Buy a Cheap Auto during an economic downturn? You will find that used car prices have soared and are more difficult to finance than new cars. Shoppers may find this a perfect time for deals from the hard hit new car dealers. Most shoppers are veering away from sport utility vehicles and trucks and the dealers are tired of paying the floorspace. This could be your chance to land that dream SUV.

But, first a couple of car buying tips you might use in your search to buy a cheap auto. Car guides emphasize the importance of a thorough knowledge of a used vehicle’s history. Buying a car “as is” is bad luck to start with. Familiarize yourself with the car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), model, year, maker, country of assembly and owners. If you’re a stuck with a “lemon”, it won’t be a cheap auto no matter what you paid for it. A salvaged car is not covered by company warranty. CARFAX is the industry leader in providing car histories.

To know the history of a car a person must look for its VIN or Vehicle Identification number. It is strategically located in the major parts of the car that are prone to being stolen, like chassis, doors, engines and quarter panels. If you can’t find the VIN on any of those parts… Stop! (unless the car was made before 1981). Once the VIN is identified a buyer can now give it to one of the companies specializing in vehicles’ history checks. This is not an easy task and takes 60-90 days before a history report is presented to a client.

cheap autoAnother advantage in familiarizing a car’s history is it will make a person a confident buyer. When buying cars nothing compares to acquiring a reasonable knowledge of the car market. An auto check may reveal the difference between what a seller says, and what he doesn’t say, in order to sell the car. If buying a car is something that you or someone you know is considering, then you are reading the right post.

Take your time and study the details of the car (such as accessories) to determine its true market value. Include extras like rust proofing, additional guages, security systems, wheel locks, etc.

“Hey, Buddy this car is you!”

If the dealer can get you to fall in love with a car, and only focused on monthly payment then you most likely will not be asking other questions.

“OK, What’s the monthly payment?” When you get to the negotiation part, remember who you are dealing with and that everything a salesman says and does is part of strategy and tactics near and dear to his heart – to relieve you of your money. Clearly state that you plan to visit other dealers selling the same type of vehicle and will buy from one with the best possible price.

One devious and common tactic salesmen use is mixing everything (financing, tradein, lease, accessories, etc.) together then urging you to negotiate around a monthly payment figure.

Once the dealer ends up with a figure he has more opportunity to present an amount that meets with your approval. The dealer simple stretches out the payment period and “Voila’” you get the monthly payment you want; nevermind that you end up paying twice as much for the car.

The first thing you, as car buyer, must do is ask a lot of questions. Dealers may be rolling in various cash rebates and low-rate financing offers. Dealers get these rebates directly from the auto manufacturers but do not always advertise the fact. They are only obliged to tell you if you ask.

Get aggressive when buying a auto and remember It’s you with the money who’s in control and not the dealer. That’s not always so easy to do when faced with pros who love a challenge. If you are not happy with any part of the negotiations, or deal, the best course of action is to walk away. Don’t worry they will call you.

Like other large purchases a new car purchase is very exciting. It is the second largest purchase that the average person makes. However it can also be a stressful situation.

Have a game plan and stick to it, do not get pressured into any aspect of the deal that doesn’t feel right. Do not fall in love with a car that might be too expensive. Always select a backup car that might be more practical with lower payment option auto loans.

Should I buy a car made on a Friday? – maybe, maybe not, but timing can be important. Car dealers have quotas that they are trying to make and as it gets closer to the end of the month they have to make deals to meet their quota that they would not have made at the beginning of the month.

Also look for slower times of the week. Where there is no rush of customers, the dealers are more apt to negotiate – and you get a better deal. Weekends?… Fugetaboutit!

Two doors, or four doors? Automatic or manual transmission? 2 wheel drive or four-wheel drive? Leather or cloth interior? Decide what you need based on how you’re going to use the car.

Think about things like how much time do you spend in the car? What type of driving do you do in the car… is it city or mostly highway driving? Are you an outdoors type of person and perhaps need towing capacity in your new car.

Buy a cheap auto with the help of a trusted mechanic and a reliable car price guide to determine the difference of a good from a bad deal. This means that the key to finding a good used car is by inspecting details closely. If you are not mechanically inclined, bring someone who knows cars better than you do. Have them inspect the engine and if allowed, do a test drive to get a feel of the car and the condition of the engine.

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