and understand the actual market value of the car you plan to buy. Ontario’s new safety inspection rules: What they mean for used car buyers. They will send it to where prospects for it might be better. You shouldn’t be responsible for repairs on a vehicle that doesn’t pass inspection if you just bought it from a used car dealership. However, before buying the car. How to negotiate with used car dealers like a pro. Browse cars for sale, shop the best deals near you, find current loan rates and read FAQs about financing and warranties at Cars.com. To check out a used car before buying it, thoroughly examine the outside of the car to make sure the frame isn't damaged and there aren't any scratches, dents, or rust spots. In many cases, a used car dealership will send the vehicle to one of its sister dealerships. I’ve seen many people buy a car without test driving it. Failing a sale there, these used cars must go somewhere else. An acrid smell may indicate that the car was used by a smoker. If you saw a car online and dropped in to see it in person, the car might not be on the main dealer lot. When you start the car up, take note of how long it takes for the car to start and if there are any odd noises. … The price premium will add another $1,000 to $1,500 to the retail price. Instead of going with my gut (the kind of guy who won’t drive his car 4 miles isn’t the kind of guy you should buy a car from), I paid for the pre-purchase inspection. You will still need to visit the dealer to visually inspect and test drive the vehicle. So set a budget, whether it’s … Note if there are vibrations, noises or shakes coming from the steering wheel or front end. Before you ask a dealership to buy your car, consider what type of car you have. Dealers simply LOVE late model used cars, so if you have one, make sure you aggressively negotiate with multiple dealers to get the best price. Remove the floor mats and check for wet spots on the carpet. The car needed $12,000 in immediate repair work. Dealers can’t return the vehicles to the manufacturers. Published June 30, 2016 Updated June 30, … I passed on the car, and then, the seller had to do the unthinkable: drive it 4 miles back home. Viraf Baliwalla owns a licensed car dealership, Automall Network. Before you go to the dealer and start looking at cars, make a list of the car models you’re targeting. These are often run by contracted specialists trained in techniques that increase a dealer's profit. The first thing to do in a used car inspection is to examine each body panel, as well as the roof. If you are buying the car from the dealership, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires the dealer to include a buyer’s guide with every used car they are selling. Don't forget to look underneath the car for rust, as well! Start it from cold and listen for any rattles. Find a used car for sale near you. There is a finite amount of space at a car dealership. Sometimes trade-ins will have had a recent oil change so it's not necessary. Mobile Car Inspection Where you take a used car for inspection largely depends on the options available to you. Look closely at the gaps between the panels (e.g. In this post, designed for both consumers and car dealers who may be new to the trade, we look at some of the things to check on a used car only an experienced member of the motor trade might know. between the fenders and the doors). Used cars do not have a factory invoice and don’t use invoice pricing so this makes it a little trickier on where to start the negotiation process. Today you can do 95% of your used car shopping online. Used car dealerships use dealer auctions for two purposes. Here are 4 ways to check if a Used Car is a Lemon Read the Sticker. If it's a blue-suede shoes/Shady Sam dealership, avoid it like a plague. Just be sure to do your homework on the dealership. Wholesale It. And tips on test driving, negotiation, and financing are valuable. Car dealership franchises buy cars from manufacturers and make a profit by selling them for higher prices.